WELCOME TO
MUSTAN
Central Coast Support: In support of Cal Poly’s winning ways, the Mustang program has experienced a 31.9 percent increase in attendance between the 2008-09 season and last season’s average of 2,310 fans per home game. Cal Poly’s peak attendance figure under head coach Joe Callero of 2,411 fans during the 2014-15 season marked the program’s highest total in 12 years.
Defensive Excellence and Ball Control: Cal Poly has led the Big West
Conference in fewest points allowed per game during five of the last six seasons. At the other end of the court, no Division I program – among more than 340 – has committed few turnovers per game since the beginning of the 2012-13 season than the 9.34 Cal Poly has averaged. Last season alone, Cal Poly ranked 16th nationally with just 10.3 turnovers committed per game.
NG BASKETBALL A Winning Tradition: Cal Poly is enjoying its lengthiest sustained run of success in its Division I era. Under head coach Joe Callero, Cal Poly’s 53 Big West victories rank as the highest total over a seven-year period in program history while the team’s 100 total wins rank as the highest sevenyear total in 24 seasons. The 2014 Big West Tournament champions (left), Cal Poly’s 2014 First Four victory remains one of just two NCAA Tournament victories by a Big West program in the last 11 years.
A National Presence: Cal Poly regularly plays the nation’s elite programs in elite venues and features on national television. In seven previous seasons under Joe Callero, Cal Poly has played in 19 different states, competed in 13 arenas that have hosted NCAA Tournament games and visited nationally ranked opponents such as Arizona, UCLA, Gonzaga, San Diego State, Pitt, UNLV, Texas A&M and Wisconsin. During the past three seasons, Cal Poly has made 30 television appearances – including two as part of the 2014 NCAA Tournament.
joe callero Head Coach | Eighth Season | Central Washington, 1986 twitter: @coachcallero
Callero cuts down the net after Cal Poly’s 2014 Big West Tournament title
•• Under Callero, Cal Poly is experiencing
its longest sustained run of success in the Division I era. Cal Poly’s 100 victories under Callero rank as the program’s highest win total over a seven-year span in 24 seasons.
•• Having crafted Cal Poly into the Big West’s top defensive program, Callero’s Mustangs have led the conference in fewest points allowed per game for five of the last six seasons. During that span, Cal Poly has finished as one of the nation’s top 40 defensive programs four times.
•• Offensively, Cal Poly’s 72.4 points per game
last season ranked as the program’s highest scoring average in 14 years.
•• Also one of the nation’s most efficient
squads under Callero, Cal Poly has averaged just 9.34 turnovers per game during the past four seasons – the lowest total among 345 Division I programs. Additionally, Cal Poly has led the Big West during the previous five years with a combined 1.30-to-1 assist-toturnover ratio
•• During 2013-14 season, Callero directed
Cal Poly to the program’s first Big West Conference Tournament championship and first NCAA Division I Tournament appearance. Cal Poly’s 2014 NCAA Tournament First Four victory was the program’s first postseason win in 32 years and remains one of only two NCAA Tournament victories by a Big West program in the past 11 years.
MUSTANGS going prO On and off the court, Joe Callero’s former players are making a name for themselves in the world.
Chris Eversley / Above, Left (2010-14)
David Nwaba / Above, Right (2013-16)
Joel Awich (2011-16)
Kyle Odister (2009-14)
• Forward, RheinStars Köln (Germany
• Forward, Basket Club Montbrison (France)
Brian Bennett (2012-16)
• Forward, Nürnberg Falcons BC (Germany)
Michael Bolden (2013-15)
• Management Trainee, Consolidated Electrical Distributors
Will Donohue (2009-12)
• Personal Security, Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Amaurys Fermin (2009-12)
• 2013 Dominican Republic National League Rookie of the Year • Founder, 6th Man Basketball Academy
David Hanson (2008-12)
• Varsity Assistant Coach, Our Savior New American School (Centereach, Long Island)
Maliik Love (2010-15)
• Apprentice, Davis Mechanical Systems
• Guard, Los Angeles D-Fenders (NBA D-League) • Guard, Sheffield Sharks (England) • 2016 British Basketball League champion
Anthony Silvestri (2012-15) • Forward, UCD Marian (Ireland)
Will Taylor (2009-12)
• Account Executive, FedEx (Berkeley, Calif.) • Former Forward, Hertner Lowen (Germany)
Drake U’u (2009-13)
• Director of Player Development, Sacramento Kings • Former Guard, Perth Wildcats (Australia)
Dylan Royer (2008-13) • Fitness Analyst, Fitbit, Inc.
