Past Glory

2000-2001

The 2000-2001 season provided the team with more tournaments than ever: we attended eight official competitions (and team players paid their own way to a ninth tournament, the Moon Pie Invitational in Chattanooga in April). In October three Valencia teams competed with four-year college freshmen and sophomores at a novice tournament at the University of South Florida. One team had a 6-5 record, while another went 4-7, and a team of new players was baptized by fire with a 1-10 record. But that's how you learn. In November, 2000, Valencia hosted its annual Fall Invitational, and Valencia's "Gold" team (Amanda Bumgardner, John Gano, Erik Willsey, and Fahar al-Mugheiry) made it to the final match, though Central Florida CC, led by Denise Gattison, proved too strong, winning the championship 240-165.

The team began the millennium by playing in the yearly Dalton Invitational at Tallahassee, where the Red team made it to the semi-finals. Later in January, Valencia teams competed in two four-year college tournaments: the Sword Bowl in Chattanooga and the Academic Competition Federation (ACF) Regionals. In both tournaments Valencia teams suffered losing records, but both teams were able to upset squads from institutions like The University of Florida and USF, gaining valuable experience.

Things got serious for Valencia in February, as both its Red and Black teams qualified for the FCCAA State Two-Year College Tournament, with the Red team winning the Regional Championship held at Hillsborough CC on February 7. The Black team, by defeating South Florida CC in the final match, as runners-up earned entrance into the eight-team state tournament as well. Before the state tournament, however, Valencia's teams got some practice at the USF Sun n Fun Invitational, a tournament for four-year teams, where they again gained experience by playing four-year teams, and took a beating at the hands of one of their coaches, Chris Borglum (playing for UCF).

The 2001 Valencia Red team receiving Regional Champion Plaques. From left, Coach Chris Borglum, Kevin Gidusko, James Baker, Danielle Rubin, Will Norris, John Gano, and Coach Lois McNamara.

Some of the 2001 Valencia Black team receiving Regional Runner-Up Plaques. From left, former player Brian Rooney standing in for Erik Willsey, Kevin Kelley, Amanda Bumgardner, Simon Ellis, former player Gose Nesov standing in for Fahar, and Coaches Borglum and McNamara.

Valencia then hosted the FCCAA State Tournament on March 29-30, 2001. The Black team (Erik Willsey (captain), Simon Ellis, Kevin Kelley, Fahar al-Mugheiry, and Amanda Bumgardner) managed a 3-4 record against one of the most competitive fields in state history, while the Red team went 6-1 and earned a berth in the championship match against Pensacola Junior College. The Red team (John Gano, James Baker, Will Norris, Danielle Rubin, and Kevin Gidusko) burst to a 350-125 halftime lead and held on to win its fourth state championship in eight years, 590-265. Baker was named a tournament All-Star for his individual performance.

Valencia Black versus Pensacola during 2001 State Tournament. From left, Fahar al-Mugheiry, Amanda, Erik, and Simon (Kevin Kelley sitting out). Note Erik's brother and mom in left foreground.

Valencia then followed tradition by winning the Berry Junior College Invitational at Berry College in Rome, Georgia. Each year they have won state, they have won Berry as well. At Berry the Red team (Gano, Baker, Norris, and Rubin) defeated state champions from Georgia and Alabama, though once again they had trouble with Central Florida, who beat them in the first match. After that they won 20 straight games to take their sixth overall Berry title. Valencia's Black team (Ellis, Mugheiry, and Brianne Hiroya) went a respectable 10-10, not bad considering they were short a player. Gano was a tournament All-Star for Valencia, with Baker not too far behind. It's also worth noting that Simon Ellis had one game in which he answered 11 out of 20 toss-ups! Also, perhaps the best answer of the tournament: early in a question Baker buzzed in and yelled "the War of Jenkins' Nose!" when in fact the name of that minor English-Spanish conflict is the "War of Jenkins' Ear."

Valencia Red bathed in Championship Glory. From left, Coach McNamara, James, Coach Borglum, Danielle, John, and Kevin (Will Norris off someplace talking about programming languages).

Finally, Valencia team co-sponsor Lois McNamara retired from full-time work at the college at the end of the 2001 season, though she promised to continue to help out at and even travel with the team to tournaments, thank goodness. Everyone associated with the team has appreciated her care for players and help with their learning.