June 2009 Archives

UC Riverside's Brenda Martinez will run in the final of ther 800 meters at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Champions after all.

The Rancho Cucamonga native used a last minute surge to overtake another runner and finish fourth in one of two semifinal heats on Friday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore. She and coach Irv Ray thought that was good enough to get her in the final.

But the two were later told it was the top three runners in each heat, then the next two fastest times which would have left Martinez ninth, one spot away from advancing.

Ray filed a protest, saying that the runners were told in the staging area before the race that the top four in each heat would advance. The protest was upheld and Martinez added to the field for the final which will be contested on Sunday.

The top three will represent the USA in the World Championships.

Martinez will probably be hard-pressed to advance but this will be great experience for her. She is running against a field of runners, most of whom have been running professionally for several years. She has a bright future.

Several local athletes were in action in the first day of action at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships Thursday at Eugene, Ore.

Corey White of USC, who competed in track and football at the University of Redlands his freshman and sophomore years, finished seventh in the javelin with a throw of 238 feet, 11 inches. He went into the event with the second best mark in the country.

Junior Brenda Martinez of UC Riverside placed 12th in a field of 26 runners in the first round of the 800 meters which was good enough to earn her a spot in the today's semifinal. The Rancho Cucamonga native ran a 2:05.78.

Pomona-Pitzer graduate Will Leer, now running professionally for the Oregon Track Club, was third in the 1,500 meter prelim with a time of 3:42.18 which easily qualified him for Sunday's final.

Big Bear's Chad Hall, Martinez' teammate at UC Riverside, wasn't as fortunate. He was 41st of 48 runners in 3:50.80.

Cal State San Bernardino graduate Micah Burke turned in a valient effort but was eliminated in the Round of 16 match play at the California State Amateur Tournament at Lake Merced Golf Club.

Burke, who helped the Coyotes to a Division II national runner-up showing last month, fell to defending tournament champion Nick Delio 4 and 3. It probably didn't help that Delio, a sophomore at Cal State Northridge, played the same course earlier this month when he competed in the NCAA Division I West Regional.

The field started with 156 golfers and was whittled down to 32 for match play after 36 holes. Burke was tied for 12th after the 36 holes.

Several athletes with local ties will be competing at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships which start today in Eugene, Ore.

Perhaps the best chance at a win will come from Corey White in the javelin. White hails from San Jose but competed in track and football at the University of Redlands for two years before transferring to USC.

Rialto High School product Damien White will run the 200 meters. He was academically ineligible last year at Cal State Los Angeles but will run representing a track club.

UC Riverside will have two entrants with Rancho Cucamonga native Brenda Martinez competing in the 800 meters and Big Bear's Chad Hall competing in the 1,500 meters. Martinez finished second in the 1,500 meters at the NCAA Division I nationals a couple weeks ago but is running the 800 because she has a better chance of making the US team in that event.

Will Leer, a couple years removed from a Division III national title at Pomona-Pitzer, now runs professionally and will also run the 1,500.

We'll keep track of their progress this week!

The University of La Verne is no longer without a women's volleyball coach as former Olympic assistant coach Marlon Sano has been chosen to direct the Leopards program.

He becomes only the third head coach at the school since 1974, following Jim Paschal (1974-1997) and Don Flora (1998-2008). The program has produced three national championships, 22 SCIAC titles and 26 All-Americans.

Flora resigned earlier this spring to take an assistant position at Division I New Mexico State.

"This has been a program that has been great for an awful long time,'' Sano said. "I'm just hoping to keep building on what has been done here and maybe raise the bar even higher."

Sano was an assistant for the 1984 U.S. Olympic silver medal-winning volleyball team and is currently a co-director and head coach for the USA High Performance Development camp series. That series develops and implements the techniques and tactics taught to coaches and players in conjunction with the USA National team.

He inherits a La Verne squad that went 27-3 and reached the NCAA Division III Championship match in 2008. The Leopards graduated just two players.

Sano's collegiate resume includes a recent stint as an assistant coach at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He was also an assisant at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo from 1995-2005 and most recently served as lead assistant at Cal State Los Angeles. He also was the head coach at Utah State (1991-94), an assistant coach at Cal State Fullerton (1989-91) and a head coach at Southern California College (now Vanguard University) from 1988-89.

Sano also has extensive junior club coaching experience and is the founder and co-director for the Ocean's Elite Juniors Volleyball Club.

Sano said he has spent much of the last week contacting the returning players, incoming recruits and support staff. Both of Flora's assistants left for other jobs so he is looking for help as well.

"It has been a weird year and there are some good coaches still out there," he said. "I didn't want to put the cart before the horse so that's what I am looking into now."

Sano earned his bachelor's degree in speech communications and his teaching credential from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Two players with local ties are competing in the 98th California State Amateur Golf Championships this week at Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City.

Cal State San Bernardino graduate Micah Burke survived the Round of 32 match play on Wednesday, beating Al Geiberger Jr., 3 and 1. Burke, who led the Coyotes to a national runner-up finish in the spring, qualified for match play in 12th out of a field that started with 156 golfers.

Next up he faces defending champion Nick Delio of Valencia, who competes collegiately at Cal State Northridge.

San Bernardino native Scott Clayton, a graduate of Arroyo Valley High School and current standout at UC Riverside, lost to Steve Woods of Cupertino 1-up, the difference being Woods' birdie on the 16th hole.

Clayton has had an outstanding season, highlighted by a win at the San Bernardino County Amateur last month.

 

 

Cal State San Bernardino graduate Micah Burke is faring well at the 98th annual California State Amateur Golf Championship at Lake Merced Golf Club in Daly City.

Burke tied for 12th in a field of 156 golfers through two 18-hole rounds. He then posted a 3 and 1 win over Al Geiberger Jr. of Palm Desert in the round of 32 match play on Wednesday.
San Bernardino resident Scott Clayton, who led after the first round and qualified for match play in fifth, suffered a 1-up loss to Steve Woods of Cupertino.

Burke, a 23-year-old Los Angeles resident playing out of Empire Lakes Golf Club in Rancho Cucamonga, will face Nick Delio of Valencia in the Round of 16 on Thursday. The two will tee off at 8:10 a.m.

Burke, who earned third-team NCAA Division II All-America honors after finishing ninth in the Division II national championship tournament last month, went 2-up on Geiberger Jr., the son of former PGA tour veteran Al Geiberger Sr., in the first two holes of the match, gave a hole back at No. 3, then regained his 2-up advantage at No. 4.

The two halved the next seven holes until Geiberger Jr. birdied the par-3, 196-yard 12th hole to cut the lead in half again.

However, Burke reclaimed his 2-up advantage with a birdie three at the par-4, 376-yard 13th hole. Burke then went 3-up with an eagle three at the par-5, 496-yard 14th hole.

Burke qualified for the State Amateur Championship by shooting a 70 on May 11 at the qualifier conducted at the SCGA (Southern California Golf Association) course in Temecula to tie for seventh spot.

Clayon, a senior at UC Riverside who won the San Bernardino County Amateur last month, lost a close match later in the day. He was even with Woods until his opponent birdied a short par-4 No. 16 hole.

Both players made par at the 17th and the 18th, leaving Clayton one stroke short.

University of Redlands men's golf coach Art Salvesen has resigned. He had headed the program since 2000, leading the Bulldogs to seven top 10 finishes in eight tries.

His teams managed four national runner-up finishes, those coming in a five-year stretch between 2004 and 2008. The past season the Bulldogs had a key injury to their most experienced player and settled for a ninth-place finish.

It's too bad Salvesen never got to win the big one. He was oh so close in 2008 when the Bulldogs led most of the final round only to falter on the last few holes.

Coaching golf might seem like a glamorous gig but it's not. The pay isn't that good and there is some travel involved. Salvesen had retired from his full-time job a couple of years ago and will likely spend much of his time now at his other home in Idaho, not far from close friend and former University of La Verne coach Rex Huigens who retired a year ago.

Butch Edge, Salvesen's assistant the last four years, takes over the reigns and will have a tough act to follow.

Former Cal State San Bernardino pitcher Cheyne Hann has been named to the West Division team that will compete in the 2009 Midwest League all-star baseball game Tuesday in Clinton, Iowa.

Hann, who signed with the Seattle Mariners after the 2008 collegiate season, is currently playing far for the Clinton Lumberkings.

In 25 relief appearances, Hann is 2-0 with a 1.64 earned run average, three saves and four holds. He has struck out 42 batters in 38.1 innings, walking only six batters. He has given up just seven earned runs. Opponents are hitting just .185 against him.

The 6-foot- 6-righthander has struck out 24 batters in his last 10 appearances with a 1.08 ERA.

California Baptist University baseball head coach Gary Adcock has announced an additional six pieces for the 2009-10 recruiting class.   

"We are extremely excited to add these quality young men in our program," said Adcock. "In this late signing period we have been able to address some of the issues we encountered during our season and supplement an already top notch recruiting class."

