CGCC Men’s Golfers are Headed to Nationals

Congratulations to Coyote men’s golfers Michael Marreel (sophomore) and Tommy Sullivan (freshman) for their achievements on the course this season. Both golfers recently qualified for nationals and will represent Chandler-Gilbert Community College at the National Junior College Athletic Association Men’s Golf Championship tournament May 23-26. The event will be held at the Longbow Golf Club in Mesa.  Results can be found at www.golfstat.com under the men's golf results and schedules tab.

Michael was named second team all-conference this year with a scoring average of 73 while Tommy lead the Coyotes with an average scoring of 75. Both golfers will compete for a national championship title alongside some of the best collegiate golfers in the nation.

On behalf of the entire CGCC community, congrats on your accomplishments and good luck at nationals. Go Coyotes! 

 

CGCC Inducts Former Athletic Director into ACCAC Hall of Fame

Jeff Mason, CGCC Athletic Dept Founder

CGCC Athletic Department founder and former Athletic Director, Jeff Mason, has been named CGCC’s inaugural inductee to the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) Hall of Fame.  Mason will be recognized for his induction as well as his tremendous contribution to CGCC Athletics on Wednesday, January 27th during halftime of the women’s basketball game.  

“We could not think of a more appropriate individual to make our inaugural inductee into the ACCAC Hall of Fame,” shared Ed Yeager CGCC current Athletic Director. “Beyond Jeff being the most deserving of this recognition, this created an opportunity for us to honor all that he has done and everything that he means to CGCC athletics.  Our fine athletic facilities including our fields, gymnasium and most recently the Coyote Center are due in large part to Jeff’s leadership and commitment over the years.”

In 1998, Mason was named founding Athletic Director at CGCC and brought with him a rich background in athletics that set his standards of excellence at the highest levels.  After competing as a pro ball player for the Yankees, Cardinals and Giants from 1967 – 1974, Mason poured the same passion and performance into the world of high school athletics as a coach, teacher and eventually athletic director.  Between the years 1975 and 1997 Mason led Apache Junction varsity baseball team to back to back state championships and was named the Arizona Republic Baseball Coach of the Year both years. From 1983-1993, he was the varsity baseball coach at Chandler High School. In 2007, Jeff was named to the Arizona Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Russ Luce, current Head Baseball Coach at CGCC and long-time associate and friend of Mason, is another beneficiary of his efforts at CGCC and in the community.  “We are all so fortunate that Jeff chose to bring his wealth of experience, knowledge and personality to CGCC.  He was handed a tremendous task in building this department and he attacked it with both determination and grace,” reflected Luce.  “It is rare that we have the opportunity to express our gratitude to the people on whose shoulders we stand today, and that is why it is with such enthusiasm that we nominate Jeff for the ACCAC Hall of Fame.”

As the founding CGCC Athletic Director Mason was charged with bricks, mortar and everything else that goes into building a collegiate-level program.  Specifically, Mason had to work with the community to determine which sports to offer and find and negotiate facility agreements for off-campus competition.   Later, he oversaw the design and construction of facilities on campus, he brought CGCC into the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference and the National Junior College Athletic Association.  He hired coaches and staff, assisted with recruiting, assured that student athletes and coaches conformed to standards, and led fundraising efforts.  

When asked his inspiration to get up and go to work every day, Mason’s response is fitting of our first hall of famer.  “The best part of my job was by far the student athletes, getting to know each one, watching them compete as Coyotes and creating memories to last a lifetime.”

CEREMONY DETAILS:
The CGCC athletic department will recognize Mr. Jeff Mason on his induction into the ACCAC Hall of Fame Class of 2015 Wednesday January 27th at 7pm at the Coyote Center. The ceremony will take place between the women’s basketball game and the men's game. Our opponent will be Cochise College.

New Year, New You! Enroll In a Group Fitness Class at CGCC Today

Prioritize your health this year by signing up for a group exercise class at Chandler-Gilbert Community (CGCC). We offer a variety of group classes suitable for everyone's needs. From Boot Camp, Pilates and Yoga to Stretch &Relaxation, Tai Chi and Karate, CGCC can help you take the first set towards a healthier lifestyle.  

"We all know that being more active, eating right and having a positive attitude can make or break our attempts to live a healthier life. CGCC wants to help you achieve your "New Year'" resolutions, especially those that relates to your mind-body and spirit," said Cookie Potter, manager of the Coyote Center at CGCC.

There are many benefits to group exercise classes. They are a wonderful place to meet new people who have similar lifestyle goals as well as a great way for students to feel motivated. Physical activity is also a great way to boost student performance. Research shows that students who take breaks from their class work to be physically active during the school day are often better able to concentrate and may do better on standardized tests.

