August 7, 2007
Carson, CA -- A capacity crowd of more than 500 including the Mayor of Carson Jim Dear, the Mayor of Signal Hill Larry Forester, Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge, Long Beach Councilman Val Lerch and Assemblyman Merv Dymally packed the Carson Community Center last Saturday as softball assistant coach Valerie Long (Stockton, CA/St. Mary’s HS) and both the men’s soccer and baseball teams were honored by Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald of the 37th District at the 2nd Annual Congressional Community Pride Awards.
The ceremony highlighted outstanding citizens and groups who have made a significant impact throughout the areas of Carson, Compton, Long Beach, Signal Hill, and Watts-Willowbrook/Los Angeles.
Long, who was a standout hurler for the Toros softball program from 2002-05 and established the CSUDH marks for wins and strikeouts in a career and the single-season strikeout record in her senior season, was recognized for her educational and athletics accomplishments and volunteer work in the local area.
A three-time All-CCAA selection, two-time All-Region honoree and two-time recipient of the Academic All-America Award, Long spent her first year on the sidelines of a Toros squad that reached the Far West Championship series in 2006. Long will segue into a natural role as pitching coach for the upcoming 2007 season.
The men’s soccer team captured the 2005 Far West Regional title last season with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over then No. 5 Seattle Pacific, falling in the NCAA quarterfinals to undefeated and eventual champion Fort Lewis College.
Having made the playoffs for the sixth-consecutive season, the Toros boasted the CCAA Coach of the Year in Joe Flanangan, three 1st-team All-Region players, two 1st-team All-CCAA Conference players, four 2nd-team All-CCAA players and one 3rd-team All-American in Kei Kamara. Kamara was selected as the No. 9 overall pick by the Columbus Crew in this year’s Major League Soccer Draft.
The Toros baseball team arguably was the hottest team in the nation over the final two months, winning 21 of 27 games and earning the top seed heading into the CCAA Tournament. The Toros split their four games in the tournament, sending Cal State L.A. and UC San Diego packing before dropping its second game of the tournament to Chico State, which would make it to the NCAA title game.
Led by CCAA Coach of the Year honoree George Wing, the Toros boasted the duo of Jason Klug and Chris Borchers who combined for two All-Americas, three Player of the Years and one Pitcher of the Year honor, and Ryan Owen. Owen was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 16th round of Major League Baseball’s amateur draft, the only CCAA player chosen on day one of the two-day process.
“I feel honored to have been a part of this event and to have received this award in front of so many people who support and do so much for our communities,” said Long of her individual honor. “I look forward to the Toros being recognized at next year’s celebration in some way, and feel fortunate to have started what I hope will be annual occurrence.”