PC goes all out for end-of-year awards ceremony

The first-ever Porterville College Academic and Athletic Achievement Awards honored the top Pirates from the 2008-09 sports season, last Thursday night in a packed campus theater. The event was presented by PC’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council and hosted by the athletic department.

In all, 22 awards were handed out — not including 27 all-conference certificates and 21 honors for student-athletes earning honor roll status.

PC Athletic Director Eric Mendoza said the evening — beginning with a red-carpet photo session and ending with a dinner-dance for the student-athletes at the McDermont Fieldhouse — was an opportunity to shine the spotlight on all of the Pirate sports programs.

“Our student-athletes invest so much time and energy into their academics and sports,” Mendoza said. “They have earned a night to be recognized and celebrated by our college. We hope this event is a long-standing tradition, and one that will garner scholarships in the future.”

The 90-minute ceremony featured many former local high school products. Seven of the top 16 award-winners were from Tulare County, including “Female Scholar-Athletes of the Year” Chantal Crouzet (basketball) and Candice Burns (softball), and “Male Rookie of the Year” Steven Jones (baseball) – all from Monache High School.

The event also included an appearance from CBS-47 sports anchor Andrew Marden, who presented the “Courage Awards” to Nansi Reyes (Arvin) and Bryce Smith (Tulare Western). Reyes, a volleyball and basketball player, spoke to the audience about working in the fields to support her family. Smith, a catcher on the baseball team, shared his inspiring story about overcoming a traumatic burn accident to continue his dream of playing college baseball.

“It was definitely an emotional night for everyone close to our athletic programs, especially the students, families, and staff,” Mendoza said. “All of our student-athletes have come to Porterville College from different paths. For us to be part of that journey truly has special meaning. To hear their personal stories and to hear how PC has changed their lives for the better, it reminds us how much of an impact we have.”

The Dean’s List (students with GPAs between 3.0 and 3.49) included 11 student-athletes, while the President’s List (3.5-4.0 GPA) had 10 Pirates representing various sports.

“Being a college student-athlete takes discipline and hard work,” said PC president Dr. Rosa Carlson. “We are setting the bar high for academic standards. Some of our award-winners didn’t have successful high school careers, but because of a second chance, they now have the opportunity to earn scholarships and continue 

playing sports.”

The PC “Coaching Staff of the Year” award went to volleyball head coach Dale Henderson and assistant Gracie Steidley after guiding the team to a 13-9 record and a third-place conference finish.

Other top award-winners included Jennifer Gliddon (Female Rookie of the Year, softball), Alvin “Tiger” Wright (Male Sophomore of the Year, basketball), and Rachel Harrison (Female Sophomore of the Year, basketball and volleyball).

Student-Athlete Advisory Council president Karmell Stone said the event was the highlight of the sports season.

“We spent several months planning the event and it was well worth it,” said Stone, who will return next season to play his sophomore year on the basketball team. “The ultimate honor is to be recognized in front of your peers and to have a chance to thank your coaches, teammates and families. I’m sure this is a night none of us will forget.”

PC Academic and Athletic Award winners

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Candice Burns, Softball

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Chantal Crouzet, Basketball

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Tyler Durand, Baseball

Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Carlos Borromeo, Baseball

Rookie of the Year: Jennifer Gliddon, Softball

Rookie of the Year: Steven Jones, Baseball

Sophomore of the Year: Rachel Harrison, Basketball and Volleyball

Sophomore of the Year: Alvin “Tiger” Wright, Basketball

Courage Award: Nansi Reyes, Volleyball and Basketball

Courage Award: Bryce Smith, Baseball

Performance of the Year: Rachel Morris, Softball

Performance of the Year: Jonathan Medina, Baseball

Sportsmanship Award: Deidra Dale, Softball and Volleyball

Sportsmanship Award: Anthony Rodriguez, Baseball

Pirate Award: Kelly Dotlzer, Softball

Pirate Award: Andres Borromeo, Baseball

Coaching Staff of the Year: Dale Henderson and Gracie Steidley, Volleyball

Special Recognition Award: Kathie Gifford, Administrative Secretary

SAAC “Spirit” Award: Candice Burns, Softball and Andres Borromeo, Baseball

Community Outreach Award: Del Marine, Baseball