Ryan Darling (2008-10)
• Senior Manager (Financial Services), Protiviti Risk and Business Consulting
Matt Titchenal (2007-12)
• Doctoral Candidate, Stanford University • 13-Time Dean’s List Selection at Cal Poly
coaches AND STAFF Associate Head Coach | First Season | Polish Open University, 2007 “Pawel has a nice balance of on-floor coaching experience and international recruiting. His knowledge, passion and professionalism were well documented during his time as head coach at Mountain Mission School. He’s developed players into elite national recruits and has a solid in-game coaching background. Pawel has the work ethic, temperament and contacts that will grow our program.” – Joe Callero
Pawel Mrozik
• Joined Cal Poly’s staff in June 2016 following tenure at Mountain Mission School (2012-16) in Grundy, Va. During 2015-16 season, guided program to a 29-8 record and a high of No. 26 in the MaxPreps.com’s top 100 ranking with six players signing National Letters of Intent with Division I programs. • Prior to time at Mountain Mission School, was a graduate assistant at Liberty (2011-12) and director of operations at Valparaiso (2008-09). • A native of Poland, also served as the head coach at professional first division club Basket Kwidzyn (2009-10) and an assistant coach at Polonia 2011 Warsaw (2010-11).
Assistant Coach | Sixth Season | Seattle, 2008 “Sam has developed into one of the top young recruiters and coaches in the business. His continued close work with our guards has been instrumental in the improvement and success of our players.” – Joe Callero
Sam Kirby
• With nine guards on Cal Poly’s 2016-17 roster, pivotal in the development of the program’s backcourt play as well as scouting and game-planning efforts. • During the last four combined seasons, helped Cal Poly lead all NCAA Division I programs with just 9.34 turnovers committed per game. Cal Poly has also led the Big West Conference during the previous five years with a combined 1.30-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. • Played for Joe Callero at Seattle (2005-07), helping the 2006-07 Redhawks squad to the Great Northwest Athletic Conference title and the program’s first NCAA Tournament berth in 38 years.
Assistant Coach | Fourth Season | Washington State, 2008 “Mitch is bright, personable and passionate and an excellent recruiter and coach on the floor. He has been instrumental in our success as our defensive specialist coach. His hard work has allowed us to have the title as the No. 1 defensive team in the Big West Conference.” – Joe Callero
Mitch Reaves
• Helped Cal Poly lead the Big West Conference in fewest points allowed per game during five of the previous six seasons. • In addition to his coaching and recruiting assignments, tasked with the development of Cal Poly’s guard play and overall team defense. • As Cal Poly’s Director of Operations (2009-13), coordinated player workouts and recruiting endeavors, organized team travel and video exchange and oversaw program’s summer camp series
Director of Operations | First Season | Cal Poly, 2013 “Jeremy has been a valuable resource in our program, first as manager, then as our video coordinator and graduate student. His role expands this year as he adds team travel and scouting to his responsibilities. His knowledge of Cal Poly and our program is superior.” – Joe Callero
Jeremy Jaurequi
• As Director of Operations, responsible for scheduling team travel, film exchange and practice times; advance scouting of opponents; the assistance of recruiting coordination and on-campus visits; camp organization and the supervision of Cal Poly’s student managers. • Overall, enters seventh season with the program after serving as a student manager (2009-11, 2012-13), video coordinator (2013-14), assistant director of operations (2014-15) and graduate student assistant (2015-16).