 

The impressive class already includes prep stars Jesse Arreola (Patriot HS), Kody Sepulveda (Paloma Valley HS) and twin brothers Luke and Zach Esquerra (La Habra HS), all of whom recently participated in their respective county all-star games, as well as Eric Zaragoza (Ontario Christian HS) and junior college transfer Braden Schaidt (College of the Desert).

 

Arreola was 8-5 this year with a 1.50 ERA. In 74.2 innings, he had 108 strikeouts and was an All-CIF second team selection. Sepulveda hit .446 with 29 runs, 21 RBIs, 15 doubles and four home runs. Zach Esquerra hit .375 with nine home runs and 32 RBIs, while his brother, Luke, hit .329 with 22 runs, 14 RBIs and three home runs.

 

The lone transfer in the new crop is Anthony Simmons from national junior college power Central Arizona College. This past season, Simmons hit a team-best .437 with 58 RBIs, 20 doubles, five triples and seven home runs on a team that had seven players sign national letters of intent with NCAA Division I programs, including two to Arizona State. The middle infielder led the Vaqueros, who were ranked No. 7 in the nation, to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Western District Finals where they lost to Western Nevada, which finished third at the World Series. Simmons, who prepped at Chino High, was second in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference in hitting and was in the top 40 in the nation. He was All-ACCAC and NJCAA All-Region I.

 

"Anthony will be an immediate impact player," said Adcock. "He is an above average fielder with plus arm strength and he hits for a high average with power. The numbers he put up in junior college are staggering. Central Arizona consistently puts out terrific players, and we are fortunate to have Anthony in our program."

 

All-CIF Matt Marnati (Yucaipa HS) hit .456 with 27 RBIs, 10 doubles, five triples, four home runs and 14 stolen bases this past season leading the Thunderbirds to the Citrus Belt League title and the third round of the CIF Playoffs. Marnati was a two-time All-San Bernardino County and All-CBL selection. The outfielder hit .460 with 16 stolen bases as a 2008 junior.

 

A two-sport star, Marnati also played football, starting 33 straight games as a defensive back. He was a three-time All-CBL pick and was all-county as a senior when he was also named one of the top players in the county by the San Bernardino Chapter of the National Football Foundation and College Football Hall of Fame. He was also named Yucaipa High Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

 

"Matt is an electric player and a gifted 2 sport athlete and will excite Lancer fans instantly," said Adcock. "Along with being a plus runner (6.8 60-yard dash), he also brings a potential power left handed bat to the lineup. Having played and been a leader for a top 10 high school team this year we look forward to Matt competing at CBU."

 

A two-way player, Matt Daugherty (Temecula Valley HS) hit .344 with 22 runs, 31 RBIs and nine home runs this past season, leading the Southwestern League in home runs and RBIs. Selected to the Riverside County All-Star Game, Daugherty was a prep teammate of Brooks Pounders, who was selected in the second round (53^rd overall) by the Pittsburgh Pirates. TVHS won the Southwestern League title and advanced to the second round of the CIF Playoffs where it narrowly lost, 3-1, to Norco High, which was led by Matt Hobgood, the No. 4 overall selection in last week's draft.

 

"Another 2 way player, Matt has tremendous power potential as a collegiate hitter," said Adcock. "A true 'gamer' and clutch player, Matt flourishes when the RBI opportunities present themselves. He is a diligent worker who has a chance to make an impact on the mound and at the plate immediately."

 

Orange County standout Daniel Warwick (Villa Park HS) was 6-2 with a 1.58 ERA. In 57.2 innings, he had 74 strikeouts, leading the Century League. He was also second in the league in ERA and was named All-CIF second team and All-Century League. A four-time Scholar-Athlete with a 4.44 GPA, Warwick recently played in the Ryan Lemmon Foundation Century League vs. South Coast League All-Star Game.

 

"An outstanding left-hander, Daniel will make an immediate impact on the mound," said Adcock. "With a quality three-pitch mix as well as a superior mound presence, Daniel should develop quickly in our system.  He loves to compete, and attacks hitters--two things we look for and stress with our pitching staff."

 

Omar Cedeno and Javier Martinez were prep teammates at Hemet West Valley High and will both be teammates at CBU. Martinez possesses a solid changeup and should add quality depth to the bullpen as a lefty. He had a 3.14 ERA in 58 innings pitched. Meanwhile, Cedeno is noted for his work ethic and should push for time on the infield. He hit .451 and led his team with 17 RBIs and seven doubles.

 

"Both Omar and Javier love to compete and should flourish in our program with that positive attitude," said Adcock.

 

Local product Jesse Santana played a key role in Riverside-Poly High's run to the CIF Semifinals. He hit .318 and started at third base in the semifinal game.

 

"The entire coaching staff has done a tremendous job putting together this class," said Adcock. "Seeing the success our freshman players had last year, we decided once again to focus in on high school players in this class. Add in a couple tremendous transfer players and the buzz around the area is that this is the best group of student-athletes we have accumulated since I've been here, and we agree. We look forward to helping them develop in their Christian walk, academic endeavors and pursuit of athletic excellence. Recruiting, though, is a never-ending process, and we still will look to make a couple more additions this summer."

 

2009-10 Recruiting Class

Jesse Arreola (Patriot HS) - 8-5, 1.50 ERA, 74.2 IP, 108 K, All-CIF

Omar Cedeno (West Valley HS) - .451, 7 2B, 17 RBI

Matt Daugherty (Temecula Valley HS) - .344, 22 R, 31 RBI, 9 HR

Luke Esquerra (La Habra HS) - .329, 22 R, 14 RBI, 3 HR

Zach Esquerra (La Habra HS) - .375, 9 HR, 10 2B, 32 RBI

Matt Marnati (Yucaipa HS) - .456, 27 RBI, 10 2B, 14 SB, All-CIF

Javier Martinez (West Valley HS) - 3.14 ERA, 58 IP

Jesse Santana (Poly HS) - .318, started at 3B in CIF Semifinals

Braden Schaidt (College of the Desert) - .412, 31 R, 37 RBI, 9 2B, 12^th in state in hitting as 2008 frosh

Kody Sepulveda (Paloma Valley HS) - .446, 29 R, 21 RBI, 15 2B, 4 HR

Anthony Simmons (Central Arizona) - .437, 58 RBI, 20 2B, 7 HR, NJCAA All-Region

Daniel Warwick (Villa Park HS) - 6-2, 1.58 ERA, 57.2 IP, 74 K, All-CIF

Eric Zaragoza (Ontario Christian HS) - .344, 26 R, 26 RBI, 4 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR

 

Pomona-Pitzer baseball player Drew Hedman and Chaffey College product Willie Holmes have both signed with the Boston Red Sox and are beginning their minor league career with that organization's Short-A affiliate the Lowell Spinners of the New York Penn League.

The Spinners open the season on Friday against Vermont.

Holmes, an outfielder, was drafted in the 14th round and chose to sign rather than attend Cal Baptist for his junior season.

Hedman, who plays first base, was drafted in the 50th round of the free agent draft last week. He put up some eye-popping numbers his senior season with the Sagehens and even earned Division III Player of the Year honors yet wasn't selected until the last moment.

College seniors typically don't go until later because they don't have any leverage when it comes to negotiations. It also goes to show how hard it can be to get noticed at a smaller school. The small park likely worked against him too since some might tend to think his power numbers were inflated by playing in a smaller venue.

Those that saw Hedman play on a regular basis know most of the balls he hit out would have been out of most college parks.

But he did get picked and that's all that matters. The rest is up to him.

Redshirt sophomore midfielder Megan Dias of San Bernardino Valley College has signed with Division II Wayne State College in Nebraska.

Dias, out of Colony High School, is SBVC all-time scoring leader. In two seasons she amassed 24 goals and 11 assists.

Wayne State competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and is coached by Molly Graham who will be entering her first year.

  Two time All-American and reigning WSC Male Swimmer of the Year, Weston Locatell, has signed on to continue his college career at NAIA member Concordia University Irvine.

"Concordia is a newer swim program, and everything I've heard about the program I like. It's a great opportunity to be a part of a growing and nationally competitive team," Locatell said. "[Citrus Head] Coach [Tim] Kyle has helped me get better in the best way possible these past few years. The competition at the State level has helped push me."

Locatell helped the Fighting Owls to their best conference finish in 12 years this past season, as he paced Citrus for a second place finish at the WSC Championships. Locatell swept all three of his events at the WSC Championships and finished 2^nd at the State Championships in the 200 Butterfly. Locatell was also named Citrus College Male Athlete of the Year two weeks ago.

"With hard work and dedication to the sport, Weston has managed to set his name alongside the best of the best in Citrus History. Now he has set his sights even higher with Concordia University in mind," said Citrus College Head Swim Coach Tim Kyle. "Only great things will come to an individual like Weston,m who has such passion to excel. Look for Weston to leave a huge impression at the NAIA level of swimming in the near future."

Locatell will join an emerging program at Concordia. This past year, the Eagles placed third at the NAIA Championships in St. Peters, Missouri.

UC Riverside junior Brenda Martinez finished second in the 1,500 meters at the NCAA national championships at the University of Arkansas on Saturday.It was by far the best finish for a Highlander athlete since the transition to Division II.

