IN BRIEF : Louisiana College Athlete Drowns

NATCHITOCHES, La. — A Northwestern State University football player drowned Wednesday while canoeing with two teammates on the campus, according to a school spokesman. He was identified today as Kirt Straughter, 21, of Willis, Tex. The two others made it to shore safely.

Doug Ireland, Northwestern’s sports information director, said the sophomore tailback played but did not letter on the university’s 1988 Southland Conference championship team.