"Brain function is improved when we are doing physical activity, especially when it comes to academic performance. It is important for students to look at fitness as a way to help them stay strong both inside and outside the classroom," said Potter.

Spaces are still available, so register today!

Classes begin January 25th and run through May 13th at both Pecos and Williams' campuses. Click here for a complete list of classes. Each class is worth one academic credit and is taught by a degree-certified instructor. For more information on group classes visit the Coyote Center's website www.cgc.edu/coyotecenter or contact a Coyote Center representative at 480.732.7000.

CGCC to Honor Alumnus for Major League Debut

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) baseball program will honor alumnus and current New York Yankees pitcher James Pazos on Friday, January 29 at 6:00 p.m. during a pre-game recognition ceremony on the college’s baseball field. A sign with Pazos’ name will be hung on the field's outfield fence in recognition of his major league debut and professional accomplishments.

Pazos, a 2009 graduate of Highland High School in Gilbert, pitched one season for the Coyotes in 2010 before transferring to University of San Diego where he pitched for an addition two seasons. He was drafted in the 13th round of the Amateur Major League Baseball (MLB) draft in 2012 by the New York Yankees.

While at CGCC, Pazos posted a 9-4 record with a 1.94 ERA helping the team earn runner-up honors in the Region I playoffs. He also threw a no-hitter against Salt Lake Community College on February 17, 2010 walking three and striking out nine players in a 2-0 win. Pazos made his MLB debut in 2015 with the New York Yankees against the Tampa Bay Rays.

"James had an immediate impact on our program as a freshman.  From day one he had foundational belief in himself and an unending willingness to work," said Russell Luce, Head Baseball Coach at CGCC. "He was an amazing teammate and leader in his time with CGCC, and we are proud of him and his accomplishments. We are excited about his baseball MLB future."

It's Game Time!

Support your men and women basketball teams this season by attending an upcoming home game.
Click here for game time information.  Go Coyotes!

ACCAC announces two Coyotes earned honors during the 2015 season

James Ziegler, a sophomore outfielder/first baseman from Basha High School, earned All-Conference honors as well as First Team All-Region Honors for his outstanding play during the season. Ziegler led the Chandler-Gilbert Community College Coyotes in multiple offensive categories and finished with the ninth highest batting average in Coyote history. Ziegler hit .400 and finished with 43 RBI’s, 44 runs scored, and 7 home runs. Ziegler will continue his baseball career at Texas Wesleyan University.



Jose Pereyda, a sophomore third baseman from North High School, earned Second Team All-Region for his play during the 2015 season. Pareyda finished the season with a .320 batting average with 31 RBI’s. Pareyda led the Coyotes with 13 doubles during the season. Pareyda is undecided on where he will continue his baseball career.


Two student athletes headed to national golf competition

Samantha Hernandez and Madison Woodward are headed
to the college national golf competition in May.

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) student athletes Samantha Hernandez and Madison Woodward are headed to the 2015 NJCAA Women’s National Golf Championship to be held at Longbow Golf Course in Mesa, Ariz. on May 11-14.

Hernandez, a freshman from Gilbert High School, has held the top spot for the CGCC Coyotes all season averaging a 79 and has medaled in three tournaments.

Woodward, a freshman from Mountain Pointe High School, has held the number two position, averaging an 84 for the season.

This will be the fourth time the Coyotes have participated in the national tournament under  CGCC Head Women’s Golf Coach Pierson Hamilton.

CGCC honors alumnus for major league debut

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) baseball recognized alumnus and current Oakland Athletics pitcher Rudy Owens on Wednesday, February 11 at 2:45 p.m. on the college’s baseball field. A sign with Owens’ name will be hung on the outfield fence during a short pre-game ceremony in recognition of his major league debut and professional accomplishments.

Owens attended Mesa High School and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006. Instead, he attended Chandler-Gilbert Community College and played the 2007 baseball season as a Coyote, signing with the Pirates the next year. He was named Pirate’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year for 2009 and 2010. He also was named Class-A All-Star, South Atlantic League (SAL) All-Star, and SAL Most Outstanding Pitcher in 2009 and Eastern League All-Star in 2010. The Pirates added him to their 40-man roster after the 2011 season. He was traded to the Astros in 2012 and played with the Oklahoma City Red Hawks, the Astros’ AAA affiliate, through 2013. On May 23, 2014, the Astros recalled Owens to make his Major League debut. He was outrighted off the roster in October and signed a minor league deal with the Oakland Athletics in November 2014.

 “Rudy was an outstanding student-athlete at Chandler-Gilbert. He was great on the field and off the field. In his professional years he has been around our players offering advice on baseball and, more importantly, on life. He is a great Coyote.”

