THEN:

two years as trainer.

Ric McDonald, who spent 19 seasons with the Chargers, including 14 as head trainer, died Thursday at his San Diego home. He was 69. The cause of death is unknown. McDonald joined the Chargers in 1971 as an assistant trainer after spending two years as the trainer at United States International University. He became the club's head trainer in 1972. Citing health reasons, he requested a transfer into a front-office position in the spring of 1986 and stayed with the club through the 1989 season. "He was nicknamed the Bulldog because he stood his ground about things," said Jim Hammond, one of McDonald's assistants with the Chargers. "He was a good trainer and a good person and a good family man." A Utah native, McDonald is survived by his wife, Jan, three children and two grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.