THE PIRATES: Passing Lanes

COSTA MESA - Despite the individualistic style cross country seems

to portray, it was a team effort that propelled Orange Coast College to

the state championship, highlighting the recap of the 1999-2000 men’s

athletic campaign.

With all four Orange Coast runners in the top 40, the Pirates edged out

runner-up Mt. San Antonio College, 100-108, at the state finals, after

capturing the Orange Empire Conferece crown.

A longtime football passing record succumbed to sophomore quarterback

Jared Flint, who threw for 3,999 career yards, surpassing Alvin White’s

1971-72 standard of 3,425. Flint will continue at the University of

Hawaii.

Sophomore David Castleton, upon completing a successful football season

as Flint’s go-to receiver, lent his considerable talents to the Pirates’

basketball program. The former Mater Dei High standout led the conference

in scoring at 22.6 points per game and earned a scholarship from Cal

State Fullerton.

Freshman B.J Lightvoet, from Costa Mesa High, propelled the volleyball

team into the Southern California Regionals by amassing an Orange Empire

Conference-leading 269 kills.

Freshmen Scott Butler (OEC Player of the Year), Kevin Becker, from

Newport Harbor High, and Jeff Pratt, were all awarded All-American

recognition in water polo.

Golfers Eric Hird and Brian Winston each advanced to the Southern

California Regionals after finishing in the top six at the OEC

Tournament.

-- by Tony Altobelli