It was her second All-American honor in track. She also earned honors in the indoor season.

Martinez, of Rancho Cucamonga, finished in 4:13.97 which was second to only senior Susan Kuijken of Florida State who posted a winning time of 4:13.05.

Martinez was third but used a strong sprint down the homestretch to move up a spot.

CBS aired the meet Saturday morning but showed just the last few seconds of the race and the camera was fixed on the winner..

The eight points scored by Martinez for her team put the Highlanders tied for 36th with her as the lone competitor.

Former Cal State San Bernardino pitcher Michael Rocco is in trouble with the law.

Rocco and another pitcher in the Angels organization, Matthew Oye, were arrrested early Tuesday morning after a fight outside a bar in Tempe, Ariz. The two have been at the Angels extended spring training complex in that city.

According to the Arizona Republic Rocco, who is from PalmDesert, is being charged with assault while Oye is being charged with aggravated assault. Witnesses saw the two men kicking and hitting a man who was lying on the ground and Oye allegedly struck the victim with a metal pipe. The two fled the scene on foot but were later apprehended.

Rocco, 23, spent two years in the White Sox organization, then toiled in independent ball before being signed by the Angels last month.

Indy pickups usually don't rank real high on the totem pole and a brush up like this will do nothing to help his standing with the club. Yes you're innocent until proven guilty, but he might be running out of chances.

The University of Redlands football team is ranked No. 22 in Sporting News' Division III preseason football poll. It's a nice pat on the back for coach Mike Maynard's team which traditionally challenges for the SCIAC title.

And yes the Bulldogs should be pretty good, especially if quarterback Dan Selway comes back nicely from the broken foot that kept him out of seven games last year.

But a preseason football ranking in June! Is that really necessary? I don't think so.
In late August . . . maybe.

Who knows which players are going to show up. Sure there doesn't seem to be a lot of transferring of players from one Division III school to another. But it's a little early to be able to tell what kind of recruiting class anybody has. And who knows what injuries are going to occur before the first game.

Cal State San Bernardino's new head women's soccer coach Travis Clarke won't arrive until July 1, but he already has two Inland Empire area recruits who have signed national letters of intent to play for the Coyotes this fall.

Ariel Hernandez, an one-time all-CIF Division 5 player from Beaumont High School, and Jordan Cleary, a three-year team MVP and two-year first-team all-Baseline League player from Alta Loma High School, will begin pre-season drills at CSUSB in August.

Both players were recruited by former CSUSB coach Diego Bocanegra before he left for an assistant coaching position at Cal State Fullerton and both played for Bocanegra's club teams associated with the Arsenal FC of Alta Loma.

Hernandez is a midfielder who earned first-team all-league honors as well as league MVP honors at Beaumont HS playing for Cougars coach Robert Sherwood. She played midfield and forward for the Arsenal UG-18 team.

She helped her team to an 18-7-1 record in 2008-09 and finished second in the Mountain Pass League with an 11-2-1 record. The team advanced to the second round of the Southern Section playoffs before losing to Ontario Christian.

Cleary is a center midfielder who was the runnerup for Baseline League MVP honors and her team's offensive MVP as well as the Coach's Award recipient. She spent one year at Los Osos High School before transferring to Alta Loma where she played for former CSUSB soccer player and graduate Amy Raymond.

Alta Loma finished third in the Baseline League with a 4-5-1 record and posted a 14-10-4 overall record, then lost in the first round of the Southern Section Division I playoffs to Murrieta Valley.

She played center-mid for the Arsenal FC G91 team that won a League Cup championship in 2008.

 

The University of Redlands football team landed at No. 22 on Sporting News magazine's Division III Preseason Top 25. The Bulldogs are the only team from the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) included on the poll.

Redlands excitedly returns the 2007 SCIAC Offensive Player of the Year in senior quarterback Dan Selway (Villa Park, CA), who sat out much of last season with an injury.

In addition, the Redlands defense strives to remain stingy against the run and repeat its nationally ranked numbers. The team ranked first among Division III in tackles for a loss (11.1 TFL/game) and rushing defense (58.33 yards/game). In addition, the Bulldogs finished first in the nation in net punting with a 37.42 average. With 28 sacks for 182 yards, the Maroon and Gray boasted the fourth-best total in this category.

The Bulldogs kick off the 2009 season at home on September 12 with a 5 p.m. contest against East Texas Baptist University in the teams' first meeting.

UC Riverside's Brenda Martinez got off to a good start at the NCAA Division I nationals in Fayetteville, Ark. on Thursday.

The junior from Rancho Cucamonga competed in the third of three heats in the 1,500 meters and turned in a winning time of 4:16.67. The final will be Saturday at 11:09 a.m. and can be watched via the NCAA website.

This is the second trip to an NCAA Final for the local producr who placed 14th in the a year ago.

Big Bear native Chad Hall, running in his first-ever NCAA Championship event, finished fifth in his heat of the 1,500 with a time of 3:46.68, missing out on one of the 12 spots in Saturday's final by 4.59.

Day 3 of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft is in the books and seven Highlanders, including six members of the pitching staff, were selected - Joseph Kelly (above), Paul Applebee, Matt Montgomery, Paul Bargas, Carl Uhl, Tommy Mackoul and Ryan Platt.

The St. Louis Cardinals selected Kelly in the third round Tuesday evening. The junior from Corona, CA is the Highlanders career saves record holder having eclipsed the mark of Scott Tebbets late in the 2009 season finishing with a total of 24. His 12 saves this year were the second most in the history of the program.

Baseball America named Kelly to the Preseason All-American Third Team in 2009, and as a freshman, Kelly was named a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball and Ping!, a Second Team All-American by Rivals.com and Big West Conference Freshman Pitcher of the Year and First Team All-Conference. He also played for the USA National Team in the summer of 2007.

Two Highlanders were selected in the 10th round on Thursday as the Washington Nationals picked junior starting pitcher Paul Applebee and the Florida Marlins snagged senior starter Matthew Montgomery. Applebee was UC Riverside's top pitcher in 2009 posting a 10-2 mark with an earned run average of 3.74. The Upland, CA native struck out 63 batters and walked just 20 in 89.0 innings in earning Second-Team All-Big West honors.

Montgomery was the Highlanders' Friday night starter for most of the season before an injury forced him out of the rotation. The junior from Sun City, CA finished the year with a 2-2 mark and a 4.55 ERA. He struck out 18 and walked 8 in 31.2 innings.

The Colorado Rockies chose pitcher Paul Bargas in the 13th round of the draft. The Riverside junior had a 5-3 record in 2009 and an ERA of 4.44. He walked just nine hitters in 75.0 innings.

Center fielder Carl Uhl became the first UCR position player selected in the draft when the Philadelphia Phillies took him with an 18th round pick. Uhl finished his Highlanders career as the teams Division-I era leader in runs scored and earned All-Big West Second-Team honors in 2009 after pacing UC Riverside in hits, runs scored, doubles, triples and steals while finishing second in OPS and on base percentage and tying for second on the squad in homers.

The Minnesota Twins took freshman Tommy Mackoul in the 20th round, and the Milwaukee Brewers chose senior Ryan Platt in the 27th. Mackoul redshirted the 2008 season for the Highlanders and made two appearances in 2009. Platt went 4-0 on the year leading the team with 67 strikeouts in 65.0 innings pitched while posting a 4.15 ERA.

Junior right-handed pitcher Erick Carrillo of Cal State San Bernardino was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 19th round of Major League Baseball's first-year draft on Wednesday.

Carrillo, a Bloomington resident and graduate of Kaiser High School in Fontana, is expected to sign with the Marlins, forgoing his senior season with the Coyotes.

"We hate to lose him out of our program," said CSUSB Head Coach Don Parnell, "but we are excited for him and we wish him well."

The 6-1, 190-pound Carrillo posted a 4-5 record with CSUSB in 2009 with a 5.60 earned run average in 11 appearances, all starts. In 62 innings pitched, he struck out 51 batters and opponents batted .276 against him.

The most impressive of his four wins was a 7-0 shutout of Cal State Monterey Bay in which he allowed just three hits in six innings while striking out seven. He was the winning pitcher in a 7-3 win over San Francisco State, going eight innings, allowing just six hits and fanning six batters.

He went 5.2 innings in a 9-3 season-opening win over Grand Canyon in February and went 7.1 innings, allowing just five hits, in an 8-6 win over Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Parnell said Carrillo's strong suit is his 90-plus mile an hour fastball and a sharp slider and the fact he is "a competitive kid."

Scouts who have discussed Carrillo's potential with Parnell indicated his initial spot on a pitching staff at the pro level may be as a middle reliever, although that could change as he develops, Parnell said.

Carillo is the 25th Cal State San Bernardino player to be drafted or signed by Major League Baseball clubs since Parnell came to the university in 1991-92. He follows pitchers Cheyne Hann (Seattle Mariners) and Matt Long (Tampa Bay Rays) who were drafted or signed in 2008; outfielder Justin Roberson (signed by St. Louis Cardinals in 2007) and four pitchers who were drafted in 2006 - Doug Brandt (L.A. Angels); Mike Rocco (Chicago White Sox); Rylan Hanks (Marlins), and Kevan Kelley (Marlins).

