The sounds of fans cheering, starting gunshots echoing throughout the track, and the sight of the many participants from community colleges across California can only mean that it’s time for the Coast Conference Track Championships. Read the full story

Gladiators hope to end season strong

Coming into Thursday’s game against De Anza College (19-14), the Gladiators (3-32) had lost 13 consecutive games. Read the full story

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The Chabot men’s soccer team lost a close game at home against West Valley’s Vikings last Tuesday.

The West Valley Vikings attacked constantly and managed to score a late goal, giving them a 1-0 victory over Chabot.

The Gladiators came into the game after a 2-0 loss to Joe Silveira coached Evergreen Valley College. Leading the Vikings is head coach Gasper Silveira, brother of Joe.

West Valley dominated the possession game 10 minutes in, as they passed the ball freely and looked for holes on Chabot’s side of the field.

A shot by Vikings forward Juan Carlos Leal forced Gladiator’s goalkeeper Alejandro Gonzales to step up and punch the ball out, giving the Vikings their first corner kick of the game. The cross from the corner amounted to nothing, keeping both teams scoreless.

The Gladiators first strike came at the 30th minute, when forward Jose Coria’s free kick just outside the box went by West Valley’s defensive wall and almost went in. Viking goalkeeper Matt Grosey’s dive not only kept the ball out, but it also denied the Gladiators from scoring.

Both teams were scoreless going into the half.

Chabot came out in the second half ready to play, as a shot by midfielder Carlos Gonzales went over the bar as Viking’s goalkeeper, Grosey, came out forcing an early shot.

West Valley, however, dominated the second half.

In the 75th minute, a goal by Viking Wilmar Bautista gave West Valley a 1-0 lead, as the forward kicked the ball in after getting past Gladiator Erich Thiemann.

West Valley scored twice but were called offsides on both occasions.

The final score was 1-0, West Valley.

“It’s not fixing, it’s the attitude, the approach to the game,” replied head coach Tony Igwe, when asked about what needs to be fixed for the next game, adding “You can not be a lone ranger. One player wants to beat everybody and you can not do that.”

Gladiator forward Jose Coria added to what his coach said by stating. “We should have won this one. We should have came out with a lot more touch, we just have to work at practice.”

The Gladiator’s next home game is Tuesday, Oct. 25, against Monterey.

By Rashaan Mungo

The Chabot Men’s soccer team kicked off on the right foot last week, defeating Contra Costa 4-3 in a tightly contested match to begin the 2011 season. The game began a string of 6 consecutive home games for the Gladiators, who wasted little time finding the back of the net.

Chabot started the game clearly in control as they dominated the time of possession and frustrated Contra Costa’s defenders. The Comets seemed to be one step behind the speed of Chabot’s midfielders leading to a series of costly penalties.

During a Chabot free kick by Jesus Leon, Contra Costa was called for holding in the box. Consequently, giving the Gladiators a penalty kick and putting early pressure on Comets’ goalkeeper Robert Olsen. Freshman midfielder, Jose Coria converted on the penalty kick giving Chabot a 1-0 lead with a 10th minute goal.

The celebration though, was short lived as the Comets came roaring back to score two goals of their own before the end of the half. Adan Martinez made his presence felt scoring twice. Once on a shot from midfield just beyond the out- stretched arms of goaltender Alejandro Gonzalez, and then scoring again on a penalty kick with 9 minutes left to go in the half.

With Chabot down 2-1, Contra Costa had clearly stolen the momentum.

Coming out of the half the Gladiators came out like a team on a mission. Midfielder Alfredo Navarro, who was around most of the action, broke away down the middle of the pitch before scoring his first goal, equalizing the game at 2-2.

From that moment on it was all Chabot. The Gladiators scored two more goals on rebounds

out in front of goal, as Jesus Leon and Jose Luis Perez applied constant pressure on the Comets’ net minder.

With the game getting out of hand, Contra Costa substituted Kevin Suarez for goalkeeper Robert Olsen.

