Geckos on the Move - 2014

ON THE MOVE

Spring/Summer 2015 Issue

SPORTSMANSHIP

GateWay’s baseball players tell you what it means to them

PLUS:

Baseball, softball reviews + soccer previews

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

See what our alumni are up to after graduating from GateWay...

Geckos on the Move Spring/Summer 2015

EDITORIAL Writer/Co-designer: Lindsey DelaTorre Co-designer: Collay Dennis

Features: 5

Raising Arizona’s Softball Players

Arizona Softball Foundation is a huge influence in Arizona’s softball community. Find out how they impact GateWay.

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Photos: Ron Cooper Lindsey DelaTorre

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Words of Wisdom

Get some advice from former Geckos.

Where Are They Now?

From playing in university divisions to coaching — see what GateWay Athletics alumni are up to now.

Out of State Experience

See how our GateWay Geckos dealt with the big move.

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Sportsmanship

GateWay Geckos share what sportsmanship means to them.

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Softball Review Baseball Review Fall Preview: Men’s and Women’s Soccer

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Meet GateWay’s Coaches

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In Memory...

Letter from the Athletic Director

Hello Geckos,

Welcome to the 2015 Spring edition of GateWay Geckos: On the Move. This is our second ever digital edition of “On the Move.” We decided to continue going digital in order to reach more of our Geck Nation in addition to our regular, in-print edition. In this edition we have stories about student athlete’s experiences at GateWay. We also have “Where are they now?” stories about alumni sharing their two-year college experience and what they miss about GateWay. We also have a “Sportsmanship” section that defines sportsmanship in the words of our athletes.

Athletic Director

ROB SHABANSKY

We know softball may have suffered a losing season and baseball didn’t make it all the way to the World Series, but we are keeping our heads up and working harder than ever before. We are confident our athletes will continue to flourish in academics and sports in order to be the best they can be.

Please continue to attend our games, participate in our fundraisers and root on your fellow Geckos to make GateWay’s athletics department thrive. You can always stay updated on our latest news by checking out our official website, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

Overall, we would like to thank alumni, families, coaches, fans and faculty for supporting our department.

It wouldn’t be the same without you.

Go, Geck Nation!

Rob Shabansky GateWay Athletic Director

Spring/Summer 2015

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SOFTBALL ‘14 -‘15

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ateWay’s softball team gave it their all this year. They ended the season with 8 wins and 51 losses.

While they did not have a winning season, Head Softball Coach Rhoenita Yancey is hopeful that next season will be bring better results.

Spring/Summer 2015

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CAUGHT IN ACTION

GateWay Softball Team is out supporting the baseball team. Go Geckos!

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GateWay Geckos

THANK YOU! The Arizona Softball Foundation (ASF) has been the largest contributor to GateWay Community College’s softball program since it first started the program in 2005.

Since 2005, ASF has given scholarships to multiple softball players including one player for the 2015 season. In previous seasons, the foundation has also donated money to help fund travel expenses to the Glendale College Softball Classic.

ASF Vice President Karen Mischlispy said the scholarship program gives around $4,000 in scholarship funds to four good-standing softball players who are pursuing a two-year college degree.

ladies pursue their career,” she said.

According to the ASF website, the ASF Scholarship Program has helped over 20 community college student-athletes with tuition costs, including textbooks and lab fees, since its start in 2003.

“We want them to know there is a strong softball community to care for them,” Mischlispy said.

Retired softball players founded the ASF in 1973 to ensure that the softball programs in Arizona continued to thrive.

To learn more about the ASF Scholarship Program, visit www.arizonasoftballfoundation. org.

“The scholarships are a vehicle to help young Spring/Summer 2015

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BASEBALL ‘14 -‘15

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n hopes of returning to the NJCAA World Series, the GateWay Geckos were determined to give it their all in the 2015 season.

Unfortunately, they did not make it all the way to the World Series but they had a good run. They ended the 2015 Baseball season 28-28 after beating Scottsdale in the last two games.

Head Coach Rob Shabansky said he is hopeful that they will receive a national title in the next season.

“There were a lot of ups and downs with this season. Especially with so

many freshmen playing major roles on the team, but we finished the year on a high note beating Scottsdale in the final two games of the year,” he said.

