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Senior Unity Beddingfield's first half goal was Cal State San Bernardino's only goal Saturday in a 3-1 loss to Cal Baptist in an exhibition women's soccer match at the Lancers field.

    The Coyotes were outshot 11-6 by the Lancers but had an edge in corner kicks, 6-5.

     Beddingfield's goal came 13:57 into the back, just 43 seconds after Fabiola DaSilva, a junior from Curitibia, Brazil, put the Lancers up 1-0 at the 13:14 mark off an assist by Bernadette Witz.

     The tie lasted until the 34th minute when junior Kylee Nicassio, a junior out of Los Osos High School, put the Lancers on top 2-1 with an assist by DaSilva. DaSilva gave CBU an insurance score in the 57th minute on a penalty kick to finish the game with two goals and an assist.
    

Sophomore Tiffany Jo Mallick yielded all three CBU goals in 66 minutes of play while redshirt freshman Chelsey Jones came on to record a save and hold the Lancers scoreless over the final 23 plus minutes of the match.

     CSUSB will play Dixie State in a scrimmage next Saturday before opening up the regular season on Sept. 3 at home against Biola University.

California Baptist University Men's Basketball Head Coach Tim Collins has announced the final four pieces to the Lancers' 2009-10 recruiting class.
 
The final pieces include two NCAA Division I transfers in Andre Gilbert (Kansas State) and Clint Amberry (San Jose State), a junior college transfer in Justus Von Wright (L.A. Pierce College) and the return of a former Lancer (Cesar Menjivar).
 
Gilbert, a 6-7, 205-pound senior and native of Brooklyn Park, Minn., played the 2007-08 season for the Wildcats averaging 3.9 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists while being named to the Big 12 All-Newcomer Team. He started 15 of his 27 appearances alongside eventual NBA players Michael Beasley and Bill Walker for the 21-12 Wildcats that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
 
Gilbert's best game came in an 82-69 win over Rider in the finale of the Old Spice Classic when he scored a game-high 22 points, going 4-for-6 from beyond the arc, to go along with five rebounds in 28 minutes. Four nights later, he played a season-high 32 minutes and had 16 points and four rebounds in a narrow 80-77 overtime loss at home to No. 17 Oregon. He later had seven points in a win at Colorado and then started in back-to-back games against Top 10 teams Texas (No. 5) and Kansas (No. 6) near the end of the season in nationally-televised games on ESPN, scoring six points and grabbing five rebounds against Texas.
 
Gilbert was one of Frank Martin's first signings when Martin replaced Bob Huggins prior to the 2007-08 season. He played in just 14 games due to a shoulder injury, averaging 7.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists at Mt. San Jacinto College in 2006-07. He played his 2005-06 freshman season at South Dakota State, averaging 8.5 points and 6.0 rebounds in 20 games.
 
"Andre will be one of the GSAC's premiere athletes this season," said Collins. "He is the athlete that we needed to get to replace the seniors we lost to graduation. He possesses strength, jumping ability and rebounding tenacity to go with his quickness and agility, and he is a quality defender who can also fill the lanes and get to the basket.  His experience will contribute to the growth of our young team this season."
 
A 6-10, 205-pound sophomore, Amberry played his 2007-08 freshman season at San Jose State. He played in 11 games (5.7 minutes), scoring 11 points and grabbing eight rebounds for the 13-17 Spartans. He scored three points in 13 minutes in a win over San Diego.

Amberry prepped at Los Alamitos (Calif.) High where he earned all-state first team honors by CalHi Sports as a junior after averaging 14.1 points and 8.3 rebounds. He averaged 16.0 points and 8.0 rebounds, was named Sunset League Co-Most Valuable Player and was rated among the top-200 high school seniors by several national recruiting services as a 2007 senior.
 
"Clint is going to be a difficult match-up in our conference," said Collins. "He plays well in the post and has a good set of skills, and his trademark is being a good passer and playmaker. His former coaches have been impressed with his basketball IQ, which is something that is extremely important in our system. For a big man, he has good hands and a nice perimeter shot, and he is someone that we can build our program around for the next three years."
 
Von Wright, a 6-3 wing, transfers after just one season at L.A. Pierce Junior College. He played in 25 games and averaged 14.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists in earning Western State Conference North Division honorable mention. Von Wright had 20 double-digit scoring games and six 20-point games, including a season-high 28 points against Los Angeles City. He also had 25 points against Santa Barbara. Von Wright prepped at Van Nuys (Calif.) High.
 
