PC notebook: Campos signs with CS Monterey Bay
(Editor’s note: Today is the first installment in a new series, featuring notes from Porterville College athletics. Each Thursday, The Recorder will highlight weekly updates about players, coaches, and events).
PC’s top sophomore hitter, Stacey Campos (Granite Hills), will be continuing her academic and softball career at Cal State Monterey Bay. Campos said she will play either middle infield or outfield for the Otters – a Division II program that won the California Collegiate Athletic Association championship and advanced to the West Regionals in 2010. “It’s a dream come true — to play at the NCAA level,” Campos said. “I’m super excited and I can’t wait.”
Last season, Campos batted .361 in 33 games and led the Pirates with 19 RBI. She finished second in team hits (35), runs (17), stolen bases (12), and doubles (7). “I loved my time at PC, and will miss everyone who helped me along the way,” she said. “My coaches were awesome and my teammates will always be special to me.”
Campos was also recruited by Menlo University and University of the Southwest in Hobbs, New Mexico. Rosie Campos, Stacey’s older sister, also played at PC before transferring to a four-year university (University of Arts and Sciences of Oklahoma in 2008). Both were recognized with All-Central Valley Conference accolades: Rosie a first team member, and Stacey as honorable mention.
MEN’S
BASKETBALL
As Pirates head coach T.J. Jennings enters his third season with the program, 2011-12 will mark the first recruiting class in terms of graduating sophomores. The four returners — point guard Donald Lee, 6-7 center Jordan Wilkinson, and shooting guards Jason Carmichael and Kameron Hoyt — should all receive interest from four-year universities, Jennings said. Following two great performances at summer tournament showcases, Carmichael (Mt. Whitney) is already being recruited by NCAA Division I schools. “Jason has worked his way into becoming one of the best all-around players at his position,” said Jennings, who won the recruiting battle for Carmichael against most of the top Central Valley Conference teams. “He had a tremendous summer and caught the eye of a lot of major universities from across the country. We expect quite a few scouts in our gym to watch all of our sophomores this season.”
Jennings is also excited about this year’s crop of incoming freshmen, led by City-County All-Star forward Carl Goodman, who helped Bullard High School win the 2011 Division 1 Valley championship.
“Carl was perhaps the most athletic post player in this year’s Valley recruiting class,” said Jennings. “He’s learning to play another position at the wing spot, so there will be some adjustments to his game. Carl had a lot of options for college basketball, so we are thrilled to have him in the PC program. Overall, this year’s team will be fun to watch. Fans will enjoy our high energy, and our talent has definitely improved.”
BASEBALL
Head coach Jake Kiser enjoyed his first spring and summer semesters recruiting local talent throughout the Valley.
“We have been pleased with the quality of student-athletes we have coming in,” said Kiser. “We are especially excited about the local talent coming from Tulare County.”
Among the new Pirates will be Andrew Lopez, the highly-recruited first baseman from Mt. Whitney. He is joined by a cast of other locals including Porterville’s 1B/OF Zack Watson, IF Mitchell Villereal; and Lindsay’s RHP/IF Misael Villareal, OF Adam Gamboa, and IF Mike Hernandez. The Pirates have brought back youth baseball camps and clinics to the campus, starting with a Sunday Summer Camp for middle schoolers. While all spots are currently full, Kiser plans to offer an instructional Camp during the winter, with grade levels to be determined.
ON THE AIR
PC Athletics will return as a sponsor during the halftime show on KTIP’s High School Football Game of the Week. The local station announced its 11-game regular season lineup, which begins Friday, Sept. 9 with Porterville hosting Shafter.
“We are thrilled to continue sponsoring and supporting our area high school athletic programs during the live broadcast,” said PC athletic director Eric Mendoza, who will host the halftime segment. “The audience will have an opportunity to hear from Pirate coaches and student-athletes — in addition to local personalities sharing information about events in town.”
TEAM SCHEDULES
For all PC team schedules, please visit portervillecollege.edu/athletics. The new sports season officially begins on Wednesday, August 31, as the volleyball team will host Cuesta College at 6 p.m. Special volleyball promotions will be announced soon.
