Three State Championships Come Home to FCC

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Photo by: Anthony Deleon

The three state championship trophies for women’s soccer; men’s soccer and wrestling alongside coach Keysaw’s coach of the year award.

Fresno City College commemorated the success of the 2017 state champion wrestling, men’s soccer and women’s soccer teams in a ceremony on Jan. 9.

Among the many who attended the ceremony hosted by interim Athletic Director Cam Olsen, were the presidents of Reedley College, Clovis Community College and FCC.

FCC President Carole Goldsmith and Olsen spoke on how amazing of an achievement three state titles is.

“Winning three state titles in a span of a month is unheard of,” Goldsmith said.

The FCC men’s soccer team capped off an incredible season with a record of 18-1-6 and secured the program’s first state championship.

The number-two ranked team in the nation was led by outstanding goal scorer Johnny Rodriguez who was voted the National Player of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches organization.

The women’s soccer team was not without its own achievements this season after finishing the season undefeated with a record of 25-0-2 and matching their male counterparts by winning their second state championship in Rams’ history.

The women’s team was also led by their own superstar Danielle Pacheco, who was also voted National Player of the year by the United Soccer Coaches organization.

Both Pacheco and Rodriguez traveled to Philadelphia to receive their POY awards at a banquet held on Jan 17-21.

Rams wrestling also received their state championship trophy after finishing their season with the No. 1 ranking in the state and making this their second straight state championship. Their title win has given FCC their 15th state championship overall and the seventh of head coach Paul Keysaw’s career.

Keysaw was also recognized as Coach of Year and coached a team that boasted four individual state champions. Brandon Betancourt (125 pounds), Isaiah Perez (133), Aaron Mora (141) and team captain Dylan Martinez (149) all walked away with individual state championships.

The three state championships add prestige to the legacy FCC has built in the realm of athletics and that was the emphasis of the ceremony.

“Today is a great day to be a Ram,” Goldsmith said at the ceremony. “But everyday is a great day to be a Ram.”