"Justus brings quickness at the defensive end of the floor and will likely earn a lot of quality minutes this year," said Collins. "He is very athletic on the offensive end and can really get to the rim. He has shown himself to be a strong leader, and we are excited about his ability and his positive attitude toward life. We feel we've recruited a fine player and a young man committed to excellence."
 
After sitting out last season, Menjivar returns to the court providing the Lancers with quality depth at point guard as he joins junior Kris Corso and junior college transfer Kelly Johnson. In two seasons at CBU, Menjivar played in 63 games, starting four, and has averaged 4.1 points and 2.0 assists in 16.4 minutes while playing in two national tournaments. He has 124 career assists against just 59 career turnovers and has shot 43 percent (40-for-93) from the 3-point line. As a 2008 sophomore, Menjivar appeared in 33 games, averaging 5.0 points and 2.4 assists in 21.3 minutes.
 
"Cesar is a campus favorite and a coach's dream," said Collins. "He is a good leader and a cerebral player, which makes him extremely valuable. Our staff is excited about his return to the court."
 
Gilbert, Amberry, Von Wright and Menjivar joins a class that already includes junior college transfers Johnson (Citrus) and Tom Schumacher (Cuesta) as well as prep standouts Luke Evans (Oceanside-El Camino HS) and Josh Barrett (Vista Murrieta HS).
 
CBU finished 22-9 overall in 2009, advancing to the GSAC Tournament Semifinals for the second straight year. The Lancers were ranked No. 5 in the NAIA Top 25 Preseason Poll and after a 7-0 start were ranked No. 1 for the first time in program history. It was their third straight 20-win season.

Dr. Micah Parker has been named the Director of Athletics at California Baptist University, Kent Dacus, CBU Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services, announced Wednesday.
                                                 
Parker inherits a program that won a pair of NAIA National Championships in 2009, finished an all-time best fifth in the race for the Learfield Sports-NAIA Director's Cup and will likely have eight programs earn NAIA Scholar Team recognition when the teams are announced later in the week. He begins Aug. 3.
 
"After a yearlong search, CBU is thrilled with the hiring of Dr. Micah Parker as its next athletic director," said Dacus. "We feel that Micah is a rising star in athletic administration. He is someone who is deeply committed to his faith and has shown strong integrity and character in his professional history. While he has a strong passion for intercollegiate athletics, he fully understands the bigger picture of university life and operating within the entire university structure."
 
Parker returns to the athletic arena after a 17-month hiatus during which time he served as the headmaster at the prestigious Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas. Prior to his time at Lutheran South Academy, Parker spent more than 17 years as a collegiate basketball coach.
 
Most recently, Parker was the top assistant women's basketball coach at NCAA Division I Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, from 2003-07. He served as the program's recruiting coordinator in his last year after being in charge of player development and serving as camp director his first three years. He helped lead the Bulldogs to the 2007 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament Championship and a subsequent NCAA Tournament berth as well as a pair of Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) appearances.
 
A 1991 graduate of NAIA-member Concordia University in Seward, Neb., Parker spent eight seasons as an assistant men's basketball coach at his alma mater immediately after graduation. During that time, Concordia went 178-75, won three conference titles and made six straight NAIA Division II National Tournament appearances, including a Final Four appearance in 1992.
 
In 1998, Parker moved to the women's side when he was named head coach of the women's program at Concordia. After a 14-14 campaign in his first season, Parker led the Bulldogs 66 wins and into the national rankings during the next three seasons. In his final season of 2002, Concordia was 28-6, ranked as high as No. 6 and advanced to the NAIA Sweet 16. The next season, Parker served as the director of operations for the University of Nebraska women's basketball program.
 
During his four years at Concordia, Parker's teams led the NAIA in team GPA three consecutive seasons with a 3.73 and twice led all collegiate levels, according to the WBCA.
 
Parker is also a Christian motivational speaker, speaking at national youth gatherings, faith-based businesses, school assemblies, church events and banquets and Fellowship of Christian Athletes groups. He also served as an assistant professor during his time at Concordia.
 
