| Community colleges aren’t typically thought of as great
source of athletic talent, yet Palo Alto College is becoming known as a
competitive force at the city, state and national level in cross country,
fencing, swimming and diving. The Palo Alto cross country team won the men’s 1997 Division III National Championships under coach Jeff Middlebrook, boasting two first team All-American athletes Ricardo Carrillo and Efrain Velazquez. According to former cross country coach Middlebrook, All-American criteria are that you must finish first at a national level. Rodney Garza, Landon Cross and Trich Saucedo were named second team All-American athletes. PAC has the only junior college cross country team in Texas. Fencing is another sport that PAC offers to students. The fencing center allows students to train under certified coaches and compete with other colleges and universities like the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Southwest Texas State University and the University of Houston. Students can also compete individually at regional and national tournaments. "I get a lot out of fencing," said Christopher Cox, sophomore bio-medical major. "I received a job with the YMCA to teach beginning fencing classes, and I get to compete with people all over Texas." This semester, PAC is sending three fencing team members to the Southwest Intercollegiate Fencing Association meets. Swimming and diving are two more sports that bring athletes from all over he country to PAC for competitions and training. Denny Ryther, Athletic Director, said that PAC helps athletes gain momentum in swimming, diving and academics so they can transfer. "Billy Rose, who graduated last year, received a $15,000 a year scholarship to Drury University in Missouri," said Ryther. Swimming and diving are open to all students, whether for social or personal gain. "No athlete is cut from the program," said Ryther. Intramural sports, such as water polo,volleyball,weightlifting, tennis, basketball and fencing, are another way for PAC students to participate in organized sports. Patricia Brown, director of intramural sports, encourages student involvement. For more information about intramural sports, contact Brown via e-mail: Fitbrown@hotmail or call 921-5234. |