STARKVILLE, Miss. – The coaching staff of Cypress led by head coach Brad Pickler and assisted by Dennis Blas, Frank Mendoza and Rachelle Van Diver have been named as the 2012 NFCA Cal JC National Coaching Staff of the Year, the Association announced Monday.
The Chargers won two games on the final day of the state tournament to capture their third state title in as many years, becoming the first team to win two on Sunday since Palomar in 2000. This year’s championship increases Cypress’ overall total to eight Cal JC crowns under Pickler, the most of any program in the CCCAA. The three straight championships marks just the second time in CCCAA history that the feat has been accomplished, with Cypress having done so previously in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
Pickler and his staff piloted the Chargers to a 45-5 overall record in 2012 and led them to their 11th consecutive Orange Empire Conference championship. Cypress also extended its state “elite eight” appearance streak to 23 this season and have only failed to advance that far just twice in the 25-year tenure of Pickler.
Other regional winners this season were:
North Region – College of San Mateo
Head Coach: Nicole Borg
Assistant Coaches: Dale Bassman, Denise Fabris, Toby Garza & Michelle Tating
The Bulldogs turned in a 39-6 record this season and won the Coast Conference – North Division regular-season title en route to a super regional appearance. San Mateo, the No. 2 seed in the north, swept American River in regional play before falling to Ohlone and Sierra in the super regionals.
South Region – College of the Canyons
Head Coach: John Wissmath
Assistant Coaches: Karina Saluenwhite
College of the Canyons finished 2012 at 42-5, after capturing the Western State Conference – Blue Division regular-season championship and advancing to the play-offs. The Cougars earned the No. 1 the seed in the south and topped Santa Barbara City to advance to the super regionals. In the super regionals, Canyons fought its way out of the elimination bracket after an early loss to Southwestern and forced an “If Necessary” game for a state title berth. After topping Riverside CC, 8-0, in game one to force game two, the Cougars ended their season one game short, falling 5-3.