Parker earned his master's in education from the University of Nebraska in 1994 and then later earned his doctorate of philosophy with an emphasis in educational leadership from Nebraska in 1999. Parker and his wife, Amy, have three children.
 
"It will be a privilege to serve as the Athletic Director at CBU," said Parker. "I appreciate Dr. Ellis and Kent Dacus giving me the opportunity to lead this outstanding athletic program. CBU is a great academic school, with a Christ-centered mission, that is blessed with so many talented people in the athletic department. I was very impressed with the support and direction that the school has for athletics and look forward to serving God in this position." 
 

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

 

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.

 

California Baptist University has announced the two latest additions to its intercollegiate athletics' program--men's and women's distance track.

                                                                                                                                           

The Lancers will begin running only the distance events in the 2009-10 season, and current cross country coach Wade Watkins will oversee the program. The addition brings the number of sports offered by CBU to 22.

 

"Adding these sports provides a cost-effective complement to our cross country programs," said CBU Vice President for Student Services and interim Athletic Director Kent Dacus. "It also gives an additional opportunity for those athletes to participate in both cross country and the distance events on the track."

 

CBU will participate in both the indoor and outdoor seasons. The 2010 NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships are March 4-6, while the outdoor championships are May 27-29.

 

During the indoor season, the Lancers will participate in the 600 meters, 800 meters, 1,000 meters, mile, 3,000 meters, 5,000 meters, 3,000-meter race walk, 4x800-meter relay and distance medley relay events. During the outdoor season, the Lancers will participate in the 400 meters, 800 meters, 1,500 meters, 5,000 meters, 10,000 meters, 5,000-meter race walk, 3,000-meter steeplechase, 4x800-meter relay, half marathon and marathon.

 

The Lancers previously sponsored track and field, dropping the program in 2002. CBU rose to national prominence in the late 1990s running in every NAIA Indoor and Outdoor National Championship from 1996-2002 on the men's side. CBU finished fourth or better at the 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001 indoor championships and garnered the university's first-ever NAIA National Championship, winning the 1999 indoor title. The Lancers also finished in the top 10 in the 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2001 outdoor championships.

 

The women ran in three indoor and three outdoor championships, earning three Top 25 finishes.

 

CBU won two straight GSAC Men's Track and Field titles in 1996-97 and is the only program other than Azusa Pacific or Point Loma Nazarene to win a GSAC men's track title.

 

California Baptist University cross country Head Coach Wade Watkins has announced the 2009 men's recruiting class.  

A total of 14 runners comprise Watkins' first full recruiting class. The program was reinstated as a varsity sport in the summer of 2008.

 

"If 2008 saw the resurgence of CBU cross country, then 2009 will show the growth from having a full year of being able to recruit some of the finest athletes within the state and from other states as well," said Watkins. "While the process is never ending, and we are always in search of new athletes, these outstanding young men will be the future of CBU cross country."

 

Mitchell Moore (La Habra HS)

Moore was a six-time All-Freeway League selection in cross country and track at La Habra (Calif.) High. An eight-time CIF participant, Moore has a PR of 15:01 (3 miles) and was the undefeated league champion and the Orange County Division III Champion. He also won the Woodbridge Senior Race.

 

Patrick Mynes (Corona HS)

A four-time CIF participant, Mynes was a three-time all-league selection. He also earned all-county honors and was a scholar-athlete. He has a PR of 15:10.

 

Sergio Rodriguez (Los Altos HS)

Rodriguez ran for head coach Jeff Hess, who trained under Watkins as a prep at Los Altos High. Rodriguez was a three-time CIF participant and a Miramonte League Champion and has a PR of 15:24.

 

Victor Delgado (Beaumont HS)

Delgado was a three-time CIF participant and was a state finalist in 2008. He finished fifth at the CIF Division III finals and was a three-time Mountain Pass League Champion. Delgado also won the Mt. SAC Division III Invitational and was named to the All-Riverside Team this past season. His PR is 15:30.

 

Chase Williams (Corona HS)

A prep teammate of Mynes, Williams was a four-time CIF participant and was a CIF individual participant in the 1,600-meters in 2008. Williams, who has a PR of 15:55, earned three all-league honors as well as earning scholar-athlete honors.

 

Daniel Knauer (Murrieta Valley HS)

Knauer ran four varsity seasons at Murrieta Valley High. With a PR of 15:20, Knauer earned all-county honors this past season and was a three-time all-league first team selection. This past season, he was named team MVP.

