The College of the Canyons football program had 14 players named to the 2016 Southern California Football Association (SCFA) Scholar-Athlete team.

To be eligible for inclusion on the SCFA Scholar-Athlete team players must participate on their respective school’s football team for two seasons, while successfully completing a minimum of 36 units. At least 27 units must be in academic courses (non-PE or collegiate sport activity). Scholar-Athlete team honorees must also achieve a GPA of at least 3.0.

“We could not be more proud of our SCFA Scholar-Athlete honorees,” said COC head coach Ted Iacenda. “These young men have dedicated hours of hard work to their studies and understand that the true purpose of College of the Canyons football is for student-athletes to pursue both their academic and athletic goals.”

Representing College of the Canyons on the 2016 SCFA Scholar-Athlete team are:

· Blake Austin, Safety — 3.15 GPA

· Tyler Bjorklund, Offensive Line — 3.17 GPA

· Raymond Calles, Defensive Line – 3.33 GPA

· Gabriel Gaitan, Offensive Line — 3.27 GPA

· Zach Gragas, Linebacker — 3.68 GPA

· Jerel Hall, Linebacker — 3.15 GPA

· Andrew Karatepeyan, Defensive Line — 3.09 GPA

· Austin McKinney, Punter — 3.07 GPA

· Matthew Moore, Quarterback – 3.05 GPA

· Jesus Mota, Offensive Line — 3.19 GPA

· Tobenna Okunna, Linebacker — 3.0 GPA

· Colton Oshiro, Safety — 3.70 GPA

· Jacob Sammut, Long Snapper — 3.07 GPA

· Hayden Wright, Safety — 3.88 GPA

Additionally, Austin, Bjorklund and McKinney were each named to the All-SCFA Team for their efforts on the playing field. McKinney also earned 2016 Region III All-California Community College Football Team honors.

“At College of the Canyons, academic support and achievement are the core tenets of our football program,” said Iacenda. “We stress that winning on and off of the field are of equal importance.

“Obviously this type of success would not be possible without the great partnerships we have formed with Albert Loaiza, our incredible athletic counselor, and Matt Crater, who is so instrumental in his role as student-athlete academic mentor in The Learning Center,” added Iacenda. “I thank both of them for their tremendous support and role in helping our players realize this achievement.”