Cal Poly Pomona Athletics

Larry Gordon signed a contract to return to the Kapfenburg Bulls for the 2011-12 season.

Jonathan Bornstein Cal Poly Pomona, 2002-2003 After playing with Chivas USA tor four years, Bornstein recently joined the UANL Tigres of the Primera Division de Mexico. So far in 2011, Bornstein has competed in 11 matches for the Tigres while also playing for the U.S. National Team. Due to the MLS Expansion Draft, Bornstein could play for the Portland Timbers sometime in the future. Player Page / Team Site

Luis Gonzalez Cal Poly Pomona, 2010-2011 Luis Gonzalez has signed with the Los Angeles Blues for the 2012 season in the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Pro Division. Gonzalez gained All-American honors all four years in his collegiate career. In 2011, he took home the CCAA Most Valuable Offensive Player of the Year award. Gonzalez totaled 26 goals and 14 assists during his time with the Broncos. Player Page / Team Site

Larry Gordon Cal Poly Pomona, 2005-2009 Upon returning to the Kapfenberg Bulls of the Austrian League, Gordon has played 18 games. He is averaging almost 15 points per game, which is the second-best average on the team and 2.6 points per game better than his average from last season.  He leads the team in field goal percentage (71 percent). Gordon is also first on the team in rebounds, averaging 7.1 per game, for the 12-6 Bulls. Player Page / Team Site

Tobias Jahn Cal Poly Pomona, 2007-2011 Jahn is 18 games into his first season with Germany's Erdgas Ehingen of the Basketball Bundesliga's second league "Pro A." So far, the forward has played 18 games, scoring 3.3 points per game. He is fifth on the team in blocks, averaging 0.2 blocks per game. Ehingen has a 8-10 record overall in the 15-team Pro A League. Player Page / Team Site

Travis Taijeron Cal Poly Pomona, 2010-2011 Taijeron enters his second season of professional baseball as a member of the A-Level Savannah Sand Gnats. One month into the season, Taijeron was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Week. From April 30 – May 6, Taijeron went 13-for-24 while totaling three home runs, three doubles, one triple, nine runs and 12 runs batted in.   Player Page / Team Site

Angelo Tsagarakis Cal Poly Pomona, 2007-08 As a guard for the JL Bourg Basket basketball team of the France-Pro B League, Tsagarakis is averaging 14.0 points per game and is fourth on the team in field goal percentage (55.8 percent). He is also shooting 88.1 percent from the free throw line. 18 games into the 2011-12 season, Bourg is 8-10 overall and is 10th in the 19-team Pro B league. Player Page / Team Site

Ted Williams Cal Poly Pomona, 1963-1964 In his 17th season with the Philadelphia Eagles and 15th as runnings back coach. The Eagles were fifth in the NFL in rush yards per game, averaging 142.2 yards. They weree fourth in the league in yards per game (399.1). Despite a stumbling start to the season, the Eagles finished 8-8 and in second place in the NFC East. Coach Page / Team Site

Brad Wilson Cal Poly Pomona, 2009 In the 2011 season, the 33rd-round selection in the 2009 Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks pitched for three teams and finished the season with the Class A Advanced Visalia Rawhide. Pitching in 18 games overall, Wilson ended the season with a 4-5 record and a 4.50 earned run average. In his 90 innings of work, Wilson struck out 73 batters while walking 40. Player Page / Team Site

Jim Zorn Cal Poly Pomona, 1974-1975 The Kansas City Chiefs had a rough start at the beginning of the season, but Zorn as their quarterbacks coach was instrumental in helping them finish the season strong. With a 7-9 record overall, the Chiefs finished fourth in the AFC West Division, but have a bright and stable future ahead for them. Coach Page / Team Site

The Force are in the Western Conference of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) and play their seasons during the summer. The team has thrived in the Northern Colorado region and represents the smallest city in the 41-team W-League.

In her senior season with the Broncos, Garrett earned a spot on the All-California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) First Team and the Daktronics All-West Region Second Team. At the CPP Night of Excellence held on May 10, Sandino received the Hal Charnofsky Award, given to CCAA student-athletes who have distinguished themselves in the classroom and in their sport.

Sandino, a Kinesiology major, flew to Colorado in early May to try out with the team and had some grueling obstacles to overcome. At the time, she was suffering from a sore throat and a fever of over 100 degrees.

“I was just hoping I would be healthier then what I was feeling,” Sandino said. “I felt horrible, but I still managed to get there and do what I could.”

