Despite a bleak year, both collegiate and professional sports have provided fans an escape from 2020 woes with unforgettable and historic achievements. As the year comes to an end, The Poly Post relived some of the most impactful sports moments of this unpredictable year.
Track star Ayana Fields earns All-American honors
Sophomore Ayana Fields was honored in May with two All-American honors in the inaugural season for women’s indoor track and field. She was honored for her 2020 NCAA Indoor Championship qualification in both the 200-meter and 400-meter. It was her first time competing in-doors and she managed to place third for the 4×100 meter relay in 47.48 seconds, which ranked her first in the CCAA and fifth nationally.
“I have a very determined mindset whenever I race, whether I win or lose a race,” Fields said. “If I have a goal set in mind for that race, I will make sure to carry out that goal to win.”
8 Broncos make the CCAA All-Star Track and Field squad
Eight CPP student-athletes were selected to the 2020 CCAA Track and Field All-Star team for their efforts and accomplishments in the 2020 season. This is CCAA’s first time creating an All-Star team due to COVID-19 ending their season in March. Before the pandemic, the men’s track team competed in the Rossi relays, Chico multi classic and the Long Beach opener.
The eight Broncos that were selected on the All-Star team are: Aaron Guerra-Garcia, Kaelin Moore, Anthony Victa, Kyle Lawson, Ryan Fields, Alejandro Ambrosio, Mateo Madrassi and Kyle Johnston.
CPP’s men’s basketball secures big overtime win against Cal State Dominguez
In the first round of the CCAA playoffs, the Broncos secured a big win over Cal State Dominguez Hills in the final minute of overtime on March 3. CSDH had defeated CPP the previous month, leaving the Broncos hungry for a rematch. The energy and crowd in the Kellogg gym helped CPP fight back with 60 seconds remaining on the clock. Guard William Christmas scored the game-winning basket with 10.3 seconds left in overtime. CPP survived CSDH with a score of 67-66, setting up a semifinal encounter against Chico State.
Senior guard Phoenix Shackelford said, “I was ecstatic after we won. I miss competing with my teammates every day and experiencing moments like this together.”
CPP’s women’s basketball win close matchup against Cal State LA
On Feb. 22, the Broncos secured a close match-up over Cal State LA in the Kellogg gym. CPP out-rebounded CSLA 38-to-29 giving them an advantage to score. The Eagles attempted to keep up with the Broncos and came back with a five-point lead, 28-23 in the second quarter. The Broncos fought hard to rally back and scored eight-straight points in the fourth quarter giving them the lead, 48-44 with a few minutes left in the game.
With less than two minutes left on the clock, CSLA tried to foul to get the ball back, but senior guard Jackie Ricketson scored four points and senior forward Kasey Smit hit two free throws to seal the 56-52 victory over the Eagles.
CPP’s baseball team defeats UC Colorado Springs on opening night rally
The Broncos overcame a 7-6 comeback victory against UC Colorado Springs on Feb. 7, at the Scolinos Field in Pomona. Senior first baseman/outfielder Derek Marshall Jr. scored a game-tying two-run home run in the ninth inning. Infielder Ryan Knowles hit a walk-off and sealed the win in the 12th inning with a two-run single, lifting the Broncos to their first victory of the season.
Sophomore catcher John Pappas recalled the team’s opening day victory. “I’ve never been part of a comeback like this game,” Pappas said. “I still get goosebumps thinking about it.”