SCC Roars Into Future With New Nickname

When Southern California College changes its name to Vanguard University of Southern California next July, the 78-year-old Costa Mesa school also will have a new mascot--a lion.

“The committee wanted a name that we all would feel good about,” Athletic Director Bob Wilson said.

Among the other candidates for nicknames were Blaze and Breakers. But Wilson said committee members feared being named after something destructive, such as fire, would offend some and would be too difficult to illustrate.

“We went through that with Vanguards,” Wilson said.

Thus, the lion was approved.

“At first, I wasn’t a big fan of the Lions; it’s really common,” said women’s basketball Coach Russ Davis, a member of the selection committee. “But once I saw the graphic and the things you can do with it, it was easier to accept.”

SCC is changing its name to Vanguard University to coincide with a $33-million face-lift. Among the projects planned are new buildings, including a gymnasium.

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Concordia women’s basketball Coach Greg Dinneen, unhappy with his team’s slow start, isn’t mincing words. The Eagles (5-3) are shooting 38% from the field and making only 54% of their free throws.

“After three straight seasons of 20-plus wins, they’re used to success and not adversity,” he said. “The team has to stop living in the past and start playing with its head.”

Dinneen was particularly upset with the way his team lost a 15-point lead in the final 11 minutes of a 72-71 victory at La Verne.

“We have to be a team that plays with emotion, yet not be emotional,” he said. “The team needs to be more aggressive defensively, have confidence at the foul line and in clutch situations.”

Notes

When Keith Dykes, a senior linebacker at Chapman, was selected to the Division III All-American team. During the season, Dykes was in on 137 tackles, including 22 for losses. . . Senior defender Katie Kelley and freshman forward Annie Jacobs of Southern California College received first-team honors on the NAIA All-Far West Region women’s soccer team. Senior goalkeeper Jessica Lubman and sophomores Robin Callahan, a defender, Shelley Bage, a midfielder, and Elisabeth McCary, a forward, were second-team selections. Kelley was named third team NAIA All-American and Jacobs was honorable mention. Kelley, Lubman, Lori Collier and Rebekah Draxler were named NAIA soccer scholar athletes.

Matt Wells of SCC’s men’s soccer team also was named an NAIA scholar athlete. Noelle Sturgill and Kelly Rounds were named NAIA volleyball scholar athletes. . . Chapman’s Shane Orr, a junior center, was selected first team on the Academic All-America District VIII football team. Chapman senior middle blocker Erika Chaney was chosen to the second team, Academic All-American District VIII volleyball team. Senior setter Lisa Nitta joined Chaney on the Division III All-Region volleyball team.