Carillo pitched two seasons at Riverside Community College before transferring to CSUSB and was a member of the 2007 state JC champion Tigers team. He played four years of baseball at Kaiser for Coach Mike Spinuzzi, earning all-league honors three times and all-San Bernardino County honors in 2005.

He is a business management major. His parents are Mauricio and Aracely Carrillo of Bloomington.

At least two other California Collegiate Athletic Association players were taken in the early rounds on day two of the draft. Matthew Hopps, a 6-5 right-handed pitcher from Cal State Dominguez Hills, was taken in the ninth round by the Chicago White Sox. Dakota Watts, a pitcher from Cal State Stanislaus went to the Minnesota Twins in the 16th round.

Cal State L.A.'s Travis Tartamella was one of four California Collegiate Athletic Association players chosen on Day 2 of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft.   Tartamella was selected in the 19^th round by the St. Louis Cardinals. The junior catcher, who earned All-CCAA and All-West Region honors this past season for the Golden Eagles, helped lead Cal State L.A. to a 32-17 overall record and into the four-team CCAA Championship Tournament for the third time in four years.   He hit .301 with eight home runs and 40 runs batted in for the Golden Eagles in 2009. He is also regarded as one of the top defensive catchers in the region. He also played well in the CCAA Championship Tournament and earned All-Tourney honors.   "My dad and I were sitting at home and looking at the computer and it popped up. My mom was here with us, it was pretty exciting," Tartamella said. "It was a great feeling to know I'll be getting an opportunity to play at the next level. I'm very appreciative of it."   This is the second time Tartamella has been drafted. He was also taken in the 50^th round out of high school by Tampa Bay. He had a good inkling on Wednesday that his wait wouldn't be nearly as long this time around.   "I thought I would go between the 10^th and 20^th rounds so I figured I'd go somewhere in that range," Tartamella said. "I'm very thankful. The Cardinals are a great organization with great coaches."   Tartamella came to Cal State L.A. after playing for two years at Pepperdine. He appeared in 35 games and started 21 times in 2008 and hit .207 in 92 at bats. As a freshman in 2007, he hit .254 with three home runs and 18 RBI. He also threw out 41 percent of would-be base stealers and was named to the West Coast Conference All-Freshman team.   He was the Baseline League's Most Valuable Player at Los Osos High School and was a Playstation All-American. He was a three-time All-Baseline League first-team selection and competed in both baseball and football in high school.   He is a criminal justice major at Cal State L.A. "I'm very happy for Travis and his family," Cal State L.A. head coach Vince Beringhele said. "Now he gets to choose between two great options: play professional baseball or come back and play another year at Cal State L.A. and complete his degree."   Tartamella was the fourth CCAA player selected on Thursday. Matt Hopps of Cal State Dominguez Hills was taken in the ninth round by the Chicago White Sox, Dakota Watts of Cal State Stanislaus was taken in the 16^th round by the Minnesota Twins and Erick Carrillo of Cal State San Bernardino was taken in the 19^th round by the Florida Marlins.   Cal State L.A. has now had players drafted in five straight years. Henry Contreras was a 24^th-round pick in 2008 and Dustin Birosak and Darrick Hale were signed as free agents. Kurt Crowell and Adam Klein were drafted in 2007 and Jeff Carroll signed with Tampa Bay. Derrick Loop, a 2006 draft pick, was recently named to the Carolina League All-Star team. He will represent Salem of the Boston Red Sox organization in the California League/Carolina League All-Star game on June 23 in Lake Elsinore.   The final day of the draft - with rounds 31-50 - will take place on Thursday.    

Cal Poly Pomona junior RHP Brad Wilson was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in Round 33 of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft on Thursday.                 Wilson, a Garden Grove native, appeared in a season-high 19 games in his only season with the Broncos. He owned a 3-6 record with a 4.99 ERA and made six starts and shared the lead in saves with four. He threw 52 1/3 innings and allowed 59 hits and posted 41 strikeouts and 29 walks.

"We are very happy that Bradley will have the opportunity to live out his dream of being a professional baseball player,'' said Broncos head coach Mike Ashman. "When he came to us, we saw that he had the potential of playing at the next level.''

Wilson was the 996^th player taken in the draft that concludes today.

                "We'd been talking for a while and I figured the chances of Arizona selecting me were pretty strong,'' Wilson said. "I had trouble sleeping last night and they woke me up when they called this morning. I'm real excited and I can't wait. To become a professional ballplayer is every kid's dream.''

A junior college transfer from Santa Ana Junior College, Wilson went 5-0 with 3.08 ERA as a sophomore.

                Wilson will become the second member of his family to play professional baseball. His father Dave played in the San Francisco Giants' system in the late 70s.

                Wilson is the first Bronco to have been selected in the MLB draft since C Anthony Esquer was selected in Round 24 by the Cincinnati Reds in 2006.

 

A total of six California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) players were taken during the final day of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on Thursday.

Combined with the four chosen during Wednesday's second day, the CCAA had 10 players selected in the annual draft.

Cal Poly Pomona right-handed pitcher Brad Wilson was the first CCAA player taken on Thursday when the Arizona Diamondbacks selected him in the 33rd round with the 996th overall pick.

Wilson, who transferred to Cal Poly Pomona from Santa Ana Junior College for the 2009 season, registered a 3-6 record and 4.99 ERA in 19 appearances, including six as a starter. In 52 1/3 innings, he allowed 59 hits, 46 runs (29 earned), walked 29 and struck out 41.

The Florida Marlins in the 34th round drafted Cal State L.A. left-handed pitcher Isaac Morales, a three-time All-CCAA selection.

Morales recorded a 24-8 record in his four-year career. He earned All-West Region honors in each of his last three years as a Golden Eagle and helped Cal State L.A. win the 2007 West Region championship.

As a junior in 2008, Morales had an outstanding year, compiling a 9-1 record and 2.47 ERA. He came back and set the program record for career wins at Cal State L.A. by going 5-4 with a 4.23 ERA as a senior in 2009.

Cal State Stanislaus had a pair of players taken on Thursday as outfielder Kyle Loretelli was selected in the 38th round by the San Diego Padres and right-handed pitcher Eric Federico was tabbed in the 39th round by the Colorado Rockies.

The two Warriors, along with Dakota Watts who was drafted on Wednesday by the Minnesota Twins, set a Cal State Stanislaus record for most players selected in one draft.

In 2009, Loretelli, a two-time All-West Region second team pick from Modesto, hit .323 in 52 games and had 14 home runs, 53 RBI, 14 doubles and a .646 slugging percentage to land on the All-CCAA first team for the second straight season. He also stole 13 bases and drew 32 free passes via walks (20) and hit-by-pitches (12). Loretelli's presence in the lineup helped lead the Warriors to their third 30-win season in four years.

Federico posted a 4.06 ERA and 5-6 record in 2009. He struck out 63 and walked 20 in 64 1/3 innings of work.

Sonoma State right-handed pitcher Gary Moran was chosen in the 41st round by the San Francisco Giants.

Moran, the 2009 CCAA and West Region Pitcher of the Year, was 7-2 with a school-record 1.37 ERA among starting pitchers. He helped lead the Seawolves to the championship game of the NCAA West Region.  

Moran, a transfer from Fresno City College, concluded his Sonoma State career with a 15-5 record and the second-best ERA (2.26) in school history.

Cal State Dominguez Hills first baseman Paul-Michael Klingsberg, a transfer from Pepperdine, was the final CCAA player drafted when he was selected in the 49th round by Minnesota.

In his lone season for the Toros, Klingsberg was named second team All-CCAA after batting .355 with 21 doubles, eight home runs and 44 RBI.

CCAA Players Selected in 2009 Major League Baseball Draft

Rnd 9 (283): Matt Hopps - Cal State Dominguez Hills, by the Chicago White Sox.
Rnd 16 (492): Dakota Watts - Cal State Stanislaus, by Minnesota. 
Rnd 19 (578): Erick Carillo - Cal State San Bernardino, by Florida.
Rnd 19 (579): Travis Tartamella - Cal State L.A.,  by St. Louis.
Rnd 33 (997): Bradley Wilson - Cal Poly Pomona, by Arizona.
Rnd 34 (1028): Isaac Morales - Cal State L.A., by Florida.
Rnd 38 (1134): Kyle Loretelli - Cal State Stanislaus, by San Diego.
Rnd 39 (1171): Eric Federico - Cal State Stanislaus, by Colorado.
Rnd 41 (1227): Gary Moran - Sonoma State, by San Francisco.
Rnd 49 (1482): Paul Michael Klingsberg - Cal State Dominguez Hills, by Minnesota.

Four California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) players were selected on Wednesday during the second day of the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. The three-day 50-round draft began on Tuesday and concludes on Thursday.

Cal State Dominguez Hills right-handed pitcher Matt Hopps was the first CCAA player drafted when the Chicago White Sox selected him in the ninth round with the 283rd overall pick.

