Mesa’s AD discusses state of Thunderbird athletics
James Mello
The Mesa Community College spring athletics are around the halfway point of their seasons, and winter sports are finishing up as well. That brings the perfect time for a Mesa sports “State of the Union.”
“I`d give the spring sports an ‘A’ grade,” said John Mulhern, Mesa athletic director. “Both basketball programs made the playoffs.
Baseball and softball are near the top of their divisions and track has been successful as well.”
Mesa baseball started their season on a tear, racing out to an 18-2 record but has recently slowed down, losing four of their last five games.
“This is the best baseball I`ve seen, ever,” Mulhern said. “Baseball recently lost to some good teams, and they lost to those good teams on the road.”
Softball has also continued to be successful. The team has a 14-7 record and recently won the Golden West Community College Tournament in California.
After winning tournament MVP, Mesa pitcher and hitter Tiffanee Frampton was named ACCAC Division II Pitcher and Batter of the Week.
Men’s and women’s track are also off with an impressive showing at the 2011 NJCAA National Indoor Championship.
The men’s team finished 20th out of over 50 teams that compete at the event.
The women’s team finished (in the) 12th (place). In addition, the Mesa women’s pole vaulter Lauren Gale finished third in the nation individually.
Men’s and women’s basketball recently finished up their seasons. The men finished with an 8-14 record this season.
“We did struggle but that’s ok, there were some injuries that set them back a little bit,” Mulhern said. “They fought back and almost made the region finals. (They) lost a tough game (to) Arizona Western where they lost focus late and lost by two.”
The women’s basketball team had a successful 14-8 season. They were able to make it to the region finals where they lost to Pima to finish second.
“One of the best things representing Mesa athletics right now is we feel like we`re going in the right direction,” Mulhern said.
“Our coaches are very disciplined and focused on running a program and making sure that the teams are athletically and academically