By: Alex Kline, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
POMONA, Calif. - Cal Poly Pomona Athletics is proud to announce the induction class for the 2026 CPP Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing four outstanding individuals and one accomplished team whose excellence, leadership, and impact have helped define Bronco Athletics across generations.
The class includes four individual inductees - Mark Batres, Sergi Monsó, Jimmy Ramos, and Durelle Schimek - along with the historic 1981-82 Women's Basketball National Championship team. Collectively, these honorees represent unparalleled achievement at the national, conference, and institutional levels, spanning multiple decades and sports while embodying the values of competitive excellence, service, and legacy that define Cal Poly Pomona Athletics.
To view the full CPP Athletics Hall of Fame, click
HERE.
Mark Batres
Men's Cross Country / Track & Field
2002-2007
One of the most accomplished and consistent distance runners in school history, Batres earned five All-America honors - three in cross country and two in track & field - while representing CPP on the national stage six times. His success extended regionally and within the conference, as he was a four-time All-West Region selection and a three-time All-CCAA honoree. His breakout freshman season in 2002 was historic, as he captured both CCAA Freshman of the Year and CCAA Runner of the Year honors while winning the individual CCAA Cross Country Championship.
Batres' resume is highlighted by major individual victories, including the 2004 NCAA West Region individual championship, making him one of only a handful of Broncos to ever win a regional title. Across his four-year cross country career, he claimed five individual meet victories, the most in program history, and recorded 16 top team finishes, which ranks second all-time at Cal Poly Pomona. His career winning percentage ranks as the second-highest in team history, having beaten 93.3 percent of the runners he raced against.
At the NCAA Championships, Batres delivered some of the program's strongest performances, finishing 10th nationally in 2005, a result that stands among the best individual finishes in school history. He also made four national championship appearances in cross country, tied for the most in program history.
In addition to his cross country dominance, Batres left his mark on the track. He still ranks fifth all-time at CPP in the 10,000 meters and seventh in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, both of which earned him All-America honors. He was also part of relay squads that still rank second and ninth in the 4x1600 relay in school history.
Reflecting on his Hall of Fame honor, Batres said, "I am incredibly honored to be a member of the CPP Hall of Fame and truly enjoyed my years at Cal Poly. My success would not have been possible without the tremendous support from my coaches, family, fellow athletes, and the entire CPP Athletics Department. Especially meaningful are the relationships I made; these relationships helped mold me into the person I am today."
After his career at Cal Poly Pomona, Batres continued to excel as an elite endurance athlete, competing professionally in road running, ultrarunning, and obstacle course racing. His accomplishments include winning the 2010 USATF Southern California Marathon Championship and the 2012 USATF Half Marathon Championship, with personal bests of 2:19 in the marathon and 1:05 in the half marathon. In 2021, he achieved a landmark victory at World's Toughest Mudder, winning the premier 24-hour endurance event by covering 115 miles, the most ever in the event's history.
Beyond competition, Batres has built a successful career with the Defense Contract Management Agency, where he has worked since 2012 and currently serves as an Industrial Specialist in the Navy Special Emphasis program. He married his college sweetheart and CPP teammate, Natalie Miano, and together they have two sons.
Committed to giving back to the sport, Batres is the Owner and President of the Claremont Nighthawks, a nonprofit youth running team focused on developing young athletes and expanding access to competitive racing. In 2023, he became Head Coach of the Claremont High School cross country and track distance programs, earning 2024 Inland Empire Coach of the Year honors. In 2025, he helped lead the Claremont High School girls cross country team to the CIF Division II Championship and a California State Division II runner-up finish.
Sergi Monsó
Men's Soccer
2015-2017
Sergi Monsó's induction into the Cal Poly Pomona Athletics Hall of Fame marks a historic moment for the program, as he becomes the first men's soccer player ever enshrined in the Hall. His selection reflects not only extraordinary individual achievement, but also his lasting impact on the most successful era of CPP men's soccer.