As a senior, Hopps posted a 3-2 record and 4.11 ERA while making 11 starts. In 50 1/3 innings, he allowed 44 hits, 34 runs (23 earned), walked 15, struck out 48 and limited opposing batters to a .237 average.

Hopps began his collegiate career as a first baseman/designated hitter and was named the CCAA's Freshman of the Year after batting .298 with seven home runs and 45 RBI in 2005.

Hopps made the transition to the mound as a sophomore and concluded his career with a 10-14 record and 4.81 ERA. In 189 1/3 innings, he allowed 158 runs (101 earned), walked 94 and struck out 158.

Cal State Stanislaus junior right-handed pitcher Dakota Watts was picked by the Minnesota Twins in the 16th round with the 492nd overall selection. Watts, who was a second team All-CCAA selection in 2009, transferred to Cal State Stanislaus after two seasons at Delta Community College.

Cal State San Bernardino pitcher Erick Carillo (578th overall) and Cal State L.A. catcher Travis Tartamella (579th) were selected by the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals, respectively, on consecutive picks in the 19th round.

The 6-1, 190-pound Carrillo posted a 4-5 record and 5.60 ERA in 11 starts for Cal State San Bernardino in 2009. He struck out 51 batters and held opponents to a .276 average in 62 innings of work.

Carillo, a product of Kaiser High School, pitched two seasons at Riverside Community College and helped the Tigers to the 2007 state junior college championship before transferring to Cal State San Bernardino.

In his first season at Cal State L.A. after transferring from Pepperdine, Tartamella, a graduate of Los Osos High School, batted .301 with eight home runs and 40 RBI en route to earning second-team All-CCAA honors.

Rounds 31 through 50 will take place on Thursday beginning at 8:30 a.m. (PDT).

Former Fontana High School basketball player Ira Graham is playing with the Bellingham Slam of the International Basketball League. The Slam is based in Bellingham, Wash., which is also the home of Western Washington University where Graham spent his collegiate career.

Graham has helped the Slam to a 13-3 record with the end of the regular season fast approaching. He is averaging 19 points with a total of 105 assists, 60 rebounds and 22 steals. He is also coming off a 21-point, seven-assist effort in a 132-121 win over the Oregon Waves.

Several of Graham's former college teammates also play for the Slam. Among them is Ryan Diggs, a product of Silverado High School who recently joined the Slam. He had 26 points in that win over Oregon.

Bronco track and field competitors Jonathan Williams and Tiffany Turner have been named the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Male and Female Athletes of the Month for May at Cal Poly Pomona.                 The awards are voted upon by the student-based Bronco Athletics Association.

                Williams (Temecula) finished seventh in the 100 meters at the NCAA Track and Field Championships held at San Angelo, Texas, last month. Williams, the CCAA Male Athlete of the Year in his sport, competed in his third NCAA event in his career and earned his first All-American honor.

The Enterprise honor is Williams' third in his career.

                Turner (LaCrescenta) placed eighth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and earned her first All-American honor. The senior is the school record holder in her event.

It is her first third Enterprise honor in her career, all this season.

                Williams and Turner became CPP's third and fourth All-American in 2008-2009. They join volleyball's Vanessa Williams and men's basketball's Larry Gordon.

               

CPP Enterprise Athletes of the Month

                                                Male                                                     Female

September                         Jersain Torres                                    Britany Garrett

October                               Jersain Torres                                    Tiffany Turner

November                          Larry Gordon                                     Vanessa Williams

December                           Larry Gordon                                     Reyana Colson

January                                Larry Gordon                                     Reyana Colson

February                              Larry Gordon                                     Reyana Colson

March                                   Larry Gordon                                     Tokie Adeniji

April                                      Brian Roser                                         Tiffany Turner

May                                       Jonathan Williams                            Tiffany Turner

 

 

In light of the current state of the economy, California Baptist University is discontinuing its men's and women's tennis programs effective immediately, Kent Dacus, CBU Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, announced Monday.                                                                              

The cuts are expected to help offset the impact of the potential loss of state financial aid for students recently proposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

                                                                    

"It is with great regret that California Baptist University has made the difficult decision to discontinue its men's and women's tennis programs," said Dacus. "These are extraordinary times in higher education with troubles in the state, national and global economy causing so much uncertainty. It is because of this uncertainty that the CBU leadership felt it was prudent to reduce expenses in the area of athletics to help us meet the challenges of a rapidly changing market place."

 

Dacus said student athletes in the discontinued programs are welcome to remain at CBU.  He added the university will try to help those who wish to continue playing collegiate tennis get placed at other schools.

 

The decision reduces the number of intercollegiate sports offered by CBU to 20, which is still the most among athletic programs in the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC). Biola University is next with 17, while both Azusa Pacific University and Fresno Pacific University sponsor 16 sports.

 

"Despite this action, CBU will continue to offer a very strong athletics program and we expect great things with the remaining 20 teams and approximately 400 student athletes," said Dacus.

 

This past year, the Lancer men finished 19-3 overall, 14-2 GSAC. The Lancers played in the NAIA National Championships for the second straight year, advancing to the semifinals for the first time ever. They spent the entire season in the top five of the NAIA, reaching a program-best No. 2 before finishing the season at No. 4. They were 13-3 against nationally-ranked teams. Four players were named NAIA All-American, including junior Alessandro Ventre, who was named to the first team for the third straight year.

 

The Lancer women won a school-record 17 matches, going 17-8. They finished tied for third in the GSAC at 13-5 and spent the entire season ranked in the NAIA Top 10. For the second straight year, they advanced to the NAIA National Tournament, losing, 5-4, in the round of 16 to Lindsey Wilson (KY).

 

CBU enjoyed a banner campaign this past season, winning a pair of national championships. The Lancers won their fourth straight NAIA Championship in men's swimming and diving and then collected their first-ever national title in softball. Currently, the Lancers are fifth in the 2008-09 Learfield Sports Director's Cup Standings with 692.5 points, 136 of which came from tennis. The final standings, which will include baseball, will be released June 19.

 

La Verne's Rizal Amin and Brianna Gonzales were honored as the Jesse Iles and Anthony P. Scafani Awards, respectively, as the school's top senior male and female athletes for 2008-09.

Gonzales is a two-time First Team All-America by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) and is also a two-time Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Player of the Year (2007, 2008).

A two-time AVCA All-West Region selection (2007, 2008), she also recorded her 1,000th career kill in October to become the first Leopard volleyball player to reach that milestone in 15 seasons.

Amin was a three-time All-American in golf, earning First Team honors in 2007 and 2009 while garnering Second Team accolades in 2008. He helped the Leopards to NCAA runner-up team finishes in both the 2007 and 2009 seasons. He placed third overall at the 2009 NCAA Championships. He was the 2008 SCIAC Player of the Year and was a First Team All-SCIAC honoree in 2009. In addition Amin was the recipient of the SCIAC's Jess Clark Sportsmanship Award.

University of La Verne junior Mitchell Fedorka has been named winner of the 2009 Jack Nicklaus Award which goes annually to the nation's top golfer in Division III.

Fedorka, out of Upland High School, led the Leopards to a runner-up showing at the Division III national tournament last month at the PGA Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.

The award was presented by Nicklaus to Fedorka on Sunday prior to the final round of The Memorial, the PGA event hosted every spring by Nicklaus at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio.

Fedorka was the top ranked player in the Golfstat Division III individual standings with an overall scoring average of 72.35.

At the NCAA Division III Championships he tied for the overall lead with a total of 285 (67-71-74-73) but lost a sudden death playoff for medalist honors to Ogelthorpe University sophomore Olafur Loftsson.

Fedorka was a first team All-America selection in 2009. He also earned All-West Region and SCIAC Player of the Year accolades.

He captured the SCIAC 36-Hole Championship with a total of 138 (66-72) as he helped propel the Leopards to their third straight conference crown. His conference scoring average of 69.3 is a SCIAC record. Fedorka won three tournaments this season and only finished out of the top 10 on two occasions.

"This definitely takes some of the sting out of finishing second at nationals," Leopard first-year coach Joe Skovron said. "He really deserved it. He was so consistent all season.
"It isn't just his ability but his demeanor out there. To look at him out there you wouldn't know whether he birdied or bogeyed that last hole."

Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball player Jon Alia and Cal State San Bernardino volleyball standout Meghan Haas were named 2009 CCAA Male and Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year.

The honors were announced Monday in conjunction with the CCAA Executive Council Meetings in Seaside and voted on by faculty athletic representatives from the 11 conference schools.

Haas is the third San Bernardino student-athlete to win the award since its inception in 1989-90. The others were soccer player Tara Fontana in 1997-98 and Amy Pope Schumacher, a volleyball setter, in 2001-02.

The senior from Menifee helped the Coyotes (30-4) to an NCAA Division II national runner-up finish and emerged as the most prolific libero in school history. Last season she had 519 digs (4.68 per set). She also set a career record for digs in just three seasons (1,566) and holds four of the top five performances all-time in single-match digs (highest was 37, No. 2 on the list), as well as the top three single-season dig marks, topped by 554 digs in 2006.

