Rewriting GCC's history books

This is the first of eight editions in which the News-Press looks back at the area's 2010-11 seasons, school by school, before looking ahead at the year to come.

Locally, regionally or at the state level, Glendale Community College enjoyed arguably its finest athletic year ever. From the fall season right through the spring session, plenty of dramatic stories unfolded with several individual athletes winning state championships and the baseball team making an unexpected playoff run that nearly led to a state championship after winning its first conference championship since 2002.

Tammy Panich highlighted the fall season with her ascent to becoming the state's best women's golfer.

Alex Sarkissian put together the finest season in the history of the Vaqueros men's tennis program and quite possibly the state. He was the first player from GCC to win the Ojai Valley Tournament community college singles title and he also captured the 2011 California Community College Athletic Assn. Southern California Regional and the state singles championships.

The women's cross-country team finished second in the state meet. The men's basketball team used a late surge to qualify for the postseason for the first time since 2008. Thanks to a solid recruiting class, the men's golf program excelled throughout most of the season, which included placing second in conference and reaching the state championship for the first time in the program's history. To top it all off, Karen Rosas continued the individual glory with a tour de force at the state track and field championships.

The Vaqueros enjoyed a major renaissance in the spring, one that might not be forgotten for a long time.

Here is a recap of some of the Vaqueros' athletic highlights and events that unfolded during the past year:

Sept. 3, 2010 — The women's volleyball team picks up its first win of the season, defeating visiting Antelope Valley College, 25-15, 25-27, 20-25, 25-13, 15-12, in a nonconference match. Jessica Alvarez leads the Vaqueros with 20 kills and 11 digs and Roxy Domines has 51 assists.

Sept. 20, 2010 — The women's golf team places third on its home course of Oakmont Country Club in a Western State Conference match. The Vaqueros receive a seven-over-par 79 from Tammy Panich to lead the way

"I'm ecstatic with our scores," said Glendale first-year Coach Greg Osbourne, whose team finished with a 343 and finished two shots behind second-place Bakersfield. "How can you not give them the credit they deserve?