The T. eMmys are unofficial awards recognizing the top athletes, coaches, and moments of the fall season at Cerritos College. The awards are based solely on the opinions of the sports staff of the Talon Marks. No actual trophies are awarded. However, all winners will receive a thumbs up and high five whenever seen by a sports reporter from Talon Marks.
Best Team
WINNER
Football
The football team started off a perfect 8-0, was one point away from a perfect regular season, and finished the year at 9-2. The team also outscored its opponents 420-204. Although the loss in the first round of the playoffs was disappointing, it was not enough to keep the football team from winning fall’s best team award.
NOMINEES
Women’s Water Polo
Also one point from a perfect season, women’s water polo ended with a 29-2 record. A shock defeat early in the regional tournament ended this team’s season prematurely.
Men’s Soccer
After a regular season with a couple of rough spots, the men’s soccer team advanced to the third round of the playoffs (further than any other Cerritos team this fall), where it lost to eventual state champions, Mt. SAC.
Best Male Athlete
WINNER
Luis Gonzalez
Named October’s CCCAA State Male Athlete of the month, Gonzalez is also our Best Male Athlete this fall. Despite being double and triple-teamed throughout the year, the striker was in top form all season, leading not only the team, but also the state, in goals scored (27), assists (18) and points (72).
NOMINEES
Caleb Gerl
Wrestling at 184 and 197 pounds, Gerl’s current record stands at 29-1. He is currently the back-to-back Southern California champion at 184 pounds. Gerl was crowned champion at the Modesto Tournament, West Valley Tournament, Cerritos Open and Mike Glock Open as well.
Eric Russell
Recognized for his play on both sides of the ball, Russell was named to the All-Northern Division Central Conference First Team on offense as an all-purpose player and on defense as a defensive back.
Best Female Athlete
WINNER
Natalie Peng
As the go to player on the women’s water polo team, Peng earns this falls Best Female Athlete. Peng was a force for Cerritos on both ends of the pool, scoring a total of 75 goals, recording 9 assists, and coming up with 48 steals in 28 games. Her goals and steals were enough to lead the team.
NOMINEES
Sarah Naranjo
Led the volleyball team in kills (289), kills per game (3.71) and aces (33). Naranjo was also second on the team in digs (173) and third in blocks (22).
Nancy Gandarilla
The playmaker broke the school record for assists in a season with 20, scored the second most goals on the team (15) , and led the soccer team with 50 points.
Best Game
WINNER
Women’s Water Polo vs. Long Beach
In the most heated contest of the fall, the women’s water polo team entertained a large crowd by winning against arch rival Long Beach. The physical contest was close throughout, with Cerritos pulling away only in the last two minutes of play.
NOMINEES
Volleyball vs. Fullerton
After losing the first match, the volleyball team battled all the way back to win in five games.
Football vs. El Camino
The football team clinched its playoff berth by beating El Camino, 42-28. The win came on the heels of the crushing 27-26 loss at the hands of Mt. SAC.
Best Comeback
WINNER
Volleyball vs. Fullerton
In what was arguably the team’s best performance of the year, passing and defense shone. After narrowly losing the first match, 23-25, the team fought its way back to a fifth game, winning 18-16. The comeback would set the tone for a successful year for the volleyball team.
NOMINEE
Men’s Water Polo vs. Mt. SAC
Trailing 3-1 after the first quarter and 5-4 at halftime, the team took the lead late in the game, but was forced into overtime. After trailing goals in overtime, the team finally pulled away and held on for a 12-11 victory.
Best Coach
WINNER
Teresa Velazquez-Ortega
Guided the volleyball team to a third-place finish in the South Coast Conference and into the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Velazquez-Ortega was able to help improve the volleyball team’s performance more than any coach and their respective squad this fall.
NOMINEES
Frank Mazzotta
During the year, Mazzotta earned his 200th victory of his career and finished the season with 203.
Don Garriott
Will be sending seven wrestlers to the state championships Dec. 11-12. On the year and guided the team to another strong season, finishing second in the conference.
Best Male Rookie Athlete
WINNER
Jose Lopez
The heavyweight is the Southern California champion and will head to Chabot College on Dec. 11 for the state championships. Lopez wrestles at 285 pounds and is currently 30-4. He is also the Modesto Tournament and Cerritos Open champion.
NOMINEES
PJ Gabayeron
Arguably the top all-around performer for the men’s water polo team, Gabayeron led the squad with 38 assists and 64 steals, while scoring the second-most goals (63).
Cesar Castillo
Transplanted all the way from Colorado, Castillo ended the season with the second-most goals (15) and assists (10) on the men’s soccer team.
Best Female Rookie Athlete
WINNER
Ruby Leon
Leon burst onto the scene this fall by leading the women’s soccer team in scoring with 19 goals and added nine assists. The striker/midfielder was called on time and again in big situations and produced. She also led the team on the field as a captain in her debut campaign.
NOMINEES
Chanelle Puou
Offensive specialist tallied the second-most kills (262) and kills per game (3.32) for the volleyball team.
Raquel Gabayeron
Recorded the second-most goals (57) and steals (46) for the women’s water polo team.