She earned first-team All-CCAA and All-West Region honors and was named a third-team Daktronics All-American and an honorable mention All-American by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

She is a two-time winner of the Dr. Hal Charnofsky Award and CCAA All-Academic selection. Among her other honors, Haas was named to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA All-District VIII first team.

Haas also served four years on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she participated in such events as Race for the Cure, Relay for Life, Disability Sports Festival, Read Across America, and PossAbilities Triathlon (benefitting the disabled community).

Alia, a senior first baseman for the Toros, was the eighth-leading hitter in NCAA Division II with a school-record batting average of .467. He ranked third in the nation with 98 hits and set single-season school records with 20 home runs, 78 RBIs, 25 doubles, 187 total bases and an .890 slugging percentage.

Alia was the CCAA Most Valuable Player, first-team All-CCAA, West Region Player of the Year, first-team All-West Region and first- team All-American.

The California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), the nation's premier Division II conference, enjoyed a banner-filled 2008-09 athletics season.

The 11-institution CCAA, comprised of 10 California State University programs and one from the University of California system, compiled a cumulative record of 1,344-1,146-61 (.539) in eight sports, played in three national championship games and won two national titles.

The Cal State Dominguez Hills men's soccer team captured its second men's soccer national championship while Sonoma State won its first-ever men's golf national title. The Cal State San Bernardino women's volleyball team and Cal Poly Pomona men's basketball finished as national runner-up in their respective sports.

Additionally, the Cal State San Bernardino men's golf team tied for first at the NCAA Championships before losing in a playoff to Sonoma State.

A total of six teams - Cal State Dominguez Hills (men's soccer), Cal State San Bernardino (women's volleyball), Chico State (men's and women's cross country), Cal Poly Pomona (men's basketball) and UC San Diego (baseball)  - captured West Regional Championships.

The two national championships marked the first time CCAA member institutions have captured multiple titles in the same academic year in conference-sponsored sports since 2002-03 when Sonoma State and UC Davis claimed Division II championships in men's soccer and softball, respectively.

This year's national championships brought the CCAA's total to 148, tops among all NCAA Division II conferences. Sonoma State's title in men's golf marked the CCAA's 100th men's national championship.

The CCAA was well represented in postseason play as 61 teams participated in the NCAA Championships, competing in either regional or national championship play. A total of 21 CCAA teams finished the year ranked in the national Top 25 of their respective sports' polls, including 10 that garnered Top 10 rankings.

The 2008-09 athletics season was also a successful one for a number of individuals as CCAA student-athletes won a total of five individual national championships. Scott Bauhs (Chico State, men's cross country), Christine Merrill (UC San Diego, women's 400 meter hurdles), Linda Rainwater (UC San Diego, women's high jump), Danielle Thu (UC San Diego, women's hammer throw) and Kasey Burlingham (Cal State Stanislaus, men's pole vault) were best in their respective events.

Individually, three student-athletes - Scott Bauhs (Chico State, men's cross country), Kevin Gallaugher (Cal State Dominguez Hills, men's soccer) and Vance Albitz (UC San Diego, baseball) were named national players of the year. Albitz was selected the ABCA/Rawlings National Defensive Player of the Year. Cal State Dominguez Hills' Joe Flanagan (men's soccer), Cal State San Bernardino's Kim Cherniss (women's volleyball) and UC San Diego's Dan O'Brien (UC San Diego were selected National Coach of the Year.

Additionally, 67 players were honored with All-American recognition, while five student-athletes garnered Academic All-American recognition, including Cal State Dominguez Hills baseball player Jon Alia, who was named the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA All-America of the Year. UC San Diego women's tennis player Ina Dan received the ITA/Arthur Ashe National Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship.

Eleven individuals received West Region Player of the Year honors, while four coaches were tabbed Coach of the Year and two others were selected Assistant Coach of the Year.

2008-09 CCAA Highlights

National Champions (2):        

Cal State Dominguez Hills (Men's Soccer)
Sonoma State (Men's Golf) - (100th men's CCAA title)

NCAA Runner-Ups (3):       

Cal State San Bernardino (Women's Volleyball)
Cal Poly Pomona (Men's Basketball)
Cal State San Bernardino (Men's Golf)

NCAA Semifinalist (1):       

UC San Diego (Baseball)

NCAA Individual Champions (5):    

Men: Scott Bauhs (Chico State, men's cross country)
Women: Christine Merrill (UC San Diego, women's 400 meter hurdles), Linda Rainwater (UC San Diego, women's high jump), Danielle Thu (UC San Diego, women's hammer throw) and Kasey Burlingham (Cal State Stanislaus, men's pole vault)

National Top 25 Finishes:       

19 Top 25 Finishes

Eight Top 10 Finishes

National Players of the Year (3):   

Scott Bauhs (Chico State, cross country)
Kevin Gallaugher (CSU Dominguez Hills, men's soccer)
Vance Albitz (UC San Diego, baseball) - National Defensive Player of the Year

National Coaches of the Year (3):   

Joe Flanagan (Cal State Dominguez Hills, men's soccer)
Kim Cherniss (Cal State San Bernardino, women's volleyball)
Dan O'Brien (UC San Diego, baseball)

All-Americans (67)

West Region Champions (6):   

Cal State Dominguez Hills (men's soccer)
Chico State (men's and women's cross country)
Cal State San Bernardino (women's volleyball)
Cal Poly Pomona (men's basketball)
UC San Diego (baseball)

West Region Individual Champions (2):

Scott Bauhs (men's cross country, Chico State)
Jarin Todd (men's golf, Sonoma State)

Teams in NCAA postseason play (61)

CCAA Athletes of the Year:   

Male: Kevin Gallaugher (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
Female: Jessica Granados (Cal State San Bernardino)

CCAA Scholar-Athletes of the Year:

Male: Jon Alia (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
Female: Meghan Haas (Cal State San Bernardino)

Commissioner's Cup Winner:   

UC San Diego (Fourth year in a row)

The following is a sport-by-sport recap:

Men's Cross Country

CCAA Champion: Chico State
CCAA Individual Champion: Scott Bauhs (Chico State)
CCAA Athlete of the Meet: Scott Bauhs (Chico State)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Clint Hostetler (Cal Poly Pomona)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Jersain Torres (Cal Poly Pomona)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Gary Towne (Chico State)
NCAA West Region Champion: Chico State
NCAA West Region Individual Champion: Scott Bauhs (Chico State)
NCAA Individual Champion: Scott Bauhs (Chico State)
NCAA Male Athlete of the Year: Scott Bauhs (Chico State)
All-Americans: Scott Bauhs (Chico State), Angel Marquez (Chico State), Beau Rogers (Chico State), Michael Wickman (Chico State)
All-Academic Team: UC San Diego
Academic All-Americans: Angel Marquez (Chico State), Manny Mejia, Jr. (Chico State), Gabriel LaMothe (UC San Diego)

Women's Cross Country

CCAA Champion: Chico State
CCAA Individual Champion: Vivien Wadeck (Cal State L.A.)
CCAA Athlete of the Meet: Vivien Wadeck (Cal State L.A.)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Elena Inouye (UC San Diego)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Vivien Wadeck (Cal State L.A.)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Gary Towne (Chico State)
NCAA West Region Champion: Chico State
All-Americans: Brianna Schofield (UC San Diego), Tori Tyler (Chico State), Vivien Wadeck (CSULA)
All-Academic Teams: Cal State San Bernardino, San Francisco State, UC San Diego

Men's Soccer

CCAA Champion: Sonoma State
CCAA Most Valuable Offensive Player: Ross Middlemiss (Sonoma State)
CCAA Most Valuable Defensive Player: Kevin Gallaugher (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Andrew Ruiz (Cal State Stanislaus)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Cam Vickers (Sonoma State)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Felipe Restrepo (Chico State)
West Regional Champion: Cal State Dominguez Hills
Daktronics West Region Player of the Year:  Ross Middlemiss (Sonoma State)
National Champion: Cal State Dominguez Hills
NSCAA National Player of the Year: Kevin Gallaugher (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
NSCAA National Coach of the Year: Joe Flanagan (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
NSCAA All-Americans: Doug Carr (Sonoma State), Kevin Gallaugher (Cal State Dominguez Hills), Ross Middlemiss (Sonoma State), Kyle Holland (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
Daktronics All-Americans: Kevin Gallaugher (Cal State Dominguez Hills), Kyle Holland (Cal State Dominguez Hills), Doug Carr (Sonoma State), Ruben Hansen (Cal State L.A.)
Academic All-American: Ross Middlemiss (Sonoma State)

Women's Soccer

CCAA Champion: UC San Diego
CCAA Most Valuable Offensive Player: Natasha Belak-Berger (UC San Diego)
CCAA Most Valuable Defensive Player: Amanda Esquivel (UC San Diego)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Taylor Edmonds (Sonoma State)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Melanie DeSalvo (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Jack Hyde (San Francisco State)
Daktronics All-Americans: Lindsay Catton (Sonoma State), Jessica McGovern (UC San Diego), Amanda Esquivel (UC San Diego)
NSCAA College Team Academic Award: Cal State Stanislaus

