For the past decade, GateWay Athletics has helped develop a new generation of athletes. Many of these athletes have not only taken advantage of scholarship opportunities while they play at GateWay Community College, but have also benefited from these opportunities by signing onto Major League Baseball (MLB) teams or transferring to four year universities.
“I think our staff has perfected the art of drafting candidates to join GateWay Athletics and this shows by the quality we have in our teams,” said Jamie Long, Athletics director. “In addition to their athletic talents, our students are also heavily focused on academics and this really opens the doors to their future.”
The statistics for the on-court performance of Gecko athletes is also matched by their classroom performance. Seven athletes are ranked NJCAA Academic All Americans, and most impressive, 25 students of the total athlete population of around 91 students, transfers to a 4-year university - no easy feat.
One of these students is Aaron Siple who served as a centerfielder on the Geckos baseball team. Aaron led the team in batting average and established a new record for stolen bases (47 in the season). He received several athletic accolades while maintaining a GPA of 3.8 at GateWay where he is pursuing a degree in communications.
Jonathan Cuellar is another example of the Gecko’s determination to succeed. He recently transferred to the University of New Mexico after graduating from GateWay with a 3.9 GPA. He is currently continuing his academic pursuit in sports management while also playing baseball for the New Mexico Lobos. GateWay coach Rob Shabansky is proud of his payers’ achievements on and off the field.
“GateWay Community College has had some great baseball players in the last few years, “ said Shabansky, baseball head coach. “This past year we had our two highest draft picks to MLB Teams in Gecko’s baseball history.”
GateWay soccer players have also moved onto pursue their four-year degrees like Samantha Bush who was named female athlete of the year and NJCAA Academic All-American with a GPA of 3.7 while at GateWay and later transferred to Grand Canyon University.
“It truly takes a team effort to help our students,” said Long. “The support our athletes receive from the GateWay community and the community in general is what makes this program possible.”
These efforts and the scholarships these students receive are made possible through support of fundraising events like the recent Halloween Fun Run/Walk as well as through contributions made by individuals.
GateWay Athletics is celebrating 10 years of achievements. If you are interested in making a contribution, simply visit the teams’ page at http://www.gatewaycc.edu/athletics.