Director of Player Development | First Season | West Chester, 2010
Kevon Davis
“Kevon has a great personality, excellent attitude and great passion for basketball. He relates well to our players and leads and motivates them in all of our endeavors on and off the court.” – Joe Callero • As Director of Player Development, oversees player performance in regards to strength and conditioning and nutrition programs; monitors academic progress; helps coordinate travel; maintains social media accounts and serves as a liaison between Cal Poly’s players and the campus and San Luis Obispo communities. • Arrived at Cal Poly in September 2016 after serving the previous two seasons as the assistant coach at Casper (Wyo.) College. Also an assistant at Harcum College (Bryn Mawr, Penn.) from 2010-14. As a player, was a two-year letterwinner at West Chester University and Harcum College.
student MANAGERS
Nick Hanamoto
Student Manager | Third Season Business Administration Major
Stephen Tinen
Student Manager| First Season Recreation, Parks and Tourism Major
MEN’S BASKETBALLSTAFF Oversees all communications efforts for the Cal Poly men’s basketball program, including publicity, press releases and press conferences, creative and design content, statistical organization and web site maintenance.
Chris Giovannetti
Assistant Athletics Communications Director
Directs Cal Poly’s sports medicine efforts and provides daily support for the Mustang men’s basketball program.
Kristal Slover Head Athletics Trainer
Assists Chris Holder with strength and conditioning and weight training efforts for Cal Poly’s men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball programs. A senior tight end on the football team and a kinesiology major, Betkowski was a two-year guard (2012-14) for the men’s basketball program.
Oversees strength and conditioning and weight training efforts for all Cal Poly student-athletes and provides continuous structure and guidance for the Mustang men’s basketball program.
Chris Holder
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Max Betkowski
Strength and Conditioning Assistant
Works with men’s basketball program to provide guidance on all of Cal Poly’s academic policies, major advisement, class scheduling and NCAA eligibility rules
Kyle Ross Academic Advisor
Serves as the play-by-play voice of Mustang men’s basketball for ESPN 1280 and GoPoly.com. Also handles play-by-play detail for Cal Poly’s football and baseball programs.
Chris Sylvester Play-by-Play Broadcaster
PRESIDENT
jeffrey d. armstrong “Our President, Jeffrey Armstrong, is one of the most personable, intelligent and creative leaders I have ever met. His support of all student-athletes and commitment to improving our campus diversity is extremely admirable. His vision for our campus and community has created a buzz throughout the entire state.” – Joe Callero • Named Cal Poly’s ninth permanent president on Feb. 2, 2011. A frequent and enthusiastic fan at Cal Poly athletics events. A champion of diversity and inclusivity, focused on the success of all students.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
DON OBERHELMAN
“Director of Athletics Don Oberhelman has been instrumental in our facility improvements and department branding. His outgoing personality and positive attitude have made him very popular with our student-athletes. I look forward to following his leadership as our program continues to grow.” – Joe Callero • Began duties in 2011 after serving as the Chief Operating Officer and Senior Associate Athletic Director at San Diego State. Also served as the senior associate athletic director at Southern Mississippi (2002-07), the education coordinator for athletics at Texas A&M (1998-02) and as a compliance assistant at Florida State (1995-98).
2016-17 CAL POLY ROSTER
NO NAME POS YR HT WT EXP 1 Aleks Abrams F RSo 6-8 265 1V 2 Trevor John G SO 6-3 183 RS 3 Donovan Fields G SO 5-10 160 TR 4 Jaylen Shead G SO 6-1 170 HS 5 Mark Crowe W FR 6-5 180 HS 10 Ridge Shipley G SR 6-0 185 2V 11 Taylor Sutlive G JR 6-3 194 RS 13 Kyle Toth G RSr 6-2 175 RS 15 Josh Martin F JR 6-8 212 TR 20 Victor Joseph G JR 6-0 170 TR 21 Luke Meikle F JR 6-9 209 RS 23 Alec Raven G SO 6-5 193 HS 25 Josh Mishler G JR 6-5 195 TR 30 Hank Hollingsworth F RFr 6-10 235 HS 35 Jakub Niziol F SO 6-7 210 TR 44 Zach Gordon F SR 6-8 239 RS
HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL Newbury Park, CA / Oaks Christian HS Danville, CA / Monte Vista HS Newburgh, N.Y. / Odessa (TX) College Pflugerville, TX / Connally HS Dallas, TX / Wilson HS Carrollton, TX / Hebron HS San Antonio, TX / Churchill HS Sunnyvale, CA / Foothill College (Army) Seattle, WA / Minnesota Rancho Cucamonga, CA / Chaffey College Tacoma, WA / Gonzaga Santa Rosa, CA / Montgomery HS
Fountain Valley, CA / Saddleback College Chelan, WA / Chelan HS Wrocław, Poland / Howard (TX) College Lynnwood, WA / Archbishop Murphy HS
ZACH
gordon
44
6-8 | 239 | Senior| Forward | Lynnwood, WA • Finished third among Big West Conference players last season with a 56.0 percent field goal mark. • A 47.6 percent percent career shooter, enters senior year as Cal Poly’s active leader with 94 appearances.
