Otero Junior College
Athletics Department

OJC athletics takes tremendous pride in the fine work accomplished by its student athletes. The athletic teams at OJC combine hard work, persistence, and dedication with the ultimate goal of success in the classroom and on the court. The athletic teams at OJC have won championships in competition academically and athletically.  Explore the links to the left to find out more about our athletic programs.

The Otero Junior College Lady Rattler Softball team once again captured the Region IX Championship Title in 2007 (photo at right), continuing the tradition for the eighth year in a row. The win qualified the team to compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national tournament in Plant City, Florida. This was the Lady Rattlers third trip to the national tournament.

OJC Rattler Baseball to Host Region IX Championship Series

LA JUNTA — The Otero Junior College baseball team swept Lamar Community College this past weekend in the semi finals of the Region IX tournament held at Merchant Park in Lamar. The Rattlers took the best two of three nine inning game series, downing the Lopes 5-4 Saturday evening, and again 5-4 Sunday afternoon. On the other half of the bracket, Number one seed Northeastern Junior College fell to number four seed Trinidad State Junior College in three games held in Sterling on Saturday and Sunday. Game scores were TSJC 4-2, NJC 1-0, TSJC 7-4.

OJC will now host TSJC to determine the Region IX Champion on May 9-10. Friday’s game is schedule to start at 1:00 pm at the 22nd Street Complex in La Junta. Game two on Saturday is scheduled for a noon start, with a game three to follow if necessary.

OJC finished regular season play against TSJC on April 23rd, sweeping the Trojans 5-0, and 3-0. “Conference play has been so tight all year,” stated first year head coach Chris Carrillo. “TSJC is a very good ball club. They have a good pitching staff and we are looking at having low scoring games this weekend. Both teams are playing well right now. this is going to be a good series,” said Carrillo.

Sophomores Kris Vierra and Jake Perkins both recorded complete games for the Rattlers. “We have had great performances out of our starting pitchers,” said Carrillo, who played for the Rattlers the last time OJC won the Region IX crown in 2001. “Each of them are wanting the ball right now.” Vierra (now 7-5 on the season), and Perkins (now 7-6 on the season), both threw 97 pitches in their complete games against Lamar. Vierra has recorded 96 strikeouts for the season; both pitchers have an ERA of about 2.80.

Region IX Champion will advance to district play on May 15-17th where they will meet the winners of Region I and Region IIXX. The location of the district tournament will be held at the winner of Region I. The winner of the district tournament advances to the national tournament in Grand Junction on May 24-31.