Sandino also had to cope with the high altitudes Colorado harbors and almost immediately felt the effects of the change in elevation.

“I thought I was fit, but the high altitude threw me off a little bit," Sandino said. "It's really hard to breathe. I took that for granted. It's just something to get used to over here."

Sandino is not quite finished with her studies at Cal Poly Pomona. She has a few classes left to take, so the summer league was a perfect fit for her.

The league kicked off on May 20, with Sandino set to arrive in Colorado after CPP's spring quarter to join the team and begin playing.

“This is something I wanted to do for quite a while now and now that I have it in reach just feels great,” Sandino said. “It's been a great ride here at Cal Poly and I'm ready to move on.”

The Colorado Force organization reaches over 15,000 fans and participants through its home games, events, tournaments, leagues and youth outreach programs.

LOS ANGELES - For Cal Poly Pomona alum Jasen Powell, having such an integral role in the physical well being of professional athletes is almost as enjoyable as being one.

“I love sports,” said Powell, a 1995 graduate of Cal Poly Pomona. “I'm able to do a job that allows me to be around sports and indulge in the environment.”

Powell helps coordinate and arrange every practice and health regiment the players need to stay healthy. He is also the first athletic trainer in the NBA to have collegiate playing experience.

“You need to provide the best service you can for athletes,” Powell said, “whether it's pro, college, high school, or even little league.”

On non-game days, Powell conducts practice games and treatment sessions for the athletes to make sure they are in good shape. If a player is injured, he ensures that they get the care they need.

“You have a lot of players that compete and work out at such a high level,” he said. “It's such a high demand on their bodies. Being able to control and understand their needs is important to keep them at a high level.”

Powell was the Broncos' point guard from 1993 through 1995 and was simultaneously participating in the athletic training program. After earning his undergraduate degree in kinesiology and health promotion, he began interning with the Atlanta Falcons. After his stint with the Falcons, he then worked four years with the San Francisco 49ers as an assistant trainer.

Powell served as head athletic trainer during the 2004 NBA All-Star Game for the Eastern Conference team and for the Western Conference team in the 2011 All-Star game held at the Staples Center.

Currently, he is also active with the National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association, the National Strength and Conditioning Association and the National Athletic Trainers Association. He is also a credentialed performance enhancement specialist and a credentialed corrective exercise specialist.

Powell is also very proud to be an active member of Kids Powered by Fitness, an organization serving underprivileged youth from ages 6-13.

“That's the most attractive age for children to adhere to proper diet,” he said. “Educating the parents directly allows the kids to know what they need to eat.”

Raised in Oakland, Calif., Powell holds a special place in his heart for his hometown and is giving back with the Jasen Powell Health Promotion Scholarship. The personally funded scholarship helps students in the Oakland Unified School District to pursue their interests in the sports health field.

“Be persistent and consistent at what you're trying to do,” he said. “In college your open to so many things. Cal Poly allowed me to stay persistent and consistent at the task at hand.”

Munoz Applies Lessons Learned During CPP Career

By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com

DALLAS - For former Cal Poly Pomona student-athlete Mike Munoz, baseball is in his blood.

His parents even named him Mike Munoz because they felt the name would sound good as it echoed from the public address system at Dodger Stadium one day.

Not only would he find success as a Major League pitcher, Munoz won in the business world as well while creating several companies. He is in the beginning stages of his latest venture, Above the Game SP, which specializes in sports camp management and promotions.

Munoz and his ideas keep a particular focus on student-athletes, whom he says need better mentorship from professional athletes.

“We only have a small percentage of the athletes being marketed," he said. "There's another 90 percent out there that, in my opinion, are low-profile individuals. We don't get to hear from them."

Above the Game will allow student athletes to network with the pros and acquire skills needed to be successful on the field while gaining physical, ethical and mental fitness. The company will also provide professional athletes with tools to build a brand name for themselves and help them transition from the sports world to the real world.

“An athlete needs to continue to be involved," Munoz said. "The professional athlete, at some point, will have to make that transition into the business world. It's a tough transition.”

Munoz pitched for the Broncos of CPP from 1984 to 1986 under legendary coach John Scolinos.

“My appreciation, not only for who he was, but what he stood for means more for me now then it did when I was playing for him,” Munoz said.

Broncos' assistant coach Jimmy Ramos was a coach for CPP during Munoz's years in a Bronco uniform. Ramos appreciates what Munoz is setting out to do for student athletes.

