COASTERS: Jingle Bucs

Steve Virgen

‘Tis the season to be like the Orange Coast College women’s

basketball team. At a time when it’s supposed to be about the thought

that counts, big gifts are much of the delight. But, for the Pirates,

it’s the little things that have become huge blessings for jolly Coach

Mike Thornton.

And, at Christmastime, we are reminded of the warmth and the true

goodness of people. It’s in this season that we acknowledge the sincerity

of the effort of the OCC women’s hoops team because the Bucs do play with

heart.

Their emotion stirs from the challenge set before them.

You see, the Pirates were 27-6 last year with a third-round appearance

in the Southern California Regional Playoffs and there was plenty reason

to be joyous, until the end of the season came.

That’s when Thornton was left with no returning starters. The Pirates

were ranked as high as No. 2 in the state last year as they reeled off an

18-game winning streak.

This season, expectations were so low not even a Christmas wish would

bring a vote to be ranked, much less 18 wins.

But, Kristen Urban, Nadia Mojica and Karyn Fierst came to save the

day, actually the season. Displaying the epitome of scrappy play, the

Bucs’ supporting cast of Janette Redmond, Jennifer Nakano, Megan Masuda,

Cara Ducey and Kyra Melville have made the difference in a year that was

supposed to be made for “rebuilding.”

On Dec. 17, the Pirates won their own tournament for the third

straight year as they took down Cerritos, the No. 2 team in the state,

57-53, in the title game. It was OCC’s ninth win of the season.

Mojica was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. The 5-foot-9

sophomore forward grabbed a season-high 17 rebounds and scored 15 points

in the Bucs’ first-round win over Cuesta. In the championship game, she

finished with 18 points and 14 rebounds.

She is usually shorter than the opponents down in the paint, but that

doesn’t seem to be much of factor with Mojica.

“We’ve been beating teams that are taller than us because we’ve got it

together and made sure that we do the little things,” she said after

defeating Cuesta.

Coast lost to Cerritos in a rematch Wednesday, 74-49. But the Bucs

have already proved that on their good-shooting days, they can compete

with anyone. And, sometimes they win.

With the new year approaching, we know the Pirates will have an Orange

Empire Conference title as their No. 1 resolution.

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Also in this season of giving, the OCC mens’ soccer team handed out

its team awards earlier this month. At its awards banquet there was good

reason to celebrate.

This season, the Pirates pulled a magic act that would make David

Blaine jealous.

The Bucs (19-4-4) more than sextupled their wins from last year

(3-14-4), including a 3-2 Nov. 6 victory over Santa Ana that ended the

Dons’ 70-game unbeaten streak.

Coast lost to Santa Ana in the state championship game, but the

Pirates will definitely be back in a big way next year. Thirteen freshmen

from this year should return.

At the team’s Dec. 18 awards banquet, the Pirates honored sophomore

Spencer McDearmon as Most Valuable Player. Among his accolades, he scored

the game-tying goal in the state semifinal win over unbeaten and untied

Santa Rosa. The Pirates won in penalty kicks.

The men’s soccer team also made some highlights in the classroom. Mike

Carvin was given the Sophomore Scholar Athlete award and, along with

teammate Matt Moseley, was honored for his success as a student-athlete

by the Commission on Athletics.

Freshman Chris Wimmer received the Coaches Award. How could Laird

Hayes not love this guy. Wimmer (in the spirit of Christmas, I’ll

generously list him as 5-foot-8) is the gutty, little midfielder who put

aside bumps, bruises, scrapes and sore muscles to outplay most of his

defenders. His relentless attacking would annoy the strongest of

characters.

Sophomore John Gump was named Most Improved. Every game he got better

and that’s all I have to say about that. And no, nobody called him

Forrest.

In a no-brainer: team captain Geno Vitale-Sansosti was selected as

Most Inspirational. As if his aggressive play was not enough inspiration,

he conquered a drug habit three years ago and now he cherishes every day

with his love for soccer and a prospective career in sports medicine.

Geno not only inspired the Pirates, he had a powerful influence on a

local sports writer who was standing at the crossroads in regards to

journalism. Thank you, Geno.

Look for the return of Ian Buchanan next year. He was OCC’s Rookie of

the Year. His defensive prowess should lead the Pirates back to the state

championships.