A member of the program from 2015 to 2017, Monsó established himself as the most accomplished player in men's soccer history at Cal Poly Pomona. He is the program's all-time leader in career goals (38), points (96), shots (205), game-winning goals (17), and penalty kick goals (7), while also ranking second in career assists (20). During his senior season in 2017, Monsó delivered the most dominant single-season performance the program has ever seen, setting school records for goals (21), points (53), shots (89), game-winning goals (8), games played (24), and games started (24).
Monsó's excellence earned widespread recognition at every level. He was a two-time All-American (2016, 2017), a two-time All-West Region selection, and a two-time All-CCAA First Team honoree, after earning All-CCAA Honorable Mention as a sophomore in 2015. As a senior in 2017, he was named CCAA Offensive Player of the Year, cementing his status as the premier attacking player in the conference. Monsó was just as committed to his studies as he was to dominating on the pitch, earning CCAA Scholar-Athlete of the Year, United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American, and CCAA All-Academic honors, making him one of the most accomplished students to compete at a high level.
Beyond individual accolades, Monsó played a central role in team success during a golden stretch for the program. He helped lead Cal Poly Pomona to NCAA Division II Final Four appearances in 2015 and 2017, anchoring offenses that were the most prolific in school history. His contributions helped define the Broncos as a national contender throughout the decade, including a national runner-up finish in 2015.
Reflecting on his induction, Monsó said, "It is a true honor to be inducted into the CPP Hall of Fame, a school that gave me one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. I would like to thank everyone who made this possible, from Coach Yossi and Coach Adam to all of my teammates during those three years. I remember my time at CPP as one of the most enriching periods of my life, both in terms of soccer and personal growth. Thank you, CPP, for giving me the opportunity to succeed both on the field and in the classroom. I will always carry with me the lessons you taught me."
After graduating, Monsó continued his soccer career at the semi-professional level in his hometown of Barcelona while also becoming involved in his family's pharmaceutical marketing business. Over the past five years, he has taken on full management of the company, concentrating on its financial growth and long-term stability. In addition to his professional pursuits, Monsó and his wife welcomed their daughter, Gia, a milestone that has brought new perspective and purpose to his life. Today, he continues to balance his passion for playing soccer, leadership of the family business, and a deep commitment to growing together as a family.
Jimmy Ramos
Baseball
Player 1970-71
Coach 1972-Present
Jimmy Ramos' induction into the Cal Poly Pomona Athletics Hall of Fame recognizes a lifetime of service, leadership, and excellence that is inseparable from the history of Bronco baseball. Over more than four decades, Ramos has embodied the values of Cal Poly Pomona Athletics through his impact as a student-athlete, coach, mentor, and steward of the program.
Ramos, affectionately known as "Kimo" by more recent generations of the program, first donned the Green and Gold as an outfielder during the 1970 and 1971 seasons, beginning a relationship with the university that would span more than 45 total years. Following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching and is now in his 42
nd season on the Cal Poly Pomona baseball staff, excluding a few stints at the high school and junior college level, marking the longest tenure of any coach in any sport in school history.
During that time, he served under legendary head coach John Scolinos and helped guide the Broncos to the department's first national championship in 1976, followed by another NCAA Division II national title in 1983. Entering the 2026 season, Ramos has been part of 1,159 wins and has coached in over 65 percent of all games ever played by the Cal Poly Pomona baseball program.
"Being inducted into the Cal Poly Pomona Athletics Hall of Fame means more to me than words can fully express," commented Ramos after being told about his induction. "This honor reflects the head coaches who gave me the privilege of serving on their staffs and believed in me enough to allow me to stand by their side, learn, and contribute. It represents the teammates who helped shape me into a true team player, and the former and current players who placed their trust in me to help guide them through their own journeys."
