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Charlotte, North Carolina – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced Friday that four athletes from El Paso Community College (EPCC) have been named to the NJCAA 1^st Team All American list.

“It is a priority for EPCC athletes to excel both in their sports and in the classroom,” Dr. William Serrata, EPCC President said. “We are proud of their achievements, hard work and determination.”

Jose Castillo, Baseball; Tyler Droke, Baseball; Eduardo Gallegos, Cross Country/Half Marathon and Bradley Makuvire, Cross Country/Half Marathon, achieved a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) during the 2019-20 academic school year.

The Academic All American list includes a total of 14 EPCC athletes.

Since 1993, the NJCAA has recognized the team and individual student athletes with the highest grade-point averages. The student must have 24 credit hours or more with a GPA of 3.60 or higher.

EPCC 1^st Team All American (4.0 GPA):

Jose Castillo                 Baseball
Tyler Droke                   Baseball
Eduardo Gallegos         Cross Country/Half Marathon
Bradley Makuvire           Cross County/Half Marathon

EPCC 2nd Team All American (3.80-3.99 GPA):

Alan Calzada                 Baseball
Allison Kendrick            Cross Country/Half Marathon

EPCC 3rd Team All American (3.60-3.79 GPA):

Torianna Borunda          Softball
David Ceballos              Cross Country/Half Marathon
Gideon Cheplak            Cross Country/Half Marathon
Ivan Duarte                   Baseball
Donald Hodgson           Cross Country/Half Marathon
Francisca Jebor            Cross Country/Half Marathon
Dennis Kiptoo               Cross Country/Half Marathon
Alejandro Martinez         Baseball

For the full NJCAA announcement, visit their website

Two El Paso Community College (EPCC) baseball players, Jesus Licon and Garrett Calderon, were named Players of the Week by the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) sponsored by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

The honors came after the Tejanos won 3 out of 4 games versus Western Oklahoma State College, this weekend.

Sophomore first baseman, Jesus Licon, had a .642 batting average for the week with a 1.36 slugging percentage.

He hit 2 home runs for the week including a grand slam. He also had 2 doubles, 6 RBIs, 7 walks and 7 runs scored. He was named the WJCAC Baseball Position Player of the Week.

Freshman right-hander, Garrett Calderon, pitched a complete-game to get the win over Western Oklahoma, going 9 innings while allowing just two earned runs and seven hits.

Of the 27 outs, 16 were ground balls and he recorded 6 strikeouts. He was named the WJCAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week.

Up next for the Tejanos, is a weekend series vs. New Mexico Junior College.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) men’s baseball team and the women’s softball team begin their 2020 seasons with several games this weekend.

The Tejanos enter 2020 with renewed optimism with new head coach Julien Soucy, for the first home stand of their 25th season.  In addition to Soucy, the Tejanos hired Assistant Coach Omar Quintanilla.

Quintanilla began his playing career with the Socorro Bulldogs and then went onto a successful 10-year major and minor league baseball caree

The Tejanas, members of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) enter their 23rd season, coming off last year’s playoff appearance.

In her 11th year, Tejanas’ head coach Kathryn Gutierrez, assisted by Coach Eileen Loy and Coach Riley Adams, are hoping to qualify for playoffs this year as the team did last season.

The teams play their home games at the EPCC Valle Verde campus, located at 919 Hunter.

What:                     EPCC Tejanos versus Scottsdale Community College

When:                    Friday, January 31^st, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  |   Saturday, February 1^st, 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Where:                   EPCC Valle Verde Baseball Field, 919 Hunter Dr.

What:                     EPCC Tejanas versus Laredo Community College

When:                    Friday, January 31^st, 1:00 p.m.  |    Saturday, February 1^st, 11:00 a.m.

Where:                   EPCC Valle Verde Softball Field, 919 Hunter Dr.

With a new field and a new head coach, the El Paso Community College (EPCC) Tejanos enter 2020 with renewed optimism, ahead of the first game of their 25th season.

“El Paso has a very rich tradition of baseball and I plan to continue that tradition at EPCC. My vision is to bring a tremendous amount of success not only on the field, but off the field as well,” head coach Julien Soucy said.  “We will be the best students, active members in the community, and compete at a national level on the field.”

In the off-season, EPCC hired veteran coach Soucy to head the men’s baseball program.