Women's Volleyball

CCAA Champion: Cal State San Bernardino
CCAA Most Valuable Player: Jessica Granados (Cal State San Bernardino)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Hillary Williamson (UC San Diego)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Gabriela Bulawczyk (Cal State L.A.)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Bear Grassl (Sonoma State)
West Region Champion: Cal State San Bernardino
Daktronics West Region Player of the Year: Jessica Granados (Cal State San Bernardino)
AVCA West Region Freshman of the Year: Makenzie Snyder (Chico State)
AVCA West Region Coach of the Year: Kim Cherniss (Cal State San Bernardino)
NCAA Division II National Runner-Up: Cal State San Bernardino
Daktronics All-Americans: Jessica Granados (Cal State San Bernardino), Meghan Haas (Cal State San Bernardino), Gabriela Bulawcyzk (Cal State L.A.), Sara Hoffman (Cal State San Bernardino)
AVCA All-Americans: Jessica Granados (Cal State San Bernardino), Sara Hoffman (Cal State San Bernardino), Vanessa Williams (Cal Poly Pomona), Rebecca Bailey (UC San Diego), Gabriela Bulawcyzk (Cal State L.A.), Eric Brick (Chico State), Meghan Haas (Cal State San Bernardino), Sara Rice (Cal State San Bernardino), Kristi Sather (Sonoma State), Ursula Vieira (Cal State L.A.)
AVCA National Coach of the Year: Kim Cherniss (Cal State San Bernardino)

Men's Basketball

CCAA Regular Season Tri-Champions: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Dominguez Hills, Cal State San Bernardino
CCAA Tournament Champion: Cal State San Bernardino
CCAA Most Valuable Player: Larry Gordon (Cal Poly Pomona)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Kyle Baxter (Humboldt State)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Brandon Brown (Cal State San Bernardino)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Greg Kamansky (Cal Poly Pomona)
West Regional Champion: Cal Poly Pomona
NABC West Region Coach of the Year: Greg Kamansky (Cal Poly Pomona)
NCAA Division II National Runner-Up: Cal Poly Pomona
NABC All-American: Larry Gordon (Cal Poly Pomona)
Division II Bulletin All-American: Larry Gordon (Cal Poly Pomona)
Division II Bulletin Freshman All-American: Kyle Baxter (Humboldt State)

Women's Basketball

CCAA Regular Season Champion: UC San Diego
CCAA Tournament Champion: Cal State Dominguez Hills
CCAA Most Valuable Player: Michelle Osier (UC San Diego)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Chelsea Carlisle (UC San Diego)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Neka Mixon (Cal State Dominguez HIlls)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Charity Elliott (UC San Diego)
Daktronics West Region Player of the Year: Michelle Osier (UC San Diego)
WBCA/State Farm All-Americans: Reyana Colson (Cal Poly Pomona), Katie Franci (Humboldt State), Michelle Osier (UC San Diego)
Division II Bulletin All-Americans: Michelle Osier (UC San Diego), Reyana Colson (Cal Poly Pomona), Katie Franci (Humboldt State)
Division II Bulletin Freshman All-American: Chelsea Carlisle (UC San Diego)

Baseball

CCAA Regular Season Champion: UC San Diego
CCAA Tournament Champion: UC San Diego
CCAA Most Valuable Player: Jon Alia (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
CCAA Most Valuable Pitcher of the Year: Gary Moran (Sonoma State)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Adam Arakawa (Chico State)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Aaron Brooks (Cal State San Bernardino)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Dan O'Brien, UC San Diego
West Regional Champion: UC San Diego
Daktronics West Region Pitcher of the Year: Gary Moran (Sonoma State)
Daktronics West Region Player of the Year: Jon Alia (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
NCBWA West Region Pitcher of the Year: Gary Moran (Sonoma State)
NCBWA West Region Player of the Year: Jon Alia (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
NCBWA West Region Coach of the Year: Dan O'Brien (UC San Diego)
National Semifinalist: UC San Diego
National Coach of the Year: Dan O'Brien (UC San Diego)
Daktronics All-Americans: Jon Alia (Cal State Dominguez Hills), Gary Moran (Sonoma State), Vance Albitz (UC San Diego), Carlos Leyva (Cal State Dominguez Hills), Tim Shibuya (UC San Diego)
ABCA/Rawlings All-Americans: Vance Albitz (UC San Diego), Jon Alia (Cal State Dominguez Hills), Gary Moran (Sonoma State)
ABCA/Rawlings National Defensive Player of the Year: Vance Albitz (UC San Diego)
ABCA/Rawlings National Gold Gloves: Vance Albitz (UC San Diego), Josh Tanner (UC San Diego), Tim Shibuya (UC San Diego), Kevin Seaver (Chico State)
CoSIDA Division II Academic All-America of the Year: Jon Alia Cal State Dominguez Hills)
ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American: Jon Alia (Cal State Dominguez Hills)

Men's Golf

CCAA Champion: Sonoma State
CCAA Individual Champion: Ricky Stockton (CSU Monterey Bay)
CCAA Player of the Year: Lucas Delgado (Chico State)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Kyle Souza (Chico State)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Brandon Harkins (Chico State)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Travis Brown (Chico State)
NCAA Division II Central/West Regional Individual Medalist: Jarin Todd (Sonoma State)
NCAA Champion: Sonoma State
NCAA National Runner-Up: Cal State San Bernardino

Softball

CCAA Regular Season Champion: Humboldt State
CCAA Tournament Champion: Cal State Monterey Bay
CCAA Most Valuable Player: Natalie Galletly (Humboldt State)
CCAA Pitcher of the Year: Lindsay Emmel (Sonoma State)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Emiley McEwen (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Kristyn Lesovsky (UC San Diego)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Frank Cheek (Humboldt State)
West Sub-Regional Champion: Cal State Stanislaus
Daktronics West Region Player of the Year: Kristyn Lesovsky (UC San Diego)
Daktronics West Region Pitcher of the Year: Lindsay Emmel (Sonoma State)
NFCA All-Americans: Kristyn Lesovsky (UC San Diego), Marissa Slattery (Humboldt State), Natalie Galletly (Humboldt State)
Daktronics All-Americans: Kristyn Lesovsky (UC San Diego), Marissa Slattery (Humboldt State), Natalie Galletly (Humboldt State)

Women's Tennis

CCAA Champion: UC San Diego
Most Valuable Player: Verena Preikschas (Cal State Stanislaus)
Freshman of the Year: Katie Eng (Cal State Stanislaus)
Newcomer of the Year: Anita Athavale (UC San Diego)
Coach of the Year: Liz LaPlante (UC San Diego)
ITA/Arthur Ashe West Region Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship: Ina Dan (UC San Diego)
ITA West Region Coach of the Year: Liz LaPlante (UC San Diego)
ITA/Arthur Ashe National Award for Leadership and Sportsmanship: Ina Dan (UC San Diego)

Men's Track and Field

CCAA Champion: Chico State
CCAA Athlete of the Meet: Jonathan Williams (Cal Poly Pomona)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Nick Howe (UC San Diego)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Jersain Torres (Cal Poly Pomona)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Kirk Freitas (Chico State)
USTFCCCA West Region Track Athlete of the Year: Michael Wickman (Chico State)
USTFCCCA West Region Assistant Coach of the Year: Gary Towne (Chico State)
ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic District VIII: David Wellman (Cal State Dominguez Hills)
NCAA Individual National Champion: Kasey Burlingham (Cal State Stanislaus, pole vault)
All-Americans: Jonathan Williams (Cal Poly Pomona, 100), Michael Wickman (Chico State, 800, 1500), Beau Rogers (Chico State, 3000M steeplechase), Ryan Bertucci (Chico State, high jump), Kasey Burlingham (Cal State Stanislaus, pole vault), Matt Jarvis (Chico State, shot put), Josh Linker (Cal State L.A., decathlon), Brian Beleue (Humboldt State, decathlon)

Women's Track and Field

CCAA Champion: UC San Diego
CCAA Athlete of the Meet: Christine Merrill (UC San Diego)
CCAA Freshman of the Year: Tuekeha Huntley (Cal State L.A.)
CCAA Newcomer of the Year: Vivien Wadeck (Cal State L.A.)
CCAA Coach of the Year: Darcy Ahner (UC San Diego)
USTFCCCA West Region Field Athlete of the Year: Danielle Thu (UC San Diego)
USTFCCCA West Region Assistant Coach of the Year: Kendra Reimer (Cal State L.A.)
USTFCCCA West Region Head Coach of the Year: Darcy Ahner (UC San Diego)
NCAA Individual National Champions: Christine Merrill (UC San Diego, 400 hurdles), Linda Rainwater (UC San Diego, high jump), Danielle Thu (UC San Diego, hammer throw)
All-Americans: Moriah Jubrey (Cal State L.A., 100, 200), Brianna Schofield (UC San Diego, 1500), Vivien Wadeck (Cal State L.A., 5000), Tori Tyler (Chico State, 10,000), Alia Gray (Chico State, 10,000), Laiah Blue (UC San Diego, 100 hurdles, 400 hurdles), Chanel Parker (Cal State Dominguez Hills, 100 hurdles), Christine Merrill (UC San Diego, 400 hurdles), Shannon McVannel (Chico State, 3000 steeplechase), Karla Alburez (Cal State L.A., 3000 steeplechase), Tiffany Turner (Cal Poly Pomona, 3000 steeplechase), Cal State L.A. 4x100 meter relay team (Sierra Backus, Moriah Jubrey, Tanyshia Ridley, Shianne Smith), UC San Diego 4x100 meter relay team (Christine Merrill, Katie Skorupa, Kelly Fogarty, Laiah Blue), UC San Diego 4x400 meter relay team (Katie Skorupa, Deyna Roberson, Anna Lee McGregor, Christine Merrill), Linda Rainwater (UC San Diego, high jump, heptathlon), Rosemary Feikert (Cal State Stanislaus, pole vault), Sierra Backus (Cal State L.A., triple jump), Sarah Hendy (UC San Diego, discus), Luisa Musika (San Francisco State, discuss), Jasimen Bailey (Cal State Stanislaus, discuss), Danielle Thu (UC San Diego, hammer throw), Shianne Smith (Cal State L.A., heptathlon).