“It was a little disappointing not making the playoffs with our expectations so high but with a good core group of freshman returning for next season, we are looking to make a run back into the postseason and hopefully a national title.”

Spring/Summer 2015

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Out of State Experience

Moving to a new state can be difficult. See how these two GateWay athletes overcame the change.

BRICE LONGANECKER | BELLINGHAM, WA Brice Longanecker, a pitcher for the GateWay baseball team, moved to Phoenix, Arizona from Bellingham, Washington to be involved in a more advanced baseball program and gain better exposure as a player.

Longanecker said he doesn’t regret his decision. It has helped him advance as a player and has opened up many new opportunities for him.

“I’m very happy with my decision because I’ve been able to progress as a player,” Longanecker

said. “I’ve also been receiving more offers than I had out of high school.”

He advises athletes to give outof-state a chance and not let fears get in the way of pursuing their goals.

“Don’t shy away from going outof-state because you’re scared. Try something new and go into it with a positive mindset,” he said.

BILLY CLAPPERTON | CALGARY, ALBERTA Billy Clapperton, a baseball player at GateWay, made his way from Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Phoenix, Arizona his freshman year.

He decided to make the move because of the excellent baseball program that GateWay offers. He doesn’t regret his decision and says that it has helped him as an athlete and student.

“I have grown as a baseball player and student,” Clapperton said. “Going to an out of state

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school helps you grow as a person.”

When asked what his favorite thing about GateWay is, he said it is “the friends I have made and the new knowledge I have gained about the game of baseball.”

Words of Wisdom - FROM FORMER GECKOS -

KEVIN COLLINGE | ASU

Kevin Collinge, a former GateWay baseball player and current Corona del Sol coach, has fond memories of his two years at GateWay. “I absolutely loved it. For baseball, it felt like I never left high school,” Collinge said. “I had teammates I played with for many years that were on the team, which made for a very comfortable atmosphere at practice.”

If he had to give one piece of advice to current athletes, it would be to put in the work regardless of the circumstances.

“A tendency to be lazy will rise over the first couple months at school, don’t succumb to it,” he said. “Keep working hard in class and know that there is always something to be done.”

He also stressed that every player makes an impact, big or small.

“Everyone that went through the program contributed a piece of themselves to the legacy, which continues to grow,” he said. “Make your contribution a memorable one.”

AARON SIPLE | NEW MEXICO Aaron Siple, a former baseball player, spent two years at GateWay before transferring to the University of New Mexico.

He said that the biggest lesson he learned from playing at GateWay was that hard work is the key to success.

“My biggest take away would have to be that hard work pays off,” Siple said. “If I didn’t take my classes seriously or baseball seriously I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Siple said that his time as a Gecko prepared him for life after

college.

“I would say that GateWay definitely gave me a great base,” he said. “It gave me a chance to create a solid foundation.”

When asked what his advice to current GateWay players would be, he said he would tell them to appreciate their time there.

“I would tell them that you can’t take things for granted,” he said. “I loved every minute I had at GateWay and wish I could have cherished it a little more than I did because before I knew it, I had graduated and moved on.”

Spring/Summer 2015

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FALL

SEASON PREVIEW

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ast season, men’s and women’s soccer had similar endings in terms of performance.

Women’s soccer went 4-for-16 while the men’s team went 3-for-18.

However, head men’s and women’s soccer coach Greg Johnson said he has high hopes for both teams next season.

“I’m excited to get the team back to the level of play we demonstrated the first four years of the program.”

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Spring/Summer 2015

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WHERE ARE THEY

NOW?

GateWay Athletics strives to prepare their athletes for life after graduation, whether it’s continuing their education, athletic careers or plans to start a family. Regardless of where a Gecko ends up, GateWay has helped them get there.

Most of the athletes have fond memories of their time as a Gecko.

Here are their stories. >> Spring/Summer 2015

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Soccer Alumni

Photo courtsey of Trevor Cates

TREVOR CATES // CLASS OF ‘12

After former GateWay soccer player Trevor Cates graduated in 2012, he went on to attend Arizona Christian University on a partial athletic scholarship and partial academic scholarship.

He is currently majoring in business administration and plans to graduate in the fall of 2015. After he graduates, he plans to go into the construction field and eventually start his own business.

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GateWay Geckos

He said his favorite thing about playing at GateWay was connecting with his teammates and coaches.