“By interacting with pros and coaches who have been there," Ramos said, "they will be able assist in what they had to adjust to and help them go in the right direction beyond playing sports."

After graduating in 1986, Munoz signed a minor league contract with his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers, finally getting his chance to pitch in the big leagues in 1989.

Munoz also played for the Detroit Tigers, the Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers. He helped Colorado clinch a postseason berth in 1995 and guided the Texas Rangers to a division title in 2000.

After retiring in 2001, he aspired to break into the business world. Having watched his mother work in the temp industry, Munoz started an employment agency in Texas.

"It was truly a 'learn by doing' situation,” Munoz said. “I had to learn on the job and I had to learn the hard way.” In 2005, he acquired Active Temporary Services, a small hiring agency in Pomona.

In October 2010, Munoz became president of the newly created baseball division at Synergy Sports, Inc., a sports agency located in the Dallas area.

“When I first met Mike, I was immediately impressed with his values,” Synergy Sports President Gary Glick said. “Mike has a love for the game and enjoys working with and teaching mechanics to players.”

As he continued to build success for himself by embodying the “learn by doing” philosophy, Munoz said he always remembered and followed the wise words of Coach Scolinos - "Surround yourself with great people."

By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com

CULIACAN, Mexico - For former Cal Poly Pomona student-athlete Walter Thompson, the game of basketball is a true passion.

Currently, Thompson is playing basketball in Latin America with the Caballeros de Culiacan from the Cibacopa Mexican spring league.

“Playing in Latin America has been an unbelievable experience,” he said. “We play all over Mexico, Central and South America. It has been great to be able to experience the beauty and culture of so many Latin American countries.”

Thompson is of Mexican heritage and he had no trouble fitting in or speaking with his teammates and coaches.

“Traveling is one thing that I love to do,” Thompson said. “When you get paid to travel to different places throughout the world because of basketball it's a win-win situation.”

Thompson spent only one year at Cal Poly Pomona (2008-09), but said it was the best experience of his collegiate life.

“From day one I knew I was in a special place,” Thompson said. “CPP was not only diverse in ethnicities and culture, it also provided diverse ideologies within the faculty and student body, which was fascinating and inspiring to see.”

Thompson began his professional basketball career in the 2009-10 season with the Halcones de Veracruz, in Veracruz, Mexico. His team represented Mexico in the FIBA Americas, a zone of teams in the International Basketball Federation, and played against the best teams from Latin America, including Panama, Brazil and Argentina.

Thompson played with the Halcones until he fractured his foot the first game of the 2010-11 season. He decided that he would have a better chance of healing if he came back home.

“It was tough to be in a cast and crutches for about six months,” Thompson said. “But being injured gave me a chance to reflect on a lot of different things.”

Thompson is very passionate about helping needy and underrepresented peoples. He volunteers at St. Joseph Center, a non-profit organization in his hometown of Venice, Calif., that provides needy families with help in counseling, housing and other areas.

He also interned there during his recuperation and served as an aide to the assistant director.

Thompson's mother, EleuteriaHernández González, a student advisor at UCLA's César E. Chávez Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies, helped shape Thompson into the man he is today.

“Sports have been an integral part of his life,” Hernández González said. “His father and I both played tennis in college. He comes from a very athletic family.”

His mother was also active in the Latino civil rights movement of the '80s and '90s.

“I intentionally took him with me to protests, peace rallies and hunger strikes,” she said, “so that he would be able to witness the need to help the less fortunate and to fight for justice.”

Thompson said those experiences definitively motivated him to help others.

Thompson is also working on a creative endeavor titled The Real Angels (TRA). It will consist of a series of blogs, magazines and documentaries highlighting the interconnectedness between the diverse communities of Los Angeles.

“It is still in its developmental stage, but has already garnered strong support and interest from different groups of people,” Thompson said.

Most importantly, Thompson doesn't want to be known for just playing basketball.

“I would like to be known for being a great person,” he said. “I think that's more important than any accomplishment on the basketball court.”

Brett Finds Success in the Business of Baseball

By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com

POMONA, Calif. - Though he never thought he would ever make money out of owning a sports team, Bobby Brett sure has made a career of it.

Brett, who played with the Broncos from 1969 to 1972, purchased the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, the Class-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, with his brothers last year.

In addition, the Brett brothers, Bobby, J.B. and Hall of Famer George, own three other teams – the Spokane Indians, the Bellingham Bells, and the minor league hockey Spokane Chiefs, all in the state of Washington.