The move would prove to be too little too late, as a last minute surge by the Comets’ would fall ultimately short. An 83rd minute goal by Daniel Patrino for Contra Costa capped off the comeback attempt, making the score 4-3, which would go on to be the final.

Wins like this can go a long way in developing a winning culture for a young team. With 21 players being freshmen, a come from behind win after losing an early lead, is a sign of maturity.

“We started off good, but we made some mistakes and let [Contra Costa] back in the game”, said Alfredo Navarro in a post game interview. “Coach [Tony Igwe] gave us some words at half- time that really helped us play better as a team.

“I told them to play like champions”, said head coach Tony Igwe, “You have to stay focused for a full 90 minutes. We missed some opportunities to score more goals because we didn’t shoot particularly well”.

The Gladiators didn’t take full advantage of all their opportunities, but they arose to the occasion and showed a lot of character finding a way to grind out a win against the visiting Comets.

“I really like this group of players”, said Igwe. “I’m excited to see how this season is going to play out.”

–Notes–

-The last two games between these two teams ended in 0-0 ties. The last time Contra Costa had scored a goal at Chabot was in a 3-2 win in 2005

Chabot pulled away from Foothill College for a tough win in Hayward 69-54. Chabot went to a smaller lineup than usual and defended Foothills spread offense and penetrated the Owls defense all night.

Big Man Kyle Lucket got into early foul trouble and did not return to the floor. Sophomore guard Jourdan DeMuynck picked up the slack scoring 16 points, including 12 in the second half.

The Gladiators held a 28-27 lead at the half, but did not score in the final four minutes of the half. “We were just messing around (in the 1^st half), taking quick shots,coach said we gotta put this team away,” says DeMuynck.

The Gladiators shifted from a zone to man to man, making it difficult for the Owls sharpshooters to get comfortable.

The Gladiators outscored the Owls 41-27 in the second half.

Beside the penetration of DeMuynck, the Gladiators also received strong efforts from Jacob Noisat and Kurtis Ong, who finished with 12 and 11 points respectively. Ong scored 10 of his 11 in the first half and Noisat made some clutch free-throws down the stretch.

Chabot is now 2-1 in the states toughest conference going into next weeks showdown with City College of San Francisco in Hayward

7 p.m.

7:35 p.m.
Less than 8 minutes left in the first half and the Gladiators are keeping Foothill on their feet with a score of 26 – 21.

7:42 p.m.
Three and half minutes left in the first half  and the Gladiators are still leading 28 – 25.

7:48 p.m.
Half Time !!!
Chabot’s Gladiators lead 28 – 27.

8:02 p.m.
Second half begins

8:04 p.m.
Chabot makes a shot bring the score to 30 – 27.

8:07 p.m.
Foothill fouls and Chabot #24 gets a free throw shot and brings the score 31 – 27.

8:11 p.m.
33 – 27

8:13 p.m.
35 – 30

8:16 p.m.
Chabot makes a 3 pt shot bringing the score 39 – 33.

8:29 p.m.
Chabot Gladiators continue to lead 49 – 40.

8:31 p.m.
Chabot takes a 10 point lead 52 – 42.

8:35 p.m.
Less than 5 minutes in the game, Gladiators lead 57 – 44.

8:46 p.m.

Less than a minute left and Chabot leads 68 – 54.

8;48 p.m.

Chabot wins!!!! 69 – 54.

Gladiators collapsed in front of Falcons

Chabot Gladiators (6-3, 2-2) had the West Hills Falcons (3-6, 2-2) right where they wanted them, yet it was not enough to win in Coalinga as they fell short, 37-34.

The game came down to the last drive. The Gladiators were winning 34-30. A good punt by Ryan Bosque backed the Falcons up against their own 4-yard line. Then quarterback Steven Hurt and the Falcons marched down 96 yards on 11 plays on the Gladiators who were seeking their 4^th road win in five tries.