Soucy served as the Pitching Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida for the past three years. During his time there, they had a record of 160 wins and 28 losses.

In his second year, they went on to win the NAIA World Series and finished ranked #1 in the country. In addition to Soucy, the Tejanos hired Assistant Coach Omar Quintanilla.

Quintanilla began his playing career with the Socorro Bulldogs and then went onto a successful 10-year major and minor league baseball career.

This year’s season begins on the road against Eastern Arizona College on January 24. The Tejanos’ first home stand will be versus Scottsdale Community College January 31 and February 1.

The team plays their home games at the EPCC Valle Verde campus, located at 919 Hunter.

The Tejanos are members of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

On Friday, El Paso Community College (EPCC) named Julien Soucy Head Coach of the Tejanos baseball team, which was approved at the May Board meeting.

Soucy will lead the Tejanos for their 25^th season during 2019-20 season.

“El Paso has a very rich tradition of baseball and I plan to continue that tradition at EPCC. My vision is to bring a tremendous amount of success not only on the field, but off the field as well,” Soucy said.  “We will be the best students, active members in the community, and compete on a national level on the field.”

A native of Southern New Mexico and with family currently living in Las Cruces, coaching at EPCC brings him closer to home. Soucy played at New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs, NM before transferring to Missouri Baptist University to finish his playing career. Soucy earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sport Management and Masters of Business Administration at Missouri Baptist University.

Soucy served as the Pitching Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida for the past three years. During his time there, they had a record of 160 wins and 28 losses.

In his first year, they fell one game short of reaching the NAIA World Series falling in the regional championship game. In his second year, they went on to win the NAIA World Series and finished ranked #1 in the country. He guided a pitching staff that went on to break multiple school records and helped Jonathan Bermudez become the NAIA National Pitcher of the Year.

In his third and final year at Southeastern, they maintained the #1 ranking in the country and once again advanced to the NAIA World Series.

Soucy has had multiple players play professional baseball, including five off the 2018 NAIA World Series Championship.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) welcomes spring with the opening of baseball and softball season.

The Tejanos baseball team in their 24^th season and the Tejanas softball team in their 22^nd season are members of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

The teams play their home games at the EPCC Valle Verde campus, located at 919 Hunter.

The Men’s Baseball team begins their season on the road against Scottsdale Community College on January 25. The Tejanos’ first home stand will be versus Pima Community College February 1 and 2.

The Tejanos’ head coach Cesar Romero, is in his 2^nd season at EPCC.

The Women’s Softball team begin their season on the road in Beeville, Texas at the Coastal Bend Community College Tournament. The Tejanas’ first home game is February 15 against Cisco Community College.

The Tejanas’ head coach is Kathryn Gutierrez and she is starting her 10^th season at EPCC.

Gulf Shores, Alabama – El Paso Community College (EPCC) men and women’s half marathon teams triumphed at the National Junior College Athletic Association Championships (NJCAA).

Tejano Elias Loriposia (1h:09m:10s) winning the national title in the men’s race.

The Tejanos’ win is the first national team win for the EPCC men in the 13.1-mile race. Elias’ win earned him All-American honors.

All-American honors also went to Dennis Kiptoo (2) and Gideon Cheplak (6). Iowa Central Community College finished second in the men’s division.

Leading the Tejanas to their fifth half marathon national championship, the most by any college, was Everlyn Kemboi (1h: 21m: 40s) finishing in second place.

This strong finish comes on the heels of Kemboi’s national championship in the NJCAA Cross County event on November 10. Along with Kemboi, Francisca Jebor (5) and Faith Jemutai (6) received All-American honors. Iowa Central Community College finished second in the women’s division.

After this successful Cross Country season, EPCC is proud to be hosting the next NJCAA Half Marathon Championship on November 23, 2019.

For more information on EPCC Athletics, visit the college’s website.

El Paso Community College (EPCC) women’s team member Everlyn Kemboi finished in first place at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Cross Country Championships.

Kemboi finished with a time of 18 minutes, 17 seconds in the 5K race. Leading the men in 5^thplace was Dennis Kiptoo with a time in the 8K race of 25:58.

The Tejanas finished in 2^ndplace with three women being named All American. Everlyn Kemboi (1) and Francisca Jabor (5) were named 1^stTeam with Feliciana Kiptoo being named 3^rdTeam. The 2018 National Champion was Iowa Central Community College.