Ramos' influence goes far beyond wins and championships. In 2017, his impact was permanently cemented when his uniform number (#1) was retired at Scolinos Field, an honor shared only with Hall of Fame coach John Scolinos. That distinction reflects the profound respect Ramos has earned across generations of players and coaches. Known for his ability to connect with student-athletes, Ramos has played a defining role in shaping the culture of Bronco baseball, emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and character. He has been a constant presence in the dugout for over four decades, carrying forward Scolinos' purpose, legacy, and the traditions that define Bronco baseball.
"I am especially grateful to former Head Baseball Coach, John Scolinos, who taught me not only how to play the game the right way, but how to be a better person both on and off the field," continued Ramos. "One of his many lasting lessons was his reminder of the five most important words: 'Surround yourself with good people.' I was fortunate to be surrounded by exactly that - exceptional people who guided, supported, and inspired me throughout my time as a student-athlete and as a coach.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family. My wife Liza has been my constant source of strength, patience, and encouragement, standing beside me through the long hours, challenges, and sacrifices that come with this profession. My son Jason and my daughter Gina, have been my motivation and my reminder of what truly matters, inspiring me every day to lead by example both on and off the field.
As I reflect on this journey, this honor is less about individual achievement and more about shared experiences, relationships, and lessons learned along the way. You couldn't ask for better people to guide and support you through a journey like this, and I carry their influence with me in everything I do. I am truly honored and humbled to be inducted into the Cal Poly Pomona Athletics Hall of Fame, and I accept this recognition with great pride and gratitude."
Durelle Schimek
Women's Track & Field
1987-1989
Durelle Schimek holds the title for most individual national championships in Cal Poly Pomona Athletics history. Competing for the women's track & field program from 1987-89, Schimek established herself as a dominant multi-event and throwing athlete on the national stage. She earned five All-American honors across three events - high jump, heptathlon, and javelin - and captured an unmatched three individual national championships from 1988-89.
Her national titles included two championships in the javelin and one in the heptathlon, while becoming an All-American in three separate events in 1988 and two events in 1989. Schimek was also recognized as the Cal Poly Pomona Female Athlete of the Year, adding to her legacy as one of the most decorated athletes both during her era and in program history.
Schimek's performances remain etched in the Cal Poly Pomona record books. She still holds the school record in the javelin with a mark of 56.94 meters, achieved in 1988. She also ranks second all-time in the high jump at 1.82m and third all-time in the heptathlon at 5507, highlighting her rare combination of power, technique, and all-around athleticism.
Reflecting on her induction, Schimek shared: "Being inducted into the Cal Poly Pomona Hall of Fame is truly an honor. I know a lot of very talented student-athletes have competed for the college, and have many fond memories of my time spent at CPP. Many special friendships were made, and I received knowledge academically and athletically helping to enrich my life to this day."
Her excellence did not end with her collegiate career. After leaving Cal Poly Pomona, Schimek built a long-standing professional career working for the State of California's IHSS program, where she has served for many years. While being inducted into the Nevada Union High School Hall of Fame in 2017, she discovered the world of Masters Track & Field, and quickly re-established herself as one of the best javelin throwers in the nation. Since then, she has become the American record holder in the women's 50–54 and 55–59 age groups in the javelin, achieved the goal of breaking the 50–54 record just one month before aging up, and earned two World Masters Indoor Championships and two World Masters Outdoor Championships, all in the javelin.
1981-82 Women's Basketball Team
First DII Women's Basketball National Champions
The 1981-82 Cal Poly Pomona women's basketball team authored one of the most significant seasons in NCAA Division II history, capturing the first-ever NCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship in the inaugural year of NCAA sponsorship for women's sports. Under the leadership of legendary head coach Darlene May and assistant coach Barb (Thaller) Fulton, the Broncos transitioned from the AIAW era to the NCAA stage and immediately set the national standard.
