Former Edmonton Oilers forward Kevin McClelland was named the new coach of the Loveland-based Colorado Eagles on Tuesday, replacing longtime coach Chris Stewart.

Stewart will remain with the Central Hockey League franchise as president and general manager.

McClelland served the last three seasons as coach of the CHL's Mississippi River-

Kings.

"We're excited to have Kevin McClelland coaching our team," said Eagles founder Ralph Backstrom. "He's certainly got some big shoes to fill, but I'm confident that he'll do a great job and continue what Chris Stewart started. Kevin's been a winner all his life - with four Stanley Cup rings - and he's got the same mindset and coaching philosophy as Chris so there shouldn't be a lot of shake-up."

PEARS HONORED Denver Broncos offensive lineman Erik Pears, a former Colorado State and Kennedy High School athlete, is among five Front Range players named to the Mountain West Conference's 10th Anniversary football team.

Former Rams receiver David Anderson and punt returner Dexter Wynn, a Rampart High School graduate, were also named to the team.

Former Wyoming receiver Jovon Bouknight, a Manual High School graduate, and offensive lineman Adam Goldberg also took spots on the team, which includes linebacker Brian Urlacher (New Mexico) and quarterback Alex Smith (Utah).

* Ja'Rodd Watson, a defensive tackle from La Jolla (Calif.) High School, did not meet the academic requirements to attend CSU and play football.

Watson, the younger brother of former CSU running back E.J. Watson, was one of 25 players to sign with the Rams last February.

* Westminster High School coach Matt Brothers is representing Colorado this week at the NFL Youth Football Summit in Canton, Ohio, leading up to the Hall of Fame inductions.

Wright (Wyo.) High School coach Larry Yeradi is representing Wyoming.

PLAY SUSPENDED Castle Rock resident Cody Kent was tied for 23rd place Tuesday at the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship in Shoal Creek, Ala., before second-round play was suspended because of threatening weather.

Tournament leader Jorge Fernandez Valdes, a 15-year-old from Argentina, nevertheless extended his lead to six strokes.

The top 64 18-and-under golfers advance to match play after two rounds of 18-hole stroke play.