Chris Sands Honored by CCCAA

Pirate swimmer Chris Sands '15 has been named to the 2015 CCCAA  Men's Scholar Athlete Honor Roll.  This award, among the highest that the state bestows on student athletes, requires a student to "carry a minimum GPA of 3.5 and must also show outstanding leadership as an athlete, student, or in other college and community activities, as well as have participated in two seasons of sport at a California community college."  During his two years at VC, Sands far exceeded these standards. 

Chris graduated from Ventura College this past May with a perfect 4.0 GPA.  He is currently in the Aeronautic Science program at California Baptist University while competing as a member of their swimming program. Because of his perfect academic record, Chris was named Ventura College's Top Scholar-Athlete for 2014-2015. 

As a private pilot, Chris has been an active member of the Cadet branch of the Air National Guard for four years.  This past year, despite managing his intercollegiate athletic and his outstanding academic schedule, Chris served as the Cadet Commander overseeing and mentoring many future military aviators. 

 In the pool, Chris distinguished himself as an eight event Western State Conference Champion (four individual and four relay events). He was a WSC Scholar Athlete in 2015.  As our Captain, he helped lead the team to two WSC team titles and two sixth place finishes at the CCCAA Championship meet.   He was a four event CCCAA Championship meet finalist as a freshman and a four event CCCAA Championship meet finalist as a sophomore -finishing third both years  in his specialty event, the 200 Butterfly.   He was also named to the National Community College All-American Team eight times over his two year career.  Chris left Ventura College as our school record holder in the 200 Butterfly.  

"In my 28 year career at Ventura College, I place Chris at the top of those who I have coached -in regards to character traits," said head coach Larry Baratte.  "A former Eagle Scout, an active member of the youth group at his church, an aviator, a mentor, a scholar, and an outstanding athlete.   As a twenty year old, Chris has accomplished much in his life."

Chris's future goal is to serve our country as a military pilot once he completes his college education.

Chris will be honored, along with other Student Athlete Honor Roll recipients and State Scholar Teams at the Celebration of Scholar Athletes Luncheon, during the 19th Annual CCCAA Convention, on Wednesday March 30, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Ontario.