The Tejanos finished in 3^rdplace with three men being named All American. Dennis Kiptoo (5) was named 1^stTeam with Gideon Cheplak (7) and Elias Loriposia (9) making 2^ndTeam.  The 2018 National Champion was Central Arizona Community College.

The championships were held November 10, 2018 in Garden City, Kansas.

Up next for EPCC is the NJCAA Half Marathon Championship on November 17 in Gulf Shores, AL.

Shalet Mitei, EPCC Cross Country and Half Marathon, has been named First Team All American by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).

“EPCC is an academic institution first and foremost,” said Felix Hinojosa, EPCC Athletic Director. “Being awarded academic honors validates what we do as a college.”

The Academic All American list includes a total of four EPCC athletes, Amy Vidal, Michael Flores, Carlos Quintana and Mitei.

Mitei led the EPCC contingent of student-athletes, with a GPA of 4.0

Since 1993, the NJCAA has recognized the team and individual student athletes with the highest grade-point averages. The student must have 24 credit hours or more with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.60 or higher.

Individual Academic Student-Athletic Awardees:

Shalet Mitei               First Team (4.00)                  4.00    Cross Country and Half Marathon

Amy Vidal                  Second Team (3.80-3.99)   3.87    Cross Country

Michael Flores          Third Team (3.60-3.79)       3.78    Cross Country and Half Marathon

Carlos Quintana      Third Team (3.60-3.79)       3.70    Baseball

Nominations are submitted by each athlete’s respective institution.

The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Athletics Department is holding open tryouts for their women’s softball and men’s baseball teams for the upcoming academic year.

“EPCC is an academic institution first and foremost,” Felix Hinojosa, Director of Athletics said. “Each prospective team member will be looked upon as a leader and to work together with each other to excel.”

Women’s softball tryouts will take place at the EPCC Valle Verde Campus Softball Field, 919 Hunter, on Thursday, June 14. Check in for infielders and outfielders is from 6:50-7:20 a.m. with tryouts starting at 7:30 a.m.

Check in for pitchers and catchers is from 9:50-10:20 a.m. with tryouts starting at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call 915-831-2367 or email kgutier9@epcc.edu.

Men’s baseball tryouts will take place at the EPCC Valle Verde Campus Baseball Field, 919 Hunter, on Friday, June 22^nd.  Check in is from 9:00 to 9:50 a.m. with tryouts starting at 10:00 a.m.

EPCC officials add, “There is no charge for these tryouts. All athletes must bring their own equipment and a copy of a physical exam performed in the last twelve months. There are no exceptions.”

For additional information, call 915-831-3131 or 915-831-2104 or email cromer11@epcc.edu or adroke@epcc.edu

The El Paso Community College Tejanos took to the diamond Friday morning to start the 2018 baseball season, taking on Scottsdale Community College.

In Friday’s double header, Scottsdale CC took both games, 14-5 and 5-4.

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El Paso Community College (EPCC) opens both baseball and softball seasons this Friday, January 26^th.

The baseball team begins their season at home with a doubleheader beginning at 11:00 a.m. against Scottsdale Community College on January 26^th. The Tejanos are led by Interim Head Coach, Cesar Romero and Assistant Coach, Alan Droke.

The softball team begins their season on the road in Henderson, Nevada at the College of Southern Nevada Kickoff Classics on January 26^th. Their first home game is February 17^th against Cisco Community College.

The Tejanas’ head coach is Kathryn Gutierrez who is in her 9^th season and is assisted by Coach Eileen Loy.

The men’s Tejanos baseball team is in their 23^rd season and the women’s Tejanas softball team is in their 22^nd season.  Both are members of the Western Junior College Athletic Conference (WJCAC) of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and the teams play their home games at the EPCC Valle Verde campus located at 919 Hunter.

EPCC engages students through both academics and athletics. “You cannot replace your education,” said Coach Romero. “Your athletic career can end on one play, but your degree is untouchable.”

In 2016-17, all six EPCC Athletic Teams finished with a 3.00 grade point average (GPA) or better for the second year in a row.

“Our athletes are students first, we strive for academic success,” said Coach Gutierrez. “The structure of athletics helps students be successful in school and in life. “

The season schedule for both teams can be found at www.epcc.edu/athletics.

Tickets for the games can be purchased at the box office and are $5.00 for ages 18-59 and $3.00 for those under 18 and 60 and over.  EPCC students, faculty and staff with a valid ID are free.

