OCC’s Gomez, Goldman honored

COSTA MESA - Orange Coast College distance runner Zoila Gomez was a

unanimous choice for Orange County’s top female athlete, while cross

country coach John Goldman was named top female-sport coach, as selected

by the sports information directors of the county’s eight community

colleges.

Gomez, a Costa Mesa High product, won the Orange Empire Conference,

Southern California regional and state championships in the 3,000-,

5,000- and 10,000-meter runs this season.

“It’s a great birthday present,” Gomez, who turns 21 today, said upon

first hearing the news. “I’m really surprised. I just can’t believe it.”

A two-time winner of the award, Gomez took the top spot over Cypress

soccer All-American Jane Specht, Santa Ana basketball standout Atari

Parker and Fullerton softball pitcher Erin Kelly. She is bound for Adams

State College in Colorado.

Goldman helped guide both the men’s and women’s cross country teams to

conference and state championships in the fall. He was also OCC’s

assistant coach for the conference-champion women’s track and field squad

this spring.

Goldman, a back-to-back winner like Gomez, edged out Cypress soccer coach

Ray Haas. Saddleback swim coach Mike Santo and Fullerton swim coach Lisa

Bassi also received votes.

“It’s such an honor to be even named with some of the coaches that were

up for this award,” Goldman said. “I’m real fortunate to be a part of a

tremendous coaching staff, a tremendous group of runners and a tremendous

college. This is the icing on the cake.”

OCC football and basketball standout David Castleton finished second in

the top male athlete voting, behind Santa Ana soccer standout Tomas

Serna.

-- by Tony Altobelli