On the first play the Falcons’ Steven Hurtr found receiver Darrel Ashberry for a 40-yard gain to give the Falcons a little breathing room.  When the same drive went to a huge 3^rd and 8, Hunter hit sophomore Michael Bowman for a 16-yard gain.  The drive was capped when Hurt found Dewayne Lorick for the 6-yard touchdown.

The game was close statistically.  Time of possession was even at 30 minutes apiece.  Quarterback Travis Gardner had a rare off game.  The Gladiators were able to stay relevant behind the play of workhorse Bryan Jones (26 carries, 118 yards, and 2TDs).

Some highlights from the game include:

• The Gladiators fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter and were drowning 30-7 by halftime.
• The Falcons first two scores came on runs of 56 yards and 1 yard by Gabriel Love and Rasuel Thomas respectively.
• The Gladiators responded when Gardner found receiver Joe Castro for the 8-yard strike.
• Momentum shifted right back to the Falcons on the next two possessions; Hunter found Lowick for scores with 43 yard and 49 yards.  Sandwiched between the two big plays was a safety.
• The Gladiators were able to reel off 24 unanswered points.
• With four minutes left in the second quarter, linebacker York Leapaga stepped in front Hunter’s pass. The turnover gave the Gladiators possession at midfield.
• With Gardner struggling to complete a pass, the Gladiators turned to Jones. Jones was able to get them 40 yards on 5 carries in the drive, including an impressive 20-yard scoring run.
• Special teams and defense led the third quarter comeback.  In the quarter, the Gladiators managed 20 points. After the defense forced a quick three and out, Castro’s 39 yards punt return put the Gladiators on the Falcons 4 yard line.  Gladiators only managed a field goal.
• On the Falcons next possession, cornerback stud Joshua Pride intercepted Hurt first pass attempt and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown.  This was Pride’s fourth interception in the last two games, three for which he has returned for touchdowns.
• A Bryan Jones 7 yard touchdown run late in the quarter gave the Gladiators their first lead at 34-30.  But the long drive by the Falcons ended the Gladiators hopes of coming home with the win

.

The Gladiators figure to have their hands full this week as they will host powerhouse De Anza College (6-3, 4-0).  De Anza is coming off a 29-21 victory of Los Medanos, in which they scored 26 second half points.  De Anza is also in the process of a five game winning streak.

On October 30, in Hayward, Ca, the Chabot Gladiators took on Los Medanos Mustangs. The Gladiators defense led by defensive back Joshua Pride proved to be too much for the Mustangs in their 47-19 win.
In the first quarter, the Mustangs quarterback Juan Corral found Devin Legall for a 63 yard touchdown. The rest of the way was a nightmare for Corral. He only threw 97 yards more the rest of the game, including three interceptions all made by Pride.
The first interception came as the Mustangs were attempting to climb back into the game after falling behind 24-6. They were on a 7 play drive that produced 66 yards when Pride stepped in front of Corral pass to prevent the score.
The third quarter saw more of Pride. Pride picked Corral off twice more, running both in for scores.
By the fourth quarter, Mustang coach Chris Shipe had seen enough of Corral and decided to pull the struggling quarterback in favor of Alex Steindel.
Steindel tried to rally the Mustangs, but it was a little bit too late. Though he did lead them to consecutive scoring drives, his team fell short 47-19.
With the win, the Gladiators improve to (6-2, 2-1) on the season. The Mustangs fell to (3-5, 1-2). The Gladiators travel to Coalinga, Ca, Saturday to take on West Hills College.

The Chabot football team has been practicing hard all summer for the start of the 2010
season and they couldn’t be anymore excited about it. “We are tired of hitting each
other,” Head Coach Danny Calcagno said, now entering his seventh season.

Though optimistic about his team right out the gate, Calcagno will be striving for
improvement throughout the season: “I’m looking forward to seeing us develop.
Hopefully by conference we will be better than week one.” Development is going to be a
key term this season due to all the newcomers.

There are many fresh-faced freshmen on the squad this season that survived camp and
Calcagno is very excited to see what they can do. “We have some talented freshmen but
they just have not played in a college football game yet,” said Calcagno.