RIDGE
SHIPLEY
6-0 | 185 | Senior | Guard | Carrollton, TX • Cal Poly’s lone returning starter from last season, averaged 1.7-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio as a junior in 2015-16. • A two-year starter, requires just 119 more assists to become the seventh player in program history to reach 300 career assists.
10
KYLE
toth
13
6-2 | 175 | Guard | Senior | Sunnyvale, CA • Returns to Cal Poly’s lineup for senior season after redshirting last year. • As a junior during 2014-15 season, shot 41.7 percent from three-point range in 11 appearances.
VICTOR
JOSEPH
20
6-0 | 170 | Junior | Guard | Rancho Cucamonga, CA • A transfer from Chaffey College (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.), finished as two-time All-Foothill Conference selection. • During 2015-16 sophomore season at Chaffey College, led Foothill Conference with 21.3 points per game.
JOSH
MARTIN 15
6-8 | 212 | Junior | Forward | Seattle, WA • During first season with program last year following 2015 transfer from Minnesota, averaged 6.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. • Recorded two double-doubles last year and finished with five double-digit scoring games in 21 appearances.
LUKE
MEIKLE
21
6-9 | 209 |Junior| Forward | Tacoma, WA • Cal Poly’s leading returning scorer from last year, finished fourth in lineup with 8.1 points per game during 2015-16 season. • One of five players last year to appear in all 30 contests, compiled nine double-digit scoring games.
JOSH
mishler
25
6-5 | 154 | Junior | Guard | Fountain Valley, CA • A transfer from Saddleback College (Mission Viejo, Calif.), started 28 of 33 games as sophomore during 2015-16 season, averaged 6.0 points and 3.1 assists per game and helped program to a 31-2 record. • Attended Air Force Academy Prep School prior to enrolling at Saddleback College.
TAYLOR
SUTLIVE
11
6-3 | 194 | Junior |Guard |San Antonio, TX • As a sophomore during 2015-16 season, started during 15 of 29 appearances and ranked second among Big West players with a 2.6-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. • Finished second in Cal Poly’s lineup last year with a 40.0 percent threepoint mark and knocked down multiple three-pointers in a game 15 times.
ALEKS
ABRAMS
1
6-8 | 265 | Sophmore | Forward | Newbury Park, CA • Redshirted last season after sustaining injury during fourth game of the year. • As a freshman during 2014-15 season, appeared in 26 of 29 games.
DONOVAN
fields
3
5-10 | 160 | Sophmore | Guard | Newburgh, N.Y. • Transfer from Odessa (Texas) College, averaged 7.1 points and 3.2 assists per game during 2015-16 freshman season. Also shot 51.4 percent from the floor, 44.3 percent from three-point range and 88.5 percent from the free throw line. • As a senior at Newburgh (N.Y.) Free Academy, averaged 19.6 points and 4.8 assists per game.
TREVOR
JOHN
2
6-3 | 183 | Sophmore | Guard | Danville, CA • Made Cal Poly debut last season by appearing in 18 of 30 games. Scored career high nine points at Long Beach State on Feb. 11. • Redshirted first year on campus during 2014-15 season.
JAKUB
NIZIOL
35
6-7 | 210 | Sophmore |Forward | Wroctaw, Poland • Transfer from Howard College (Big Spring, Texas), averaged 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game and shot 44.7 percent from the floor during first collegiate season last year. • Member of Poland U-20 Men’s National Team, averaged 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per seven games at July’s FIBA Europe U-20 Championship tournament.
