De Anza athletes will attempt to bring the 2000-2001 Bud Ottmar Award back after earning it by edging out Chabot College by two points last year. The award is presented to the Coast Conference school that has the best all-sport performances during the school year, with every sport earning points toward the award.

Fall sports were a key to the Dons bringing the award home to Cupertino.

The men’s soccer team went 5-3 in their division and was 10-6-5 overall last year, losing to Fresno in an 11 round penalty kick tiebreaker.

“We’re looking forward to duplicate last year’s performance and hope to do even better,” said Coach Kulwant Singh. The Men’s soccer team will be led by nine returning players, including star goalkeeper Garret Lenox, defensiveman Artin Rodriguez and last year’s leading scorer, forward Brandon Parker. Lenox had a remarkable goals against average of 0.86 per game. The Dons soccer team started the season 2-0 in their division and is undefeated thus far.

The Men’s water polo team finished 4-2 in league, placing second in the Bay Valley Conference. “We are looking at trying to win the conference championship, but we lost some key players. We are basically rebuilding the team, but we still have high hopes. If all our players returned we would easily have won the title,” said Coach Justin Nicholas.

Nicholas saw five players disperse in the off-season due to work, academics and other various reasons. Nicholas is seeking players for the season, and will accept both male and female athletes.

The Women’s soccer team was 17-6 last year and placed third in the Coast Conference and second in the South Division.

“… I think we have the potential to do even better,” said Coach Cheryl Owiesny on her expectations of the team. She says that the team will be led by returning forward Kerry Blasch who scored 10 goals and five assists last year. The Women’s volleyball team were co-champions in the Coast Conference last year.

The Women’s cross-country team had a decent season as well. The football team finished with a .500 record and new Head Coach Mike Mitchell is looking to improve on that.

Athletic Director Al Vacio says that the teams take a while to build, due to De Anza being on the quarter system rather than a semester system like most other colleges and high schools. “It’s very important that if any student is interested in a sport that they contact the coach as soon as possible, because training and practice begins early. No matter what time of the year, it’s absolutely vital that they do so.”

“Experience is not necessary, just talk to the coaches and see if you like it.”

Vacio also encourages De Anza students to support the athletes by coming to the games. Most of the games have free admission, with the exception of football and playoffs. Bring your student body card and have a great time while watching a good game.