Rattlers Soccer

Rattler Soccer Continues to Build Reputation

The Otero Junior College Men’s soccer team had another great year. The Rattlers finished the season with a 14-3-2 record losing in the Region IX Finals 2-1.

One of their greatest achievements this season was tying defending National Champion Tyler 1-1.

“I’m very pleased with the effort that my entire team gave this season, said first-year head coach Mike Bielski. “There are many sophomores that started something very special here at Otero last year; they will surely be missed. To them I would like to say thank you and best of luck. I would also like to thank all those who supported Rattlers soccer this year and hope to see you all out at the games during our 2012 season.”

2011 Season Outlook

The 2011 Otero Junior College Men’s Soccer season is officially underway with high hopes for building upon last year’s success. The Rattlers will open their home-game season on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m. against Dodge City, followed by a 5 p.m. game on Saturday, Sept. 10; both in Tiger Stadium.

Last year’s inaugural year saw the Rattlers win both regional and district championships and advance to the National Tournament where they finished the season with a #7 national ranking.

Excited to pick up where they left off last season, the team is being coached by new head coach Mike Bielski from Milpitas, Calif. Prior to coming to OJC, Bielski was the first head coach for the Monterey Peninsula College men’s soccer team leading them through the 2008-2011 seasons. Prior to starting up the program at MPC he was the assistant men’s soccer coach for Division II California State University, Monterey Bay from 2002-2008.

Bielski said he is enthusiastic about the returning group from last season and the incoming freshmen. “The team has responded well to me as their coach. We are ready to get on the field and work hard toward building on the success that coach Prybutok had with the team last year,” said Bielski.

Some standout returners to keep an eye on this season are defender Bobby Bertoldo, Midfielders Emanuel “GOGO” Kollie and Charles Howard, and forward Cantu Palombo. New players to watch for are freshmen defender Jack Gonzales, transfer player Jacob Nevarez, and forward Kwame Mensa.

“Overall, it’s an outstanding group of young men who are dedicated to their success not only on the field but in the classroom,” said Bielski. “We’re look forward to having the support of the college and the La Junta community at our games and plan to put on a spectacular season that will be great entertainment.”

In conjunction with the OJC Rattler Run and Reunion on September 10, the OJC Soccer team will be hosting a home game against Western Nebraska Community College starting at 5 p.m. in Tiger Stadium. Fans will be treated to free hotdogs at Saturday’s soccer game. The first 200 kids through the gate on Saturday will receive free OJC Soccer t-shirts and OJC Soccer balls. Admission to the game is free of charge.

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