ALEC
RAVEN
23
6-5 | 193 | Sophmore | Guard | Santa Rosa, CA • Joined program as a walk-on prior to last season. Made one appearance during first season with Cal Poly. • Four-year letter winner at Montgomery HS (Santa Rosa, Calif.), finished career as the second leading scorer in program history.
JAYLEN
SHEAD
4
6-1 | 170 | Sophmore | Guard | Pflugerville, TX • As a true freshman during 2015-16 season, appeared in 29 of 30 games with nine starts and finished second in Cal Poly’s lineup with 84 assists. • Also finished freshman season ranked ninth among Big West Conference players with a 2.2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio and 2.9 assists per game
HANK
Hollingsworth 30
6-10 | 238 | Freshman | Forward | Chelan, WA • Nominated for McDonald’s All-America honors and named Caribou Trail League Most Valuable Player as a senior in 2014-15. • A two-time All-Caribou Trail League first team selection, also averaged 14.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game during 2013-14 junior year.
MARK
crowe
5
6-5 | 154 | Freshman | Wing | Dallas, TX • Only true freshman on Cal Poly’s roster, averaged 12.9 points, 15.0 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.6 blocks per game as a senior at Wilson HS (Dallas, Texas). • As a junior, shot 63.0 percent from the floor, 56.5 percent from three-point range and averaged 10.4 points per game.
cal poly social media
Twitter: @CPMustangs
Facebook: CalPolyMustangs
Instagram: CPAthletics
YouTube: CalPolyAthletics
Vine: CPAthletics
CAL POLY
school of strengTH
In continued commitment to Cal Poly’s student-athletes and basketball program, the Mustang weight room – a.k.a. The School of Strength – received a $150,000 renovation during the 2013 offseason. Under the direction of strength and conditioning coach Chris Holder, Cal Poly’s state-of-the-art facility features upgraded lifting equipment, free weights, platforms, lighting, sound system and Mustang branding throughout the facility.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT In collaboration with Cal Poly’s food science and nutrition department, the Mustang program employs a comprehensive physical player development and sports nutrition program. Overseen by Dr. Scott Reaves, the program is composed of nutrition majors who work alongside the Mustangs to optimize Cal Poly’s performance on and off the court. Highlights of the program include: • DXA body composition scanning to measure muscle, body fat, and bone density. • Weekly body weight tracking to monitor progress toward individual player goals. • Exercise recovery smoothies formulated and tested by nutrition students to optimize recovery. • Travel food planning and nutrition recommendations for road trips. Freshman Mark Crowe undergoes a DXA body composition scan.
• Nutrition plans that include an assessment of each player’s dietary intake followed by customized plans to optimize health and reach physical performance goals. • FitBit activity tracking to estimate caloric expenditure and ensure post-workout recovery needs are met. • MuscleSound testing, which employs ultrasound technology to assess muscle fuel storage. • Hydration monitoring to check fluid intake before, during and after physical activity. • Cooking classes that include nutrition education seminars and hands-on cooking competitions. • A metabolism measurement system to check metabolic rates and determine calorie use and requirements. • Postgame nutrition plans that provide nutritionally sound meals and ensure adequate fuel replacement.
Sophomore Donovan Fields consults with Dr. Scott Reaves of Cal Poly’s food science and nutrition department.
WILSON FAMILYLOCKER ROOM
Cal Poly Wilson Family Locker Room Lead Gift Provided by John and Zach Wilson Family Locker Sponsors 1980-81 Men’s Basketball Final Four Team Anonymous Rick and Judi Baker Tim and Marilyn Banducci Ron and Mary Burk Joe and Erika Callero Bob Davis and Nancy Karfilis Julie and Brenda Hock J Johnson and Kathy Fissori Steve and Stacy Jones Donna and Kevin Lewis Mike and DD Patrick Bill Proll Melissa and Todd Shipley Joe and Kathleen Silvestri Bill and Phyllis Snelling
With a generous lead gift provided by the John and Zach Wilson family and with 16 individual supporters each sponsoring a locker, the Cal Poly men’s basketball program unveiled the Wilson Family Locker Room in August. Cal Poly’s revitalized locker room features new player lockers, fresh flooring and lighting throughout, a hydration system and a new audio and video setup for game film and scout work.