“I had some great teammates and coaches, he said. “It was always a good time being around them. I also liked being close to home so that my family could come watch me play.”

Baseball Alumni

Photo courtsey of Rob Shabansky

TRENT KEEFER // CLASS OF ‘13

Former GateWay baseball player Trent Keefer played from fall 2011 to spring 2013.

He went on to attend North Dakota State University on a baseball scholarship and will graduate in the fall of 2015.

During his time there, the Bison advanced to the NCAA Regionals for the 2014 season.

Once he graduates, he plans to intern at GateWay and then eventually start coaching.

The advice he would give to current players

is to make sure you graduate.

“Work hard to graduate from GateWay so that you can keep your options open,” he said.

He also said that he really enjoyed playing with all of his teammates at GateWay. “My favorite thing about playing for GateWay was all my teammates that I met and playing for Chubbs,” he said.

Spring/Summer 2015

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Baseball Alumni JOSH MELENDEZ // CLASS OF ‘11

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rom NJCAA College World Series to NCAA Regionals, former center fielder Josh Melendez has achieved quite a bit since becoming a GateWay Gecko.

Since he graduated from GateWay in 2011, he went on to receive a bachelors of science in chemical engineering at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. He graduated in May 2014 and now works for Henkel Consumer Goods as a process engineer.

Photo courtsey of Josh Melendez.

During his time with the University of New Mexico, he received various awards including 2012 and 2013 All Mountain West Centerfielder, 2012 Mountain West Tournament MVP, 2013 CoSida Academic All-District Team, 2012 and 2013 Mountain West Scholar Athlete and 2012 and 2013 UNM Scholar Athlete.

Melendez said he still misses his days playing at GateWay. “We had a great coach and a great group of guys,” he said. “We never had the best equipment, our own gym or our own field, but we always knew how to win and get better.

He also mentioned his respect for his former head coach, Rob Shabansky.

goals.

“Chubby was a great role model for us and he was willing to put in the extra work we needed,” he said. “He was the only coach I ever had that would sacrifice his personal time to make sure we got the best opportunity at getting better and making it to the next level.”

“There will always be excuses for why you can’t accomplish your goals on and off the field,” Melendez said. “Don’t let those excuses get in the way of being the best that you can be.”

The advice that he said he would give to current players is to work hard and not let excuses get in the way of Page 16

GateWay Geckos

Scholar Ballers

Scholar Ballers ‘14 -‘15

Alvarez, David Astrain, Paul Ayala, Natalie Bernatz, Ashley Bret, Kate Chokey, Nathan Diaz, Tim Elwell, Alleyeah Evangelista, Arvin Evans, Ian Fischer, Logan Garduno, Odalis Gembah, Victor Gonzalez, Kevin Grigsby, Megan Gutierrez, Salvador Hansen, Emily Hettinger, Brady Koyabe, David Lafi, Syam Ledezma, Gabriela Longanecker, Brice Lopez, Carlos

McCubbins, Cameron McFarland, Evan Medina, Karina Medina, Natalie Parada, Mayra Perez, Karol Phelps, Sydney Poole, Garrett Rehmer, Zach Riley, Rick Riley, Ryan Romero, Jailene Ruggiero, Troy Ruiz, Juan Silva, Brian Stanage, Bryce Trujillo, Xavier Urbina, Bianca Valencia, Oscar Villa, Arielle Wise, Joey Zamora, Roxanne

Spring/Summer 2015

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SPORTSMANSHIP

n.noun | sports • man • ship | \-,ship\

1. The conduct and attitude of participants in sports, especially

when considered commendable as in fair play, courtesy, and

grace in losing.

2. fair play, respect for opponents, and polite behavior by some

“Being able to cheer for your team no matter the circumstance.”

–– Ashley Meza

“Mutual respe athletes participat with a strong sense gam —Lorenzo Davalos

“Sportsmanship to me is just always doing the right thing when playing a sport.”

“Having self-control when it comes to difficult situations.”

— Roxana Zamora

— Kate Bret

“No matter what challenge you face while on the field, you remain respectful of the game, other athletes, the umpires and the coaches.”

—Mary Morton

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“Trea and o I wou treate

What does it mean to you?

ect among all ting in the sport, of fairness for the me.”

at my teammates other players how uld want to be ed.”