Last week I recapped the top 10 events of the college sports season. Now it's on to the individual performances, most of which were pivotal in the strong finishes of their teams.

1. Jessica Granados, Sr., Cal State San Bernardino volleyball - The Beaumont High School alum led the Coyotes to the Division II championships match and a record of 30-4 with 438 kills, 205 digs, 67 blocks and 33 service aces. The honors are too many to list but she was a first-team All-American which says it all.

2. Annie Perizzolo, So., Claremont-Mudd-Scripps swimming - Led the Athenas to a sixth-place finish at Division III nationals by placing second in the 200-yard breaststroke with a school and SCIAC record of 2:16.19. She also placed fourth in the 100 breast aided by a prelim time of 1:03.09 that was also a school and SCIAC record. If that weren't enough she was part of two relays, one placing fourth and the other fifth.

3. Carlos Perez, So., San Bernardino Valley College cross country/track - The Barstow product helped the SBVC team to its third straight state title in cross country in the fall with a third-place individual finish of 20:19.05 that broke a school record. Then in track last month he finished first in the state meet in the 1,500 meters with a winning time of 3:56.83.

4. Mitchell Fedorka, Jr., University of La Verne golf - The Upland native led the Leopards to a second-place finish at the Division III national tournament. He finished with a 3-under 285 that tied him for medalist honors but he ended up losing a sudden-death playoff so officially he was second.

5. Larry Gordon, Sr., Cal Poly Pomoma men's basketball - The Montclair High School graduate ignited the Cinderella run of the Broncos who left many nationally-rnkaed opponents in their wake on the way to an appearance in the Division II title game where they lost a heart-breaker to undefeated and No. 1 Findlay in overtime. Gordon's regualr season wasn't up to what he has done in past years but he stepped up huge in the postseason, like all good players are supposed to do. He is the fourth All-American in school history.

6. Drew Hedman, Sr., Pomona-Pitzer baseball - The first baseman was named Division III Player of the Year for helping the Sagehens (37-7) to the best season in school history. He led the nation in home runs (24), RBI (87) and was second in average (.489). He had a whopping .994 slugging percentage and an on-base percentage of .569.

7. Brenda Martinez, junior, UC Riverside cross country and track - The Highlanders are a little out of our core coverage area but she is a local - from Rancho Cucamonga. So I am including her. She is the one person here whose season isn't over as Division I nationals are looming.She has rewritten the school record books in cross country and the distance track events and hs put the school on the map. Ranks third in the nation in the 1,500 meters and at last check had a time that placed her 17th in the world.

8. Ross Schunk, Sr., University of Redlands soccer - The Bulldogs forward broke career records for games played, scoring and goals scored and was the mainstay on a Redlands team that remained the dominant force in the SCIAC. He also got chosen in the MLS soccer draft by the Colorado Rapids, a significant accomplishment for a player out of a Division III school.

9. Lawrence Wang, Sr., Claremont-Mudd-Scripps tennis - Played No. 1 for the Stags who were ranked No. 3 much of the season. Finished his career with the most wins in doubles and was No. 2 on the career singles list. He also won the prestigious Ojai tournament in singles and with his partner in doubles.

10. Brandon Brown, Jr., Cal State San Bernardino basketball - The 6-foot-7 forward helped the Coyotes to their eighth conference title in 10 years by averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds and would have been the conference MVP had it not been for one Larry Gordon.

Honorable mention:

Eisha Sheppard, San Bernardino Valley College women's basketball
Winston Robinson, Chaffey men's basketball
Gene Webster, Cal State San Bernardino men's golf
Matt Sartori, San Bernardino Valley track/cross country
Brianna Gonzales, University of La Verne volleyball
Mackenzie Smith, University of Redlands track
Dwight Gordon, Victor Valley College men's basketball

Three San Bernardino Valley College baseball standouts have decided on their futures.

Outfielder Sam Konnoff has signed a letter of intent with a Division I Nicholls State University. Konnoff, a Pacific High School, alum earned second-team All-Foothill Conference honors as an outfielder. He hit .338 with 35 RBI for the Wolverines (24-19). Hit .377 with 31 RBI as a freshman in 2008.

Nicholls State University is located in the town of Thibodaux, La., 65 miles west of New Orleans. The team went 19-32 overall in 2009, including a 9-23 in the Southland
Conference.

Third baseman James Frederick and outfielder Sam Lewis are both headed to NAIA Mid-American Christian University in Oklahoma City.

Frederick, out of Rialto High School, was a first-team All-Foothill Conference and Foothill Conference Golden Glove winner. He led the team in batting average (.447), hits (67), RBI (42) and slugging percentage (.627).

Lewis, out of J.W. North in Riverside, hit .296 and lead the team in stolen bases with 21.
Mid-American Christian was 24-27, 9-21 in the Sooner Athletic Conference the past season.

  Citrus College sophomore Mackenzie Pike will continue her playing career with NCAA Division II San Francisco State next year. Pike, who was third in the state this past season with a 6.55 digs per game average, was a 1^st team All-WSC selection and will leave Citrus as one of the all-time leaders in digs.
"I'm looking forward to the competition and travel that the next level will provide," Pike said. "Citrus has helped me improve over the last couple of years tremendously. My attitude, patience, passing, setting, and overall game has improved over the past two seasons."
Pike will be joining a young Gator's squad that finished the season just three games under .500 last year.
"Mackenzie has been a solid citizen and a great role model for Citrus College and the volleyball program," Citrus College Head Volleyball Coach Shin Jung said. "I can not emphasize enough the impact that she has made for the program and the work ethic she has left for others to follow."

Cal State Dominguez Hills' Kevin Gallaugher  and Cal State San Bernardino's Jessica Granados have been named 2008-09 California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Male and Female Athletes of the Year.

 

The award is voted on by the 11-member institutions' Sports
Information Directors at their annual meeting that was held on
Saturday, May 30, in San Jose.

Both Gallaugher and Granados enjoyed remarkable seasons and made major impacts at the conference, regional and national levels.

Granados, a senior from Beaumont, Calif., capped an impressive four-year career by leading the Cal State San Bernardino women's volleyball team to a 30-4 overall record and runner-up finish at the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championships.

En route to helping Cal State San Bernardino to the national title
game, Granados finished ninth in the nation with 4.2 kills per game, posted a .305 hitting percentage, 32 aces, 202 digs (1.94 per game) and 67 total blocks (0.64 per game).

Granados' list of honors include first team All-American, American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) West Region Player of the Year, All-West Region, CCAA Most Valuable Player and first team All-CCAA. She is a three-time West Region Player of the Year and two-time Most
Valuable Player, in addition to being Cal State San Bernardino's
2008-09 Female Student-Athlete of the Year.

During Granados' four-year career, Cal State San Bernardino compiled an overall record of 105-17, including a 66-10 mark in CCAA play, won three straight conference and West Region titles. She ended her career fourth on the Coyotes' all-time career kills list (1,302) and third in service aces (134).

Gallaugher, a junior defender from Walnut,  was named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National  Player of the Year after helping Cal State Dominguez Hills capture the school's second men's soccer national championship.

Gallaugher becomes the fourth Cal State Dominguez Hills' student-athlete to be named CCAA Athlete of the Year and first since the 2000-01 season.

Gallaugher's year-end honor completes an impressive season in which, in addition to being named national player of the year, he claimed two first team All-America nods (NSCAA & Daktronics), a pair of first team All-West Region selections (NSCAA & Daktronics), CCAA Defensive Most Valuable Player of the Year award and was a first-team All-CCAA pick. He also received NCAA Final Four and NCAA West Region Tournament Defensive Most Valuable Player honors.

In 2008, the four-time All-American was instrumental in leading Cal State Dominguez Hills to a program-tying 14 shutouts, including three  in five games during its NCAA postseason title run. Gallaugher helped limit the opposition to just one goal in nine additional games en route to a .077 shot percentage and 19 goals on the year, an average of just 0.68 goals scored per game.