Tuesday, April 13 --- I like stories with a happy ending. That's why I'm pleased to report that Chris Griffin, the St. Monica High quarterback who didn't have a college scholarship last month, has one now.

Oh, it's not a scholarship to one of the major Division 1 football powers. It's a scholarship to Fort Hays State, a Division II school in Kansas. But Griffin is happy, so I'm happy for him.

``I really wanted to be needed for a program,'' he said. ``Now I can plan for being someplace the next four years.''

The decision by Griffin brings back memories of Perry Klein.

He was a young quarterback from this area who had major college potential but chose to play at C.W. Post, a small school in New York. He could excel there, display all his talents. He set passing records and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons.

It's another route to the NFL and can work.

Klein was taller and had a stronger arm, so I'm not saying Griffin will become an NFL quarterback too. But he's going to play college football and will likely do well. I admire his tenacity in pursuing his options.

Griffin is about 6-feet tall and compiled impressive statistics in leading St. Monica to the CIF Division 11 championship. But he didn't measure up to the standards set by Division 1 schools.

He became frustrated in not receiving a scholarship but had a chance to play for Santa Monica College, which has a history of developing quarterbacks.

The community college route didn't appeal to Griffin. Going to a four-year college, even a small one, was something he preferred.

How did a little school in Kansas hear about him? Well, there are no secrets anymore. Once upon a time this connection wouldn't have been made. But in the '90s there are scouting services that cover everyone.

In addition, there's Mike Norris, an assistant coach at Fort Hays State. He coached Griffin in Little League baseball.

So now the St. Monica passing combination that produced 99 receptions is accounted for. Griffin goes on to Fort Hays State and his primary receiver, James Dunn, goes to Tulane.

Santa Monica Sports Notes

Crossroads School, frequently a baseball power, has a 2-9 record midway through its season. Inexperience has hurt, but the team hopes to turn its season around in Delphic League play...

Courtney Young, star of the Crossroads girls basketball team, is playing for a 16-and-under Southern California AAU team this summer. The team recently lost by two points in the tournament final to Arizona Elite, a team of 17-and-under players, at Arizona State University.

The powerful Santa Monica College mens swimming team suffered its second loss of the season. It was defeated by Ventura College 84-26 despite a 200-yard breastroke victory by SMC's Fernando Catabian in 2:18.21. He is undefeated on the season. Colin Wiliamson of SMC placed second in both the 500 and 1000 freestyle events...

There were some good marks by SMC track performers at the Falcon Invitational at Cerritos College. Tyrone Domingo was third in the 100 meters, Maurice Threewitts took third in the 400 meters in 49.24, improving his previous best by a full second. Owen Kevilloe won the 1500 meters in 4:04.41.

For the SMC women in the same event Malin Andersson was second in the high jump at 4-10 and fifth in the javelin at 98-7 and Heidelle Santin was fifth in the 800 meters at 2:24.8.

The SMC womens tennis team defeated Santa Barbara, 5-4, winning on a final set tiebreaker in No. 3 doubles as Kathy Scribner and Viridiana Ruvalcaba came through, 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7). SMC's Denise Shakelford defeated Gina Nardiello, 7-6, 7-5 in No. 1 singles.

Most Santa Monica high school teams didn't play last week due to spring break. They will be back in action this week...