 

Mark Langworthy (Calvary Chapel-Murrieta HS)

A four-time scholar-athlete, Langworthy also was a three-time all-league selection. His PR is 15:56 and he made three CIF appearances.

 

Chris Cline (Hidden Valley HS, Grants Pass, Ore.)

A four-year varsity runner, Cline was a four-time Oregon State Meet participant. In 2008, he finished eighth at the state meet, helping the Mustangs win the state title. He was named all-conference and all-state second team. Cline also earned four scholar-athlete honors and participated in the prestigious Border Clash last November.

 

Jonathan Monteon (Don Lugo HS)

A three-time CIF participant with Don Lugo High in Chino, Calif., Monteon was also a scholar-athlete recipient.

 

Axel Ambriz (Concordia-Irvine)

A transfer from GSAC-rival Concordia, Ambriz is expected to be an important part of the program in 2009. In 2007 at Concordia, Ambriz helped lead the Eagles to the GSAC title, finishing 33^rd in the GSAC Meet, running a 27:08. He also ran at the 2007 NAIA Championships, where he finished 165^th, running a 26:47.8. His season best was 26:45.76 at the Willamette Invitational in Salem, Ore.

 

Coe Phillips (Ramona HS)

A local talent, Phillips prepped at nearby Ramona High, just blocks from the CBU campus.

 

Kevin Wunderly (Deer Valley HS)

Wunderly earned scholar-athlete honors at Deer Valley High in Northern California. He was also a New Balance Festival Champion this past fall.

 

Adrian Gracian (Canyon Springs HS)

 

Michael Doss (Big Bear HS)

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California Baptist University Head Baseball Coach Gary Adcock has announced the first seven pieces to the Lancers' 2009-10 recruiting class

Five of the seven are prep standouts, three of which are from the Inland Empire. The other two are junior college transfers.

"This is a great start to our 2010 recruiting class, and we have targeted some early needs and filled them accordingly," said Adcock, who has led the Lancers to five straight playoff appearances. "By no means are we done recruiting, and we look forward to the challenge of finding more outstanding student-athletes who fit in our program. With the high school season beginning in March and junior colleges well underway, we will continue to work diligently to shape our 2010 roster."

Headlining the list is left-handed pitcher Jesse Arreola (Riverside-Patriot HS), who signed back in November. Last season, Arreola was 10-2 with a 1.27 ERA in leading the Warriors to the CIF Semifinals. He had 104 strikeouts in 77 innings and earned All-CIF and All-Riverside County first team honors. He was a prep teammate of 2008 MLB First Round Draft Pick Kyle Skipworth.

"We believe Jesse is the best left-hander in the county," said Adcock. "He is a proven winner who will make an immediate impact on our team next season."

Twin brothers Luke and Zach Esquerra (La Habra HS) both turned down NCAA Division I opportunities to play at CBU. Luke, who opted to stay closer to home rather than move across the country to Harvard, is a multiple-tool player with good speed, arm strength and power potential. He will pitch and play the outfield next year. He has led his team in home runs the past two seasons and is a three-time scholar-athlete.

Zach, meanwhile, chose CBU over San Francisco among others. He also has power potential, a plus arm and has good speed. Last year, he was La Habra's defensive player of the year. Both are members of the Kansas City Royals' scout ball team.

"Luke is a tremendous all-around athlete and possesses an aggressive style of play on the diamond," said Adcock. "We are excited to see him develop in our program as a true two-way player. Zach is going to be a special player. His combination of tools is among the best we've ever had here during my tenure. He is going to be an exciting player to watch."

Eric Zaragoza (Ontario Christian HS) is a middle infielder and a team captain and two-time all-league selection.


"Eric is a top-notch middle infielder," said Adcock. "He was the best high school infielder we worked out all fall, and he possesses a simple swing and great actions and should compete for a starting job instantly."

Catcher Kody Sepulveda (Paloma Valley HS) hit .333 last year with four home runs and a team-best 26 RBIs on a team that finished 23-4 a season ago. Noted as a gritty player, Sepulveda has a plus arm behind the plate.

"A true grinder, Kody is the type of player that will flourish in our program," said Adcock. "He possesses a quick release to go along with a quick bat."

