College of the Siskiyous Eagles Football: A Legacy of Community and Competition
College of the Siskiyous (COS), nestled in Weed and Yreka, Siskiyou County, Northern California, stands as the northernmost institution in the California Community Colleges System and the sole college in Siskiyou County. While many mistakenly believe its name originates from Siskiyou County, COS is, in fact, named after the Siskiyou Mountains that straddle the California-Oregon border. The athletic mascot embodies the spirit of the institution, aptly named the Eagle. The College of the Siskiyous Football program has a rich history of community support and athletic achievement.
A Foundation Built on Community
Founded in 1957 after a special election, COS opened its doors on September 8, 1959. The Weed campus boasts a variety of facilities, including Herschel Meredith Stadium, home to football and track and field events. The stadium stands as a testament to the community's commitment to its college and its athletic programs.
Athletic Prowess: More Than Just Football
COS provides opportunities for student-athletes to compete in a variety of intercollegiate sports. Women's options include basketball, softball, cross country, track, soccer, and volleyball. Men can participate in baseball, basketball, cross country, soccer, track, and football. This diverse athletic program enriches the college experience for students and provides a platform for showcasing talent.
The Football Program: A Tradition of Excellence
The College of the Siskiyous Football program has experienced periods of remarkable success. Under the guidance of former Head Football Coach Charlie Roche, who now serves as the athletic director, the team clinched the Top of the State Bowl in 2012. The Eagles further solidified their dominance by securing the Mid Empire Football League conference championship for two consecutive years (2012 and 2013), earning them the honor of hosting the Top of the State Bowl Game (Central Division Championship football game). In 2014, COS hosted and emerged victorious in the North State Bowl Game, triumphing over Shasta College. In 2017, the Eagle Football team finished the conference season with an impressive 8-2 record, maintaining a perfect home record.
Recent Season: Building a Foundation for the Future
The College of the Siskiyous football team demonstrated resilience and growth in a recent season. A significant victory came against West Hills Coalinga, with the Eagles dominating at home at Herschel Meredith Stadium. The team's success can be attributed to several key factors:
Read also: Comprehensive Ranking: Women's College Basketball
- Early Scoring: The team's ability to score on their opening drive provided a crucial confidence boost, setting the tone for the game.
- Defensive Prowess: A stingy defense consistently pressured the opposing quarterback, leading to turnovers and limiting West Hills' offensive opportunities. Standout defensive players such as Mason Smith, Johnathon Bailey, Angelo Martinez, Ryan Ten Hulscher, Junnie Belisle and Julian Lopez made significant contributions.
- Offensive Execution: The offense showcased its best performance of the year, executing plays effectively and capitalizing on favorable matchups. Quarterback OJ Calleja led the charge with four touchdowns.
- Run Game: The team's ability to establish a strong running game created opportunities for success in the passing game.
Head Coach Tyler Knudsen emphasized the importance of daily improvement and a strong work ethic. Despite having a young team, the Eagles demonstrated a commitment to growth and development.
Recruiting and Connecting with the Program
For prospective student-athletes interested in joining the College of the Siskiyous Football program, it is crucial to connect with the coaching staff, which includes:
- Head Coach: Adam Groppi, Tyler Knudsen
- Assistant Coaches: Aaron Burns, Blake Gardner, Charlie Roche, Chris Knudsen, Drew Nobles, Jay Brehm, Kyle Sentkowski, Martin Morris, Tim Frisbie
NCSA plays a vital role in connecting coaches and athletes, offering student-athletes the tools and information necessary to enhance their recruiting prospects. Building relationships and creating a professional-quality recruiting profile are essential steps in the recruiting process.
Admissions and Academics
College of the Siskiyous offers a range of academic programs, with popular majors including Business, Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Administration, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT Paramedic), Fire Science and Fire Fighting, Human Services, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Licensed Practical Nurse Training (LPN), Natural Sciences, Psychology, and Social Science Research Methods. The admissions process includes rolling admissions and a common application.
Notable Alumni
The College of the Siskiyous has produced a number of notable alumni who have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including:
Read also: Phoenix Suns' New Center
- Adris DeLeon: A basketball player who held his own against locked-out NBA players.
- Emilio Fraietta: A former player in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
- Dan Hawkins: A football coach with experience at the collegiate and professional levels.
- Chris Czarka: An athlete inducted into the Terry Fox Secondary Wall of Fame.
Read also: About Grossmont Community College
tags: #college #of #the #siskiyous #football #program