—Nasyri Garcia

“Keep the game within yourself and always stay positive toward your teammates.”

—Zane Butts

“Accept winning -or losingwith grace and a good attitude.”

“Show support to everyone involved in the game.”

—Natalie Medina

—Samantha McCanless

“Keeping a strong passion toward the sport you love to play.”

“Play fair and treat others and the game with respect.”

—Megan Grigsby

—Arielle Vila

Spring/Summer 2015

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Head Baseball Coach

ROB SHABANSKY

Baseball Coaches

GateWay Geckos

Assistant Baseball Coach

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ead baseball coach Rob Shabansky is on his eleventh season coaching GateWay’s baseball team. The Las Vegas native was a pitcher for the University of Arizona Wildcats’ baseball team and played in Minor League Baseball into his adult years. He received his bachelor’s degree in communications.

Shabansky said his favorite aspect of coaching is working with student-athletes.

“I really enjoy being a part of their life and trying to prepare them for the next level of athletics and helping them earn a degree,” he said. “It’s a satisfying feeling to see student athletes succeed beyond GateWay.”

ZEKE ZIMMERMAN

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ssistant baseball coach Zeke Zimmerman has been coaching for GateWay since the 2014 season.

Prior to coaching at GateWay, the Utah native coached for Mesa High and Mesa Community College.

Over his career, he has been a part of multiple baseball organizations including the Los Angeles Angels, the San Francisco Giants and the Madison Mallards and has played professionally for the St. Louis Cardinals.

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Head Softball Coach

RHOENITA YANCEY

Softball Coaches thletic Director and head softball coach Rhoenita Yancey has been coaching for the GateWay softball team for one season. Prior to this season, she was the assistant coach for five years under her predecessor and mentor Jaime Long. Before her time at GateWay, she played 3rd and 2nd base at Mesa Community College and 3rd and Outfield at Bethune Cookman University.

She became a member of the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame in September 2009 for her participation on the winning 2001 women’s national softball team.

She said that one of her favorite parts about coaching is being able to witness the evolution of an athlete.

“I really enjoy seeing an athlete through from start to finish,” she said.

“It is rewarding when they return and say thank you without knowing that their continued success is more satisfying than anything than they will ever know.”

Assistant Softball Coach

ALEX FAJARDO

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ssistant softball coach Alex Fajardo just finished his third year coaching at Gateway, but he has been coaching for eleven years at elementary and highschool levels. He also coaches the Krazy Kats, a fastpitch club in the Valley.

He said coaching at a collegelevel has been a dream come true for him.

“The girls played their hearts out for each other,” he said.

“That’s a team.”

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Spring/Summer 2015

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Head Soccer Coach

GREG JOHNSON

Soccer Coaches

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GateWay Geckos

Assistant Soccer Coach

ssistant coach Alberto Milan, a former GateWay player, has been coaching for the GateWay men’s soccer team for almost three years.

During his time here, Milan has been a big asset to the team. In his time away from GateWay, he also coaches the Legacy San Tan soccer club.

The Rocky Point, Mexico native said he is passionate about coaching soccer. “My passion is and will always be the game of soccer and the ability to help the youth develop.”

ead soccer coach Greg Johnson has a master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and has 24 years of coaching experience.

He is the first to coach the men’s and women’s soccer teams at GateWay and has been with the Geckos for seven-and-a-half years.

Johnson’s favorite part of coaching is helping players get to the highest level they can accomplish.

He also enjoys helping players improve in all aspects of life, especially assisting them becoming responsible members of the community.

Johnson is a Chandler native and a diehard Los Angeles Kings fan.

ALBERTO MILAN

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In Memory Of...

Rahea Herman Rahea Margaret Herman, 20, of San Tan Valley, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2015 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

She was born in Arizona and graduated from Poston Butte High School in 2013. At the time, she was enrolled at Gateway Community College and aspired to become an Equine Veterinarian.

Rahea was an accomplished soccer and softball player. As part of the Girls Varsity Softball Team all throughout high school, she actively played in a number of traveling teams throughout the valley from a young age. She was also a member of the Gateway Gecko’s Women’s Soccer League at GWCC. With the help from the community we hope to raise money in order to create a scholarship in memory of Rahea at GateWay Community College.

Rahea Herman Memorial Scholarship

http://www.gofundme.com/rm8g7qgc

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