“Since we all played baseball we thought it would be a fun thing to do,” Bobby said. “We never thought we could make a business out of it. Lo and behold, a couple of years later we said, 'Gee, this is kind of fun.'”

The Brett brothers purchased their first minor league team in 1985, that being the Spokane Indians. They had recently owned the High Desert Mavericks before the Quakes were put up for sale.

“Geographically I thought it [the Quakes] was as little bit better,” Bobby said. “The community is a fine community. With Rancho, it was tremendously successful.”

Bobby signed with the Kansas City Royals' organization in June 1972 and played briefly in the minor leagues.

He then returned to college and earned his teaching credential from Loyola Marymount, after which he served as a teacher and baseball coach at Inglewood High School during the 1974-75 school year. Then, Bobby entered the real estate investment business.

Currently, he and his former high school baseball coach Cliff Warren are real estate business partners in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, buying and operating apartment complexes.

Bobby lives in Spokane to manage his organizations there and travels frequently to California to oversee the Quakes and manage his real estate holdings, so he is never at a loss for things to do.

“With baseball at Cal Poly we learned a lot of life lessons,” Bobby said. “It's all about hard work and working for the team. Running a business is no different. Go out and work and do your best. Sometimes you're going to win, sometimes you're going to lose and you battle to try and get better.”

On Friday, April 15, Bobby will be honored at the Distinguished Alumni Awards event on the CPP campus. The accolade highlights outstanding achievement in a profession or vocation, service to a local, national or global community and service to Cal Poly Pomona.

Broncos Finish Toward Front of L.A. Marathon Pack

Los Angeles Marathon Results

By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com

LOS ANGELES - Daniel Rojas and Mark Batres, two former Cal Poly Pomona student-athletes on the cross country team, fought against the cold rain as they competed in the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday, March 20.

Both runners had impressive performances along the 26.2 mile route, with Rojas placing ninth at 2:20:12 and Batres finishing 16th at 2:20:48.

“I'd been toying with the idea for years,” said Rojas, a 2005 graduate of CPP who earned a spot on the NCAA Division II All-American team in 2004. Rojas decided to run just 12 weeks before the race and it was a surprise to some.

“A lot of people didn't know I was running in it,” he said. “My coach didn't know until two weeks before. When the marathon came around, I wasn't in shape.”

Rojas then turned to good friend and fellow runner, Batres, for help.

“He came up to me, knowing that I had done a few marathons before,” Batres said.

A 2007 Broncos' alum who captured All-American honors in 2003, 2004 and 2005, Batres also competed in the marathon the past three years.

Just six weeks before the date of this year's race, Rojas convinced Batres to toss compete once again.

Freezing rain and wind provided tricky conditions for the marathon. Cramping muscles made a difficult race that much more strenuous for the two CPP runners but they pushed through with the support of other former CPP athletes, running partners and family who cheered from the sidelines.

“It was a good support system with my family members and everybody,” Batres said. “It kept me going.”

Both athletes participate frequently in running clubs. Rojas runs with Nike Team Run L.A. while Batres trains with “Run With Us,” a running club from the footwear and apparel store of the same name located in Pasadena.

Participants receive free footwear, free entries into races and the opportunity to train in the area's running scene.

“They were one of the best duos we've had,” said Broncos' assistant cross-country and track and field coach Tony Reyes. “They had incredibly high competitive natures about themselves and I think the two of them were able to bring the best out in each other.”

Outside of running, Rojas is working toward earning a master's degree in education at Long Beach State. Eventually, he would like to teach high school history or English. Batres serves as an assistant track and cross country coach at Nogales High School in La Puente.

With regards to his recent race, Batres is very satisfied with his performance.

“I only trained six weeks, so that's pretty good,” he said. “Going out there and having a good race was awesome.”

Rojas said he will run in next year's marathon with the goal of finishing in the top five but vowed to train well in advance next time.

As for Batres, he has his sights on the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. As a stepping stone to that goal, he will train to participate in the January 2012 Olympic track trials in Houston.

“I just want to get as much as I can out of running,” he said.

Gordon Brings His Passion for Basketball to Europe

By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com

Larry Gordon Eurobasket Profile

KAPFENBERG, Austria - He set out to make a name for himself at Cal Poly Pomona.

In Larry Gordon's four years with the Broncos, 2005 through 2009, he tallied more than 1,500 points, 900 rebounds, 125 steals and 45 blocks. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and was a four-time All-CCAA performer.

