SALZMANN JC'S TOP SOCCER COACH

Santa Rosa Junior College soccer coach Emiria Salzmann has been named the

women's junior college Coach of the Year by National Soccer Coaches

Association of America after leading the Bear Cubs to a 22-3-1 record and a

berth in the California state-title game this past season.

Salzmann, who starred as a player at Piner High and Sonoma State, received

the award Friday night during an awards banquet at the NSCAA annual convention

in St. Louis. She is the first California coach to win the award since 2003

and the second SRJC coach to receive the honor, joining Karen Stanley (1998).

''I'm shocked and completely overwhelmed,'' Salzmann said. ''I didn't

expect that at all ... It's an honor to have my colleagues recognize the

magnitude of the season we had.''

In her two years at SRJC, Salzmann has a 37-7-5 record and has won two Big

8 Conference titles. The Bear Cubs lost to unbeaten Cerritos, 4-2, in double

overtime in the state-championship game in December.

RANCHO COTATI LITTLE LEAGUE

Rancho Cotati Little League is having trouble getting enough players this

season and is hoping for a strong turnout at Saturday's skills tryout at 9

a.m. at Cator Field on East School St. in Cotati.

Ages range from 5-18 and divisions include t-ball, machine pitch, minors,

majors, juniors and seniors.

Cost is $115, which includes uniforms, and $80 for T-ball. Scholarships and

sibling discounts are also available.

Last year Rancho Cotati had just four major league teams and the league is

considering options such as merging with Sebastopol and other nearby leagues

if not enough players sign up. Rohnert Park players are welcome. Rohnert Park

also has Cal Ripken youth baseball, which is not sanctioned by Little League.

The Rancho Cotati Little League hotline is 795-7974.