Infielder Braden Schaidt (College of the Desert) and utility Willie Holmes (Chaffey JC) are the two junior college athletes. Schaidt was an All-Foothill League first team selection a season ago after hitting .382 with a team-best eight doubles and 41 RBIs. An active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Schaidt is also an excellent student. As a prep standout at Valley View High in Moreno Valley, Calif., Schaidt was All-CIF second team and All-Inland Valley League first team in 2007.

"Braden will be a leader for us on and off the field," said Adcock. "A tireless worker, he is a disciplined young Christian student-athlete, who we are extremely excited to have aboard."

Holmes was an All-Foothill first team selection last year after hitting .408 with 14 doubles, six home runs and 42 RBIs for Chaffey.

"Willie will bring back some thunder to our lineup," said Adcock. "A true power threat, he can make Totman Stadium look small in a hurry. He will be a great compliment to the speed players that we have recruited this year as well as the players currently on our team.

"The coaching staff has done a tremendous job in putting together this talented group--one of the most talented groups we've had," said Adcock. "This combination of speed, power, arm strength and glove work is exciting to envision. We have been able to address our needs for next year's team and improve upon a high standard that has been set before them."

California Baptist University women's basketball is joining more than 1,250 other collegiate basketball teams across the country in participating in the 2009 Women's Basketball Coaches' Association (WBCA) Pink Zone initiative.  

The Lancers' Pink Zone Night is Tuesday (Feb. 10) when they host Westmont in a GSAC contest. All proceeds from ticket sales and pink "CBU Crazies" t-shirt sales will go towards the WBCA's fight against breast cancer.

 

"Obviously, this is a good cause and one worth getting behind and supporting," said CBU Head Coach Danelle Bishop. "It is good to raise this awareness within our sport, because we've lost a lot of good people in the women's basketball community because of this disease."

 

The WBCA Pink Zone initiative is a global, unified effort for the WBCA's nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. ESPN has joined the initiative by dedicating their annual "February Frenzy" women's college basketball games on ESPN2 and ESPN360.com to supporting the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund, in partnership with The V Foundation. February Frenzy will showcase eight regionalized games within two telecast windows for the biggest regular-season day in women's college basketball on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET.  They will also dedicate the Big Monday game on Monday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. to the cause.

 

The WBCA began the WBCA Pink Zone, formerly known as "Think Pink", in 2007 as an initiative to raise breast cancer awareness in women's basketball, on campuses and in communities. In 2007, more than 120 schools unified for this effort and helped make the inaugural year a success. In 2008, more than 1,200 teams and organizations participated, reaching over 830,000 fans and raising more than $930,000 for breast cancer awareness and research.

 

WBCA, the term Pink Zone and the WBCA Pink Zone logo are trademarks of the Women's Basketball Coaches' Association.

 

California Baptist University men's basketball head coach Tim Collins has announced the addition of another major NCAA Division I opponent to the Lancers' 2008-09 schedule.

Seton Hall Tuesday (Dec. 9) at 7:30 p.m. in the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The game will be an exhibition for the Lancers and will count as an official game for the Pirates.
 
"We are very honored and thankful for the opportunity that Head Coach Bobby Gonzales, his staff and the athletic administration of Seton Hall University have given to our institution," said Collins. "This experience will be a lifelong memory for our players and institution. To be able to play against a Big East member in this fantastic atmosphere and enter into the basketball tradition created at Seton Hall is a blessing to our players and institution. We have had the opportunity to compete against some quality Division I opponents the past few years, always hopeful to create enough resistance in the game to help both teams."

California Baptist finds itself in a familiar place once again as the Lancers are No. 2 in the preseason NAIA Volleyball Ratings just behind defending national champion Fresno Pacific.

CBU, who finished 2007 at 32-5, went to its third championship game in four years and became the only team to reach the semifinals of the national tournament in each of the last four years.

The Lancers earned 692 points in the poll just behind the Sunbirds who have 715 and captured all 25 first-place votes.

Fellow Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) members Concordia, Biola and Azusa Pacific round out the top five. Point Loma Nazarene is inside the top 10 at No. 8 while Vanguard sits at No. 21. Westmont also received votes in the poll.

California Baptist kicks off its 2008 campaign Friday and Saturday in Azusa, Calif., at the Cougar Classic. The Lancers play at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. both days.

