Publish Date: Dec 9, 2013
SALINAS, Calif. - On Sunday, December 8, 2013, Hartnell’s Soccer team made history by becoming this year’s California Community College Athletics Association’s (CCCAA) State Champions, after beating Mt. San Antonio College 1-0. The entire Hartnell team is comprised of young men from our local communities; their accomplishment create a sense of tremendous pride for Hartnell College, their families, and their communities.
The State Championships took place at Consumnes College in Sacramento. On the 60th minute Hartnell’s Joni Cruz scored in a corner kick, assisted by Lorenzo Vasquez. This was the goal that beat goliath! Cruz was also named MVP of the CCCAA tournament.
Coach Daniel Ortega says he is really happy to win this first title for the soccer team. “We will remember this moment for a very long time,” Ortega said, “I want to thank all of Hartnell College including teachers and counselors because they are also part of the team for supporting our student athletes.”
MEET THE WINNING TEAM TODAY AT A PRESS CONFERENCE
Monday, December 9, 2013
1:00 p.m.
At Hartnell College Athletics Field House
Enter through College Drive
This is the first time in the history of Hartnell’s men soccer that a team wins a CCCAA championship. Our opponent Mount San Antonio College won State the previous 4 championships. In the season of 2003/2004 Hartnell first appeared in the final four and lost to Santa Ana. In the 2010/2011 season, Hartnell appeared in the final four again and lost the final to Mount San Antonio. The third appearance was the charm when we defeated Santa Ana College in the semi-finals leading us to the finals against Mount San Antonio - this time Hartnell writes a different story.
“The first ever men's soccer state championship for Hartnell College is a testament to the incredible work ethic of the student-athletes and their coaches,” commented Superintendent/President, Dr. Willard Lewallen. “More importantly, it is a story of teamwork, faith, and belief in each other. These incredibly polite, humble, and talented young men are more than State Champions, they are future leaders of our community, our state, our nation, and the world.”
Hartnell Community College District
The Hartnell CCD serves over 15,000 students annually through its main campus in Salinas, the Alisal Campus in East Salinas, the King City Education Center, and various outreach learning centers throughout the Salinas Valley. Hartnell College, a Hispanic Serving Institution, provides workforce training, basic skills courses, and prepares students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Hartnell College is recognized for its innovative public and private partnerships that support world class STEM education, career technical education, fine and performing arts, humanities, and athletics. We are growing leaders through opportunity, engagement, and achievement. For more about Hartnell CCD, visit www.hartnell.edu.
Athletic Team: Men's Soccer