To top things off, he was named an All-American for the 2008-09 campaign. Despite being one of only five players in program history to attain that distinction, there was one thing missing from the equation: an NCAA Division II championship ring.

“I would have loved to get a ring over the All-American any day,” said Gordon, who is enjoying a professional basketball career in Europe.

Gordon is playing with the Kapfenberg Bulls, an Austrian team. After graduation in 2009, numerous agents who watched his outstanding performance in the D-II championship game that year approached him, but he had one thing on his mind: playing in the NBA.

“My eyes were always on the NBA,” he said. “But with the politics with that and everything, I had to go to the next best thing and that was to play in Europe for a while.”

Ultimately, Gordon chose to begin his pro career in Holland with the Landstede Zwolle. Even though other teams had offered him more pay, Gordon chose the Landstede Zwolle because the team gave him the best chance to advance his career.

Despite being 5,300 miles from home, Gordon took comfort in the fact that many of his teammates spoke English and had similar interests.

“It was like being at home in certain instances, but just with the same culture everywhere,” he said. “They spoke the same language, ate the same food and listened to the same music.”

The former CPP forward eventually moved to his current team in Austria, where he averages 11.1 points and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting 52.5 percent from the field.

In explaining his move to Austria, Gordon said: “The team in Holland didn't have enough money to increase my contract agreement, so I had to move on to a better opportunity and more money. Even though it's not about the money, but I do have to make a living.”

The Kapfenberg Bulls are aiming to make a deep run in the postseason and are currently tied for fifth place in the league.

“Larry was such a determined student-athlete from the day he stepped on campus,” Broncos' head coach Greg Kamansky said. “He was very competitive and this motivated him to be one of the hardest workers we've had both on and off the court. His work ethic inspired not only his teammates, but our whole coaching staff.”

Gordon, born in West Covina, Calif., lived in Pomona for most of his early years and playing for Cal Poly Pomona was a no-brainer.

“I really loved the environment and the school atmosphere,” he said. “I also liked the coaching staff and the system they were offering as far as me playing basketball.”

Gordon was part of the 2008-09 squad that played against Findlay in the DII championship game. CPP was unranked while Findlay was ranked No. 1 their entire season and was undefeated.

“The only thing on my mind before that game,” Gordon said, “was the fact that we were the underdogs throughout the whole tournament and no one really respected us.”

The contest between the Broncos and Findlay went into overtime and Gordon sunk a trey to give CPP the lead. With the score tied in the final seconds, Findlay's Tyler Evans knocked down a desperation three pointer at the buzzer to give his team the title.

Gordon was right under the basket when the winning shot went in.

“I saw the trajectory and I knew it was going in,” he said. “My heart dropped, I couldn't believe what had just happened.”

Despite the absence of that ring, Gordon has much to be thankful for.

“Being an All-American is one of my greatest accomplishments for me in basketball,” Gordon said. “I'm very humble and honored to have received such an award. I had a great career at Cal Poly and if I can do it all over again I would. By far the best time of my life.”

As far as the future is concerned, Gordon still dreams of an NBA career.

“There is great success around the corner for me in basketball,” he said.

Williams Nets Success in Denmark Volleyball League

By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com

BRØNDBY, Denmark - Looking at her array of awards and accolades, it is hard to fathom how someone who was so unimpressed with volleyball could turn out to be a star in the sport. Such is the story of Vanessa Williams, a former Cal Poly Pomona student-athlete who is now playing professionally overseas.

The 6-foot-1 middle blocker from Riverside, Calif., is now a key member of the Brøndby Volleyball Klub. The league's season features 22 matches ending in late April.

“I remember thinking my freshman year of high school that volleyball was the most boring sport to watch,” she said. The following season, the high school volleyball coach convinced Williams to tryout and she instantly became hooked. “As soon as I began to play I knew this was a sport I was meant to love.”

Williams made quite a mark with the Broncos. She earned All-American recognition in 2008, leading the Broncos to the NCAA Pacific Regional final and a 14th-place finish nationally with a 20-8 record. Williams also helped the team win the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) championship in 2005.

In the face of such accomplishment, she remained modest and focused.

“It was important to me that I always stayed humble and level-headed," Williams said. "I'm very thankful that I was blessed with those awards. Without that attitude, I don't think I would have accomplished some of the things I have so far in my life."

