Two dozen Vaqs moving on

GLENDALE ? How times have changed.

Following the 2002 campaign, Glendale Community College football Coach John Cicuto interviewed and evaluated 32 of his sophomores and did what he thought was best for the squad.

Cicuto asked 15 of his players to leave the program, and all 15 did.

Years and a new breed of athletes later, Cicuto has nothing but praise for his players.

Twenty-four of Cicuto’s athletes from the 2005 squad that won the Western State Conference Southern Division title have committed to play for four-year universities.

“We redefined our attitude in recruiting in the past couple of years,” Cicuto said. “It wasn’t so much about getting the great player. We were going after the good high school player who had the same philosophy as we had about going to school.

“We were going after players who were willing to be absorbent to our philosophy, which is structure and discipline.

“In 2002, we went after better athletes, but they weren’t good character kids. We’re not just looking at their ability to play football anymore, but we’re looking at their character.”

Cicuto had many leaders he could count on in 2005, including freshman running back Jamal Rashad, who rushed for 1,160 yards and 11 scores in nine regular-season contests.

Rashad caught the eye of recruiters and committed to play at Fresno State.

“That’s a big hit to our offense, but he got a scholarship to a Division IA school that’s close to his home so his mom and family can watch him play,” said Cicuto, who also lost wide receiver Darion Donnelly to the University of Wyoming.

Five Vaqueros ? quarterback Steve Martinez, wide receiver Phi Le, offensive lineman Albert Perez, fullback Jarrod Davis and inside linebacker Ricky Martin ? will continue their playing careers at the University of La Verne.

Four others ? wide receivers Janos Serfozo and Terrance Watson, center William Harrahill and cornerback Carlos Velasquez ? are headed to Avila University in Missouri.

Defensive end Frank Yee and tight end Terrence Hopkins committed to play at St. Mary’s Academy & College in Kansas.

Other Glendale College signees include: George Aquino (offensive lineman, Tusculum College), Gerald Biggers (cornerback, Minnesota State), Jason Bonwell (defensive lineman, South Dakota State), Johnny Borrelli (tight end, Graceland College), Mitchell Dolfuss (safety, Minnesota State), Robert Elisha (defensive lineman, West Liberty State), Paul Garcia (offensive lineman, University of San Diego), Daniel Partida (offensive lineman, Tusculum College), Marco Ramirez (defensive end, Charleston Southern University) and Tony Peters (kicker, Azusa Pacific University).

Cicuto said he was also pleased with St. Francis graduates and linebackers Ryan Bronk (Cal State L.A.) and Matt LaRussa (Long Beach State), as well as Glendale High graduate and kicker Evgeni Mameev (San Diego State), who’ll continue their education at four-year universities, but won’t play football.

“We had 31 sophomores on our football team last year,” Cicuto said. “We have 27 going to college. That’s what makes me feel really good.

“Those sophomores literally did everything I asked them to do. I’m really excited they earned that opportunity to go on and compete at other schools.”