The Lancers will also be playing local Division II powers Cal Poly Pomona and Cal State San Bernardino.

 

Four-time All-GSAC Steve Goins inked a free agent deal with the San Diego Padres organization earlier this week. After going undrafted in the MLB First-Year Player Draft two weeks ago, Goins was enrolled at Riverside Community College, taking lab courses needed so he could begin work on becoming a physician's assistant as well as working part-time. Baseball was just a memory. Monday afternoon, however, CBU head coach Gary Adcock received a call from a scout in the Padres organization inquiring about Goins. Adcock quickly and frantically called Goins to notify him that the organization needed another pitcher. "I was in my first class on the first day of class when I happened to turn my phone on," said Goins. "There were all these missed calls and texts from my family, Gary and the scout. I stepped outside to check my messages, came back in, packed my stuff up and left right then and there. I was definitely excited and had to work hard to quickly change my plans." Goins quit his job, put school on hold and headed out Tuesday for Peoria, Ariz., and the Arizona (Rookie) League. Shortly after arriving, he threw his first bullpen session Wednesday and all signs point to his first professional appearance sometime this weekend. "It feels good to be a part of the sport again," said Goins. "I'm just taking it one day at a time and seeing where this might lead." One of the finest players in the history of the program, Goins just completed a remarkable four-year career. During his career on the mound, Goins was 26-10 with a 3.17 ERA. In 300.2 career innings, he had 295 strikeouts. He tossed 10 complete games and five shutouts and also collected three saves. He won a career-high eight games and had a career-low 2.58 ERA as a 2008 senior. Goins also hit .354 with a program-record 62 doubles to go along with 134 runs, 137 RBIs and 12 home runs. This past season, Goins hit .391 with 15 doubles and four home runs. He never hit worse than .317 and never had fewer than 54 hits and 14 doubles in any one season. He will only pitch for the Padres. "This is a great opportunity for Steve," said Adcock. "He is very deserving and it will be exciting to see what type of pitcher he can become since he is able to just focus on pitching and not having to worry about playing on the infield or hitting."

AMY THOMAS

Cal Baptist University

Softball

The lowdown: The senior pitcher has helped the Lancers (37-3) to a No. 2 national ranking. Is 20-2 with an 0.75 ERA and 122 strikeouts and 85 hits allowed in 141 innings. Played her first two seasons at Cal State Dominguez Hills, then transferred as a junior which allowed her to play with older sister Candice. Earned GSAC, regional and national pitcher of the years honors last year as a junior when she went 28-2 with an 0.56 ERA and 187 strikeouts in 188 innings. Carries a 3.4 GPA.

Age: 21

Hometown: Barstow

High school: Barstow High School, 2004

Major: Kinesiology

Favorite athlete: Jon Garland (He’s an amazing pitcher).

Favorite team: Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

Role model: My mom because she is so strong and accomplishes everything she sets her mind to.

Most memorable sports moment: Receiving NAIA Pitcher of the Year last year at nationals. It came as a pleasant surprise to me, one I will never forget.

Most embarrassing sports moment: Running off the field when there were only two outs in the inning.

Person most influential in your athletic success: My parents both played huge roles in my success. My dad may have been the one on the field but my mom was at home working hard and pushing me on academics.

Best advice anyone has ever given you: Real pitchers paint the black.

Pre-game ritual or superstition: I need to pitch with a fake nail on my right index finger. My teammates think it is all in my head but I know it helps.

Can’t miss TV show: One Tree Hill

Last good book you read: I Kissed Dating Goodbye by Joshua Harris. It gave me a whole different perspective on the Christian way of dating.

Favorite food: Italian (especially Olive Garden)

Favorite movie: The Notebook

Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere I can get a good deep tissue massage, and of course the beach just reading a good book.

Other hobbies: Yoga, pilates, volleyball, shopping and surfing.

What’s in your CD player/iPOD: Three Doors Down, Goo Goo Dolls, Josh Gracin, Kenny Chesney and Carrie Underwood.

 

What do you want to be doing in five years?: I would like to be a successful physical therapist helping others.

- Compiled by Michelle Gardner

AN ANTONIO, Texas — The celebration began just before the final event, the 400 free relay, got underway as both California Baptist teams received word that they had enough cushion to claim the fourth straight national title on the women’s side and the third consecutive on the men’s side.