CPP head coach Rosie Wegrich admired Williams' highly coachable nature and willingness to try new things on the court with little preparation.

“Vanessa was a strong role model both in the classroom and on the court,” Wegrich said. “She never made excuses in her practices or competitive outcomes. She accepted responsibility at all times.”

Once her senior season came to its conclusion, Williams set out to play professionally, with a goal of landing a spot overseas. She hit a few roadblocks though and thought about giving up the dream.

“I became less aggressive about it and started getting back into the 'real world' mindset and was looking for different jobs, while beginning applications for grad school,” she said. “At this point almost two years had gone by and it didn't seem like playing professionally was going to be an option.”

In June 2010, opportunity knocked. Williams learned of a team in Denmark that was searching for a middle blocker. She immediately spoke with Brøndby Volleyball Klub representatives and once it seemed like a good fit, she committed to the program.

Williams first set foot in Denmark in August 2010. Although it proved to be a tough first week as she became homesick, Williams persevered.

“I just told myself,” she said, “'Look at where you're at right now… You are overseas doing what you love so enjoy it because the time will be done before you know it.'”

Culture shock was not so much a problem. Her fellow coaches and players were all incredibly warm and inviting.

“After about the first three days it was as if we'd known each other for months,” Williams said. “It has felt like a home away from home, which made my transition so much easier.”

The language barrier is also not so overwhelming, considering most of her teammates speak English to varying degrees and her fellow players also translate what their coaches are saying.

“Growing up, my parents always stressed to me that it's important to give your all and try your hardest at everything you attempt in life, whether it be in the classroom, on the court, or just everyday life,” Williams said. “If you're successful in these things, it is truly a blessing.”

Valashinas Signs with Los Angeles Blues Soccer Club

By Aaron Castrejon
BroncoAthletics.com

POMONA, Calif. - A former Cal Poly Pomona soccer player is going pro.

Justin Valashinas, a former defender on the men's soccer team, will play with the Los Angeles Blues, a professional soccer team from the United Soccer Leagues Professional Division (USL Pro).

“I grew up playing almost every sport,” said the 5-foot-10 athlete from Manhattan Beach, Calif. Soccer, however, was the one sport that stuck and it has been a lifelong goal to play professionally.

It was just one week after the last game of the 2010 season when Valashinas jumped at the opportunity to play professionally. Trevor Persson, an assistant coach with the Broncos, was able to help Valashinas get an opportunity to tryout.

The L.A. Blues liked what they saw and kept asking Valashinas to return. Soon after, Valashinas was signed. “I really didn't believe it. I was amazed that I was given a shot. That's all I could really ask for,” Valashinas said.

"We are pleased with signing Justin,” said Charlie Naimo, vice president and head coach of the Blues. “He is a young local player that has already shown signs of being a great professional."

It is also the USL Pro's inaugural season. “The whole aspect of it is kind of mind boggling,” Valashinas said.

Valashinas arrived to CPP from Fort Lewis College (Div. II) in Durango, Colo. And immediately bonded with his players and coaches. Valashinas played three season with the Broncos (2008-2010).

In his starting year, Valashinas broke his ankle. The inability to play during his recovery did a number on his confidence levels, but he refused to let that keep him down.

“Any great leader has to have the ability to adapt to the situation they are in,” Broncos' head coach Lance Thompson said. “They have to have the ability to adapt. I really believe Justin has those leadership qualities. He adapted to the expectations and direction this program was going in,” Thompson said.

Thompson arrived to Cal Poly Pomona to helm the men's team in Feb. 2009. Valashinas was the first student athlete to call and congratulate him. “That is something I'll always remember,” Thompson said.

In his three seasons, Valashinas displayed an amazing work ethic, having played in 47 games, 45 of which he started. In the 2010 season he played in 1,397 minutes, leading the Broncos.

“He was extremely committed to making this program successful.”

That work ethic was something coach Thompson reinforced in Valashinas.

 “You don't get places in the long run by luck. Ultimately it's your work ethic that is going to determine the kind of person you are on and off the field,” Valashinas said. “The work you put into it is ultimately what gets you far.

 “I've had a great experience here. I met a bunch of great players here at Cal Poly. I feel very lucky that I was given a shot and now it's up to me to make the most of it. I'm looking forward to what happens.”

The L.A. Blues play their inaugural game Friday, April 15 against Sevilla FC Puerto Rico in Puerto Rico. Their first home game is Sunday, May 1 at Cal State Fullerton's Titan Stadium.