"Forty-four years later, I am still so proud of the 1982 team and so happy that they will be inducted into the Hall of Fame," said Fulton when asked about the induction. "They gave their all to become first-time Champions that year. They played amazing basketball during the tournament while representing Cal Poly Pomona and the NCAA like the champions they are. They are very deserving of this honor, and I would like to thank the HOF committee for recognizing their achievement."
Fueled by their season-long motto, "Going For The Gold," Cal Poly Pomona finished the year with a 29-7 overall record, went a perfect 12-0 in conference play, and claimed the CCAA regular season championship before rolling through the postseason. The Broncos closed the year in dominant fashion, winning 10 straight games and 20 of their final 22, peaking precisely when the national spotlight was brightest.
The championship run featured decisive victories at every stage of the NCAA tournament. Cal Poly Pomona defeated San Francisco State (81-60) in the NCAA West Regional final, Fort Valley State (95-80) in the Elite Eight, and Mount St. Mary's (71-58) in the Final Four before sealing the title game with a commanding 93-74 win over Tuskegee. Coach May later noted the team's composure and execution, particularly against full-court pressure, as a defining factor in the championship victory.
"Darlene May coached every team with the goal of making them champions," added Fulton when talking about Hall of Fame coach Darlene May. "She was intense and very driven. She was a winner, and she expected her players to be the same. She coached every single game from opening tip-off to final buzzer, as if they were all one-point games. When that championship game approached the final minute on the clock and we were up by 20 points, I suggested that she take a moment to sit back and allow herself to take it all in. But she coached that game like all the others, until the final buzzer. That is who she was, and that is what she taught."
Individually, the Broncos were led by Jackie White, who delivered a brilliant postseason and was named the unanimous NCAA Tournament Most Valuable Player, receiving all 35 media votes. White totaled 45 points and 10 assists across the final two games and scored 22 points in the national championship game. Carol Welch was also named to the NCAA All-Tournament Team, while Lisa Ulmer and Jeannette Tjaarda were named to the NCAA Quarterfinals All-Tournament Team.
When asked about the title run, Tjaarda recalled, "We played as a team with one goal in mind: to win the National Championship. We came close the year before and we all had such a deep desire to win that year. We knew it was possible and we wanted it. So, we worked hard all year even through injuries. I remember cutting down the nets and how exciting that was for me. We had fun on and off the court which resulted in some lifetime friends."
Beyond the trophy, the 1981-82 team left a lasting imprint on the Cal Poly Pomona record book. The Broncos ranked among the program's most efficient offensive teams, shooting .501 from the field and setting the program's best single-season free throw percentage (.778). Their 2,839 total points remain one of the highest single-season outputs in program history.
Ulmer, who was named an AWSF All-American during the 1981-82 season, added, "Being on the first-ever NCAA championship team is a great honor. Being the 'first' is something no other team can match. We were a well-balanced team, good perimeter shooters as well as a strong inside game. We had excellent role players too . . . Coach Darlene May was the driving force behind the team. She was a tough, no nonsense coach. Her focus and high expectations set the standard for all of us. Also, players that came before us like Musiette McKinney, Robbie Beyer, Karen Olson, Carol Groth, and Janice Campbell laid the foundation that allowed our team to thrive."
As the first NCAA Division II women's basketball national champions, the 1981-82 Broncos did more than win a title - they established Cal Poly Pomona as a national powerhouse and helped shape the future of women's collegiate basketball. The program has since gone on to win four additional national titles, marking the most in NCAA Division II history. Their induction into the CPP Athletics Hall of Fame honors not only a championship season, but a team that made history at the exact moment the sport entered a new era.
All four individual inductees and the team will be honored at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on
Saturday, April 11th, 2026 in Kellogg Arena. There will be a luncheon in Kellogg Arena, followed by the induction ceremony and a ceremonial first pitch by each of the inductees before the Broncos' baseball game that afternoon. More details will become available in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions, please contact
Kevin Gomez, Assistant Athletic Director for Development at (909) 869-2812 or at kevincgomez@cpp.edu.
