The Bakersfield College Renegades keep proving to be the Spartans of discipline, coaches affirm.
Many teams worked out during the summer and are primed for the new seasons with new and returning players, according to the coaches.
All of the teams are dealing with the loss of valuable players, but the departures are amicable, say the coaches.
Men’s Basketball
Assistant men’s basketball coach Aaron Chavez says that he is anticipating a fine season with new players, as six players from last year have gone on to four-year institutions. Nevertheless, coaches are always particularly happy to see players progress to a higher level at four-year institutions, said Chavez.
According to Chavez, both Steve Alford and Andrew Ready are preparing themselves for Division II team Western Washington.
According to head coach Rich Hughes, Western Washington has one of the best Division II basketball programs. Alford and Ready are delighted that they will be playing together, Hughes said.
Forward Demetrius Williamson is taking the plunge into Division I at Niagara University in New York.
“Niagara U. is a good academic school, and Demetrius is a good student,” said Hughes.
Lawrence Billings is bound for Division II at Metro State in Denver, Colorado.
At Metro, Billings will have an opportunity to play at one of the more outstanding Division II programs, Hughes said.
According to Hughes, Metro’s basketball style is comparable to BC’s, so Billings’ segue to Metro will be smooth.
“We place players in different parts of the country,” Chavez said. “We want to make it the right fit, and we want them to be happy wherever they go.”
Two other players making an exit are Aaron Perez, who heads off to Oklahoma Baptist University and the NAIA, as well as consistent standout Terrence Johns, who is heading to Division I at Cal State Bakersfield.
For Terrence Johns, although a native of Chicago, CSUB was a natural choice because he has enjoyed a lot of success in Bakersfield. “Bakersfield is a second home to him,” Hughes said.
Looking forward to the upcoming season, Hughes believes the team will show many of the strengths it has shown before.
Last season, according to Hughes, the team consistently delivered the ball well from the three-point line. The team was also very adept at driving the ball to the basket.
For nearly every season, defense has been a consistent strength, and Hughes expects this season to be no different.
“Pressure defense is our whole game,” Hughes said.
Women’s Basketball
Assistant women’s basketball coach Jenny Dahl says the team is eager to work again with returning players, including forward Catie Mueller, center Sara Pinner and forward Elise Reil.
Dahl says that Mueller, an excellent student, will be used for both inside and outside games.
“We’re banking on Mueller for lots of points and rebounding,” Dahl said.
Dahl said center Sara Pinner will contribute a formidable inside game. Dahl says Pinner is also a good rebounder. Dahl says the team looks forward to the return of forward Elise Reil, who was out for a large part of last season because of illness. Dahl believes Reil will be foremost in scoring points from the outside and in rebounding.
Dahl says the team is welcoming back Megan Atkins, an assertive three-point shooter.
Head Coach Paula Dahl says the team regrets the departure of last season’s players, including Neha Joshi, Taylor Abercrombie and LaShay Bagsby. Nevertheless, Dahl says the team will be enlivened with an impressive group of freshmen players. Dahl says that a recurring dilemma for athletic teams at junior and community colleges is that they are always starting every season with new players. However, Dahl says, the team is always eager to take on new blood and to work with it. Adjustments can always be made, Dahl said.
“We might have to change our system,” Dahl said.
Soccer
Soccer coach Scott Dameron says that his team will be strengthened by the return of six players who will demonstrate leadership skills this season.
These returning players will be adept at helping to teach new players, Dameron said. Adaptability among the players was always one of the team’s strengths, Dameron said.
New systems developed and the learning from last season will continue on into this season, Dameron said.
Right now the team is getting into shape and nobody is especially anxious about the season; however, the team is excited to engage in the season’s challenges.
The team’s first scrimmage was August 23 against College of the Sequioas.
Football
Richard Castro, offensive line coach, foresees a good season for recouping old game losses.
“We’ll be correcting ghosts from the past,” Castro said. “We’ll regain games lost.”
The team’s losses included the one to El Camino College in the semifinals as well as to Saddleback in the team’s second game last year.
According to Castro, the team has good returning offensive players and good quarterbacks.
The team’s first scrimmage was with the College of the Sequoias, according to Chad Grider, inside linebacker coach. Their first game will be with Reedley. Grider says the team possesses an indomitable camaraderie.
Most importantly, according to Grider, the players are quick to learn strategies. Grider says the team is fortunate to have Daron Mackey, inside linebacker and returning starter, who will provide the team with leadership and commitment.
Speaking for the other assistant coaches and of their shared responsibilities, Dave Thorp, defensive line coach remarked, “Our job is to free up the linebackers.”
Jeff Chudy, head coach, says the team understands the need to work as a cohesive entity.
Volleyball
Coach Carl Ferreira says his team is currently working on defensive, offensive and transitional systems.
He says he is expecting his returning players to provide leadership and motivation to the new players.
The experience of returning players is indispensable, he says.
“The returning players possess experience in attacking,” Ferreira said.
The team vowed to bounce back from its loss last season to Orange Coast College in the SoCal playoffs, Ferreira said.
Returning players Haylee Varner, middle blocker, and Jamie Humphrey, outside hitter, are vital to the program, Ferreira said.
Jennifer Bright, defensive specialist, Emily Ermigarat, libero, and twins Lindsey and Karlie Thompson are also standouts.
Outside hitter Karlie Thompson believes communication between the players and overall enjoyment of the game will be the key to a winning season.
Some cite overall ability as the key.
“The team’s talented,” said freshman Maddie Dahl, outside hitter.