These new freshmen will play an enormously big role this season for a squad that only
has four players returning from last season. “We are very young, only one returner on
offense and three on defense,” noted Calcagno.

Asi Moa and Travis Tupou are two of those returning players Coach Calcagno will
look toward to take charge and make the biggest and most immediate impact. Both
players being on the defensive line should make for some serious pass rushing as well as
dominant run stopping.

Though this squad is young there is depth as well as talent. If these players can come
together and play at the level this season’s coaching staff feels they can there will be
plenty of wins. “Potentially we will be competitive,” said Calcagno.

Not only looking to be competitive against other teams, but being competitive against
each other will also play a big role for many of these young freshmen that are new to the
college football environment. “All these freshmen are competing for a job and there is no
one that has taken a position” noted Calcagno.

Being consistently competitive with each other in practice will only make these
Gladiators tougher and more sound on the field come game day.

Calcagno has a record of 28 wins and 23 losses in his six-year career as Chabot’s Head
Coach since starting in 2004. Coaching football for seventeen years, however, Calcagno
brought an instant success to the program leading the Gladiators to their only Bowl Game
of the new millennium back in his first season coaching in 2004.

Calcagno will be looking to lead this young batch of ball players to Chabot’s twenty-first
Bowl Game as well as the school’s fourteenth Conference Championship. Chabot has a
strong football tradition and this season will be no different.

The Gladiators start their season Saturday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. here on Chabot’s very own turf against West Valley College. Last year’s football squad handled these opponents
with ease, winning the game 56 to 13, and this year should be no different.

Season starts this week with home doubleheader

The Lady Gladiators will kick off their season against Modesto as part of a doubleheader with the men’s squad on Sept. 3, and host the following two games at home against Los Medanos Sept. 10 and West Hills Sept. 14.

The women will be anxious to improve on their 2009 season – reaching the playoffs for the first time under Head Coach Tony Igwe but losing in the first round to top-seeded Solano College. They finished third in the Coast Conference South Division with five wins, three losses, and one tie, and ended the season with nine wins, ten losses, and two ties overall.

They’ll play an exciting brand of “total soccer”, attacking regardless of scoreline and hoping to surprise opponents with counter attacks. With four returning seniors this year, Igwe expects them to provide solid leadership, while defensive midfielder Amanda Murillo and midfielder Erica Garcia should be among the stars on this year’s team.

The Lady Gladiators will play twice against the arch-rival Hawks: first in Livermore Sept. 24 and then at home Oct. 29. There’ll also be some important road clashes, including a match against San Bruno’s Skyline, 2009 Coast Conference champions, Oct. 1.

Skyline was undefeated in league play in 2009 but was pushed to the limit by the Lady Gladiators in a 3-2 road defeat. A return match will be held at Chabot Nov. 4, a game that should go a long way in determining the playoff aspirations for both teams.

The women will also battle Foothill, runners-up in the Coast Conference last year, in another tough road encounter Oct. 15.

As for the men, Coach Igwe has a positive outlook on the upcoming season, and has stressed the importance to his players of on-field communication and building stamina in the weeks of practice and conditioning leading up to Friday’s opening game.

Igwe will be relying on his top players to help lead the Gladiators back to the playoffs following their twelfth place finish in 2009 league play.

They’re loaded at the goalkeeper position, with both Rafael Campos and Anthony Ajido competing for minutes. Solid sophomore forward Raoul Noumbissi is a dangerous goalscoring threat, while sophomore midfielder Jun Nishioka should keep opponents on their toes.

The Gladiators kick off their 2010 campaign with four straight games at home: non-conference foes Modesto Sept. 3, College of Redwood Sept. 6, Napa Valley Sept. 8, West Hills Sept. 14, and Contra Costa Sept. 17.

The conference portion of the season begins in earnest as the Gladiators play host to Cabrillo College of Scotts Valley at 1 p.m. Sept. 24, the first of fourteen games to be contested in the 2010 Coast Conference Championship.