Mustang head coach Joe Callero with Alex Lambertson, a guard on Cal Poly’s 1980-81 NCAA Tournament Division II Final Four team.
RECREATION center One of Cal Poly’s social cores, the Recreation Center opened in 2011 and covers more than 165,000 square feet. The center’s three distinct exercise areas contain state-of-the-art weight and cardio equipment, two gyms,three fitness studios for group classes and an indoor track. The outside of the Rec Center features two separate pools, three sand volleyball courts and two different rock-climbing walls.
THE
UNIVERSITY
20,000 students, internation western United States … all
Spring commencement ceremonies at Alex G. Spanos Stadium
Mustang players David Nwaba and Joel Awich receive their degrees in June 2016.
nally-honored courses of study and the top-ranked public master’s institution in the 11 miles from the Pacific Ocean.
• Median starting salary for Cal Poly graduates: $56,000 • 80 percent of students report working full time or attending graduate school within one year of graduating • 64 majors and 32 master’s programs • 19-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio • Ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the top public master’s university the western United States for 24 successive years.
Aerial shot of the Cal Poly campus (background).
SAN LUIS OBISPO
In San Luis Obispo, the Mustangs Play where Everyone Else Vacations •• A regular on any list of best places to live or visit in the United States, San Luis Obispo ranks as one of the few cities in the United States recognized as a Blue Zone where individuals live measurably longer lives. •• Location: Approximately halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles •• Average Daily Temperature: 73 Degrees •• Average Days of Sunshine per Year: 315 •• Miles of San Luis Obispo County Beach: 80 •• San Luis Obispo’s 44,000 residents feature an average age of 27.
The sun sets over the Cal Poly campus (foreground) and the city of San Luis Obispo (background). Photo courtesy of Joe Christianson.
Pacific Ocean waves ripple onto the central coast beach north of San Luis Obispo.
Cal Poly players participate in summer conditioning at nearby Avila Beach.
CAL POLYATHLETICS
One of two Big West Conference
schools to feature a football program, Cal Poly’s football team is nationally ranked on a yearly basis and a regular challenger for the Big Sky Conference championship.
Cal Poly’s Blue-Green rivalry with UC Santa Barbara is the best attended series in the history of college soccer. Nearly a quarter of a million fans have attended the series since 2007 and the last 10 matches between the two sides are the 10 highest attended collegiate soccer matches in the United States over the last five years – outdrawing even the national championship. With the year-round temperate
climate on the Central Coast, the Cal Poly wrestling program holds multiple outdoor matches each season.
CAL POLY athletics ALUMNI Nick Dzubnar A 2014 All-America selection at Cal Poly, linebacker Nick Dzubnar (2010-14) was a free agent signee of the San Diego Chargers. He made 16 appearances for San Diego during his first season in 2015.
Chad Mendes
A two-time All-American wrestler at Cal Poly (2005-08) and 2008 NCAA Division I runner-up at 141 pounds, Chad Mendes was a top contender in the UFC featherweight division and fought for the world title three times, most recently in July 2015.
Kip Colvey (White Shirt) A four-year starter for the Cal Poly men’s soccer program (2012-15), defender Kip Colvey was a 2016 Major League Soccer SuperDraft selection and made the San Jose Earthquakes opening-day roster. A member of the New Zealand Men’s National Team, Colvey remains in contention to appear at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
2016•17
SCHEDULE
NCAA TOURNAMENT DATES: MARCH 14-15 • FIRST FOUR | MARCH 16-17 • FIRST ROUND | MARCH 18-19 • SECOND ROUND | MARCH
Home Game
Away Game
* Big West Conference Game
All Times Pacific
CH 23-24 • REGIONAL SEMI-FINAL | MARCH 25-26 • REGIONAL FINAL | APRIL 1 • FINAL FOUR | APRIL 3 • NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
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