The women finished with 729 total points while the men topped it off at 573.

Both Simon Fraser and SCAD teams finished second and third with SFU’s women scoring 585 while the men finished at 503. SCAD’s women totaled 540 points while the men scored 465.5.

The Lancer women had eight top-four finishes with a pair of national champions. Nicole Shipman and Katelyn Butler each will bring home a national title as Shipman notched a 2:04.67 in the 200 back while Katelyn Butler just missed a school record by one-tenth of a second in the 100 free (51.83).

Kimie Cook, Elena Zanone and Elaina Hunter went 2-4 in the 200 breast with times of 2:23.55, 2:24.55 and 2:26.94. Meredith Krom and Angie Rodriguez each finished fourth with Krom swimming a 2:10.70 in the 200 back and Rodriguez swimming a 2:10.16 in the 200 fly.

The 400 free relay team capped off the women’s events as Melissa Bowers, Stephanie Jung, Krista Chacon and Katelyn Butler combined for a fourth-place time of 3:34.38.

Vicente Andrade added his second national title to his collection with a 1:48.97 in the 200 back while fellow freshman Daniel Heihn placed third in the 200 fly (1:52.83).

Kent Klawer finished sixth in the 200 back (1:56.63). Matt Brown and Sean McPherson went 6-7 in the 100 free (46.76, 46.87) while Rickey Wilson and Barret Wilson went 6-7 in the 200 breast (2:14.04, 2:14.07).

The 400 free relay team closed out the 2008 national championships with a second-place finish as Andrade, Brian Jack, Brown and Sean McPherson combined for a 3:04.97.

Rick Rowland was named the Men's Coach of the Year while Ben Wahlman and Lindsey Cline were each named Diver of the Year.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. -- Ryan Jorden had been named the head coach of California Baptist University men's soccer, Athletic Director Kevin Steele announced today.

Jorden becomes just the fourth head coach since CBU restarted men's soccer in 1985, and he replaces Shayon Jalayer, who resigned in October after six seasons at the helm. This is Jorden's first collegiate head coaching position.

"I am pleased that Ryan has accepted the position," said Steele, who has now hired six new head coaches in less than three full years. "Ryan raised his stock immeasurably among an incredibly talented pool of applicants. His vast experience as a DI assistant and in the GSAC coupled with his enthusiasm and intelligence make him an excellent addition to our talented staff. We anticipate him taking this program to new levels of success in the very near future."

Since 2000, Jorden has served as the lead assistant coach for Dave Wolf at GSAC-rival Westmont. During his time Santa Barbara, the Warriors were 82-39-11 and were consistently ranked in the NAIA Top 25. In 2000, the Warriors were ranked No. 1 in the NAIA, regional champions and advanced to the quarterfinals of the NAIA Tournament, finishing 19-5 overall. The Warriors were back-to-back GSAC co-champions in 2001 and 2002.

Jorden inherits a team that finished 6-10-1 in 2007, winning just two conference games. The Lancers have not made the playoffs since sharing the GSAC title in 1989.

With a penchant for player development, Jorden has worked and coached in all aspects of the soccer program, including fitness programming, scheduling and recruiting coordination. A graduate of Westmont, Jorden played for the Warriors from 1991-1994 and during that time was part of 65 wins and two national tournament appearances.

Jorden earned his bachelor's in kinesiology from Westmont in 1995 and then became the assistant coach with the men's soccer program at NCAA Division I Oregon State in 1996. During his four years at OSU, he completed his master's degree in exercise science.

After returning to coach at Westmont for three years, he took a leave of absence in 2003 to pursue his Ph.D. in sport and exercise science with an emphasis in biomechanics at Northern Colorado and is currently ABD, expecting to defend in early 2008. During that 2003 season, he worked as an assistant coach with the UNC soccer program. Returning to Westmont in the fall of 2004, Jorden resumed his responsibilities in serving as a full-time member of the kinesiology faculty, teaching courses in biomechanics, research methods, motor control and a variety of physical activity courses.

A United States Soccer Federation (USSF) 'A' licensed coach with Olympic Development Program (ODP) experience in multiple states, Jorden just finished his 12th season of collegiate coaching. A native of Santa Barbara, Jorden and his wife Liz are proud parents of two sons, Graeme (four) and Evan (two).

Jorden will assume his new position Jan. 2.