The Gladiators will also host CCSF, Hartnell, Foothill, Ohlone, Evergreen, and Mission for the home portion of the schedule, and will face arch-rivals Las Positas in the penultimate game of the season – a trip to Livermore Nov. 9, the home of the Hawks, for the chance to lay claim to bragging rights for the next year.

And what of the long awaited soccer field at Chabot? With final preparations beginning this month, the Gladiators expect to open their new $1.4 million soccer field sometime in January of next year.

Unfortunately, it won’t be ready in time for this season, but Coach Igwe hopes to invite Hayward-based National Premier Soccer League team Bay Area Ambassadors, who reached the first round of the 2010 US Open Cup and will share the new field with the Gladiators, to play the San Jose Earthquakes’ reserve team in the grand opening match.

For more information on the Gladiator teams, including scheduling, game times, and roster information, visit the Chabot College Web site, www.chabotcollege.edu.

David Bermudez/ Sports Editor

The Chabot baseball team found itself one out away Saturday from being eliminated in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) North Regional playoffs by No. 12 seed the Skyline Trojans after losing Friday’s match up 12-7.
With runners on second and third and down 4-2 in the top of the ninth, third basemen Miguel Flores hit a double up the middle that scored Chipper Lemmo and Kyle Gallegos to tie the game.
The next batter Jake Whitney hit a single that scored Flores and put the Gladiators up 5-4.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Gladiators almost allowed the Trojans to tie the game up.
Chabot shortstop Nick Bartolone made a diving play that kept the ball from getting out of the infield and threw out a Skyline baserunner at third to end the game. The win tied the series at 1-1 and gave all of the momentum to the Gladiators .
They went on to win the third and final game 6-2 to advance to the CCCAA NorCal Super Regional. After winning the second game, the Gladiators had all of the momentum in their side. In the top of the first, Skyline jumped out to a 1-0 after starting pitcher walked the third batter he faced.
The next batter hit a double with the ball taking a crazy bounce over the head of leftfielder Gallegos.
This allowed the walked batter to score from first. But the Gladiators answered back with a run of their own in the bottom of the first.
With two outs Lemmo sent a fastball into orbit when he crushed it over the centerfield fence and tied the game up at 1-1.
In the bottom of the third, the Gladiators put up another run to go up 2-1 and never looked back.
For starting pitcher Alex Jack, this was all that he needed. Jack pitched a complete game giving up only two hits, one earned run, and struck out six batters. In the top of the fifth, the Trojans tied the game up at 2-2, but in the bottom half the Gladiators jumped all over Skyline by scoring three runs.
Gallegos started off with a single that scored Bartolone and then with two outs, Flores beat out an infield single that scored Lemmo and Gallegos.
Jack cruised the rest of the way to lead the Gladiators to victory. Drew Helenihi put Chabot up 6-2 when he hit a homerun in the bottom half of the seventh.
After being surprised by Skyline on Friday with a 12-7 loss in game one, Skyline looked to take it the Gladiators in game two on Saturday by going up 3-0 in the bottom of the first.
Things started to look grim as Chabot kept on getting themselves out by going down in order or not being able to score. Skyline added another run in the bottom of the fourth to go up 4-0.
In the top of the fifth the Gladiator bats finally woke up when Helenihi lead the inning off with a double.
Gallegos then hit a single to make the score 4-1.
A few batters later, Flores hit a base hit to score Gallegos and Chabot down only two runs.
The Gladiators finally tied the game up in the top of the ninth and eventually took the lead and winning game two 5-4.
The Gladiators now advance to the super regional as the No. 3 seed in a double elimination bracket that will take place at Ohlone College. They will first take on Diablo Valley College on Friday at 11 a.m.
Depending on whether they win or lose, they will play either Ohlone or Merced College.
If Chabot losses the first game, the Gladiators will need to win the next four games in order to go to the state championships.
If the Gladiators win all of their games it would only take them three wins to go the state championships.