Coyote Center grand opening highlights community support and blended use

Lauren Lancaster, president of the Associated Students of
CGCC,  cuts the ceremonial ribbon of the new Coyote
Center during the Sept. 24 grand opening.

More than 150 guests gathered on Sept. 25 for the grand opening of the Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) Coyote Center on the Pecos Campus. The event was held in the shadow of the two-story, 74,859-square-foot building and featured Maricopa Community College District speakers, elected officials representing local cities and towns, the architects and construction company who created the unique multi-use building, and college representatives and students using the facility.  Cutting the ceremonial ribbon was student Lauren  Lancaster, president of the Associated Students of  CGCC.

The building is one of a few in the nation to blend academics, athletics, enrollment services and student services to impact the success of each student which was noted by CGCC President Linda Lujan in her comments. View the Town of Gilbert news and video segment.


Launched in conjunction with the opening of the building was the introduction of a new model of student service that eliminates waiting in multiple lines and provides more efficient service. Students check in at the welcome desk and if they cannot be helped immediately, they are placed in the appropriate electronic queue. With nearly all student services located in the Coyote Center, students can find the much of the support they need in one location.

Athletics was also greatly impacted with the addition of a gym to the Pecos Campus, allowing the centralization of all nine athletic teams and their coaching staff to one campus. Located in the center of the building, the gym is now the largest gathering space for athletic, college or community events with bleacher seating for 1,000.

Most spaces were intentionally designed for this multi-use as well as adaptability and flexibility, according to CGCC Vice President of Administrative Services Jacalyn Askin. Many of the spaces can be easily reconfigured to adapt to the ever-changing needs of higher education. The facility also features a Veterans Center, classrooms and a 4,000-square-foot fitness center.

As part of the college’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability, the building incorporates many sustainable operations that make it certifiable LEED Gold rating. The facility was completed on-time and under budget with the full cost of $28.6 million coming from the public's approval of the 2004 General Obligation Bond Funds.

View the program to learn more about the Coyote Center at cgc.edu/coyotecenter.

Dean of Students Daniel Herbst
brought levity to the ceremonial
occasion by taking a picture from the
podium before his comments. 

Herbst's resulting photo

Silsby joins CGCC as men's basketball coach

Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) hired Steve Silsby as its first full-time men’s basketball coach on July 21. Silsby joined CGCC after eight seasons as head men’s basketball coach for the University of Great Falls, where he built the program into a perennial Frontier Conference contender. Previous to UGF, he served three years as assistant men’s basketball coach and assistant athletic director for Scottsdale Community College.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to bring on a full-time basketball coach to this campus,” said Ed Yeager, director of athletics for CGCC. “Not only was Steve an exact right fit because of his familiarity with the Valley and previous experience, but his hiring brings a new beginning for the men’s basketball team.”

CGCC’s basketball program has had only part-time coaches since its inception 15 years ago and was based on the Williams Campus near the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport where the gym was located. A new gym was completed on the Pecos Campus in July with the construction of the 74,859-square-foot Coyote Center, which houses athletics as well as enrollment and student services.

“Having a full-time coach on the same campus with most of our athletes will make a significant positive impact,” said Yeager. “The athletes will receive more attention and have quicker access to a network of support if they experience any problems in academics or on the court. “
Silsby is looking forward to building a new culture for the team.

“I’m thrilled to be here and to be able to contribute to not only the success of the athletics department but also to the team members,” said Silsby. “I tell the students that the knowledge they gain here will set them up for the next 30-40 years, and that knowledge is more than just how to play well, it’s about striving for excellence in all aspects of their lives.”

Silsby joins three full-time coaches in baseball, volleyball and men’s and women’s soccer.

Basketball alum goes pro

An article in the July 25 issue of Alaska News-Miner notes that Andrew Kelly '12 of the Alaska Nanooks has signed to play one year with Club Sindri in Hofn, Iceland. Kelly was the 2013-14 Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Club Sindri is one of 18 teams in the Second Division of the Icelandic Basketball Federation.

Two alumni pitch for the NY Yankees in same game

Jeron Long '12

 Two Chandler-Gilbert Community College baseball alumni pitched in a double A game for the New York Yankees on July 13. The starter Jaron Long ’12 secured the win and James Pazos ’10 secured a save.

James Pazos '10

“It’s extremely rare to have two alumni from the same community college both pitch for the same team in the same game and record a win and a save,” said Russ Luce, CGCC baseball coach. “We are fortunate to have such quality players come through the college and continue on to play at such a high level.”

Both Long and Pazos play for the Trenton Thunder, a minor league affiliate of the New York Yankees.

Read about the game