NINE NAMED TO ALL-IEAC TEAM - SMITH REFLECTS ON 2022 SEASON
Congratulations to the nine Chaffey Panthers selected for the 2022 All-IEAC team. Jared Bujanda (OF) and Blake Griffin were designated Golden Glove honorees. In addition, Cole Howarth, Brynden Rodriguez, Zach Kim, Steven Mara, Braden Hofmeyer, Bradley Chesterton, and Ricky Rodarte were also honored. Chesterton, the 2022 team's sole sophomore was also honored after the 2020 shortened season and his 2019 freshman season.
The Panthers completed the 2022 season 21-19 overall, 15-9 in conference (4th place).
Interim Head Coach Andy Smith summed up his rookie season: If nothing else this was a special year of learning and growth for all of us, and I think that growth was substantial across the board. Of course we hoped for a few more wins and a postseason bid, but the importance of college athletics ranges far beyond wins and losses, and these guys had to overcome a ton of obstacles along the way this year. Playing a 40 game road schedule (10 "home" games at Claremont), playing arguably the toughest non-conference schedule in the state and beating some top teams (#1 Saddleback, #10 El Camino twice, #9 Long Beach, and #11 cypress) these guys got battle tested this year.SI feel this year set a great foundation for our talented freshmen class that gained a ton of experience on both sides of the ball and for our coaching staff to better understand how to serve our guys. The future is certainly encouraging here at Chaffey with the talent and character of the players in this program. We excitedly look ahead to next year, and we say heartfelt goodbyes to our sophomores that had such a positive impact on the culture and success of our program.
From a personal standpoint, I am truly humbled by the opportunity to coach this group of young men and look forward to continued growth as a coach and leader so I can best serve these guys moving forward. I also am eager to get the rest of our sophomores locked in with four-year schools.