Fort Dodge, IA—El Paso Community College (EPCC) Sophomore Shalet Mitei was named All-American as the women’s cross country team finished 10^th and the men’s cross country team finished 19^th at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Cross Country Championship in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

“Most important is that they all excel academically,” Felix Hinojosa, EPCC Athletic Director and Cross Country Head Coach said. “I am happy how the team matured as the season progressed to the championship.” Both cross country teams finished with better than a 3.0 grade point average (GPA). The women’s team had the second highest in the nation with a 3.70 GPA.

At nationals, the Tejanas women’s cross country team was led by Mitei who placed 7^th in the 5k run. Iowa Central Community College finished first in the women’s division.  The Tejano’s men’s cross country team was led by Michael Kirwa who finished 23^rd in the 8k run.  Iowa Central Community College placed first in the men’s division.

The Tejanas times are as follows:
7      Shalet Mitei 18:11.8
26    Ocean Stevens 19:20.6
63    Sholly Jeruto 19:43.2
118  Amy Vidal 20:25
137  Samantha Martinez 20:42.9
153  Michelle Renteria 20:50.6
204  Evaline Cheptoo 21:46.9

The Tejanos times are as follows:
23   Michael Kirwa 25:57.9
70   Sammy Rono 26:54.5
109 Michael Flores 27:20.4
150 Boaz Kipemei 27:48.6
153 Adrian Morales 27.50.7
221 Esteban Esquivel-Reyes 28:50.3
234 Evan Gerdes 28:59.3

Up next for EPCC is the NJCAA Half Marathon Classic on November 18^th in Topeka, KS.

LEVELLAND, TX—The El Paso Community College women’s cross country team defended their regional title as they won their fifth consecutive National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region V Cross Country Championship title.

The men’s cross country team also did well placing second at the championship.

The Tejanas women’s cross country placed three runners inside the Top 10 to finish with a final team average of 19:05.74 in a 5k run.  New Mexico Junior College placed second and Ranger college women placed third.

The men’s cross country team placed three runners in the top 10 and placed second with an average 26:14:15 in an 8k run.  South Plains College placed first and Ranger College placed third in the men’s division.

For the women, Sophomore All-Conference Shalet Mitei once again showcased as the region’s best with a first-place time of 17:27.80.  Ocean Stevens and Michelle Renteria also earned All –Conference nods.

The Tejanas times are as follows:
1      Shalet Mitei 17:27
6      Ocean Stevens 18:42
8      Michelle Renteria 19:02
15    Amy Vidal 20:05
16    Evaline Cheptoo 20:11
18    Samantha Martinez 20:24
22    Celeste Zamarron 20:34

Michael Kirwa led the men’s team in the 8K race finishing in third place. Sammy Rono finished fourth and Boaz Kipemei finished eleventh. These three were named All-Conference. The Tejanos times are as follows:
3     Michael Kirwa 25:05
4     Sammy Rono 25:40
11   Boaz Kipemei 26:27
17   Adrian Morales 26:55
19   Esteban Esquivel-Reyes 27:00
21   Michael Flores 27:04
27   Eric Hunt 28:00

Up next for the EPCC Cross Country teams is the NJCAA Championship on November 13^th in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

The El Paso Community College (EPCC) Athletics Department is holding open tryouts for their men’s baseball and women’s softball teams for the upcoming academic year.  There is no charge for these tryouts, and all athletes must bring their own equipment and a current copy of a physical exam;  There are no exceptions.

Men’s baseball tryouts will take place at the EPCC Valle Verde Campus Baseball Field, 919 Hunter. On Wednesday, June 21, pitchers and catchers are to check in at 7:30 a.m. with tryouts starting at 8:30 a.m.

OnThursday, June 22, infielders and outfielders are to check in at 7:30 a.m. with tryouts starting at 8:30 a.m. Contact Coach Romero at cromer11@epcc.edu for more information.

Women’s softball tryouts will take place at the EPCC Valle Verde Campus Softball Field, 919 Hunter. OnThursday, June 15, infielders are to check in at 7:00 a.m. with tryouts from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.; outfielders are to check in at 9:30 a.m. with tryouts from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

On Friday, June 16. pitchers and catchers are to check in at 8:00 a.m. with tryouts from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Contact Coach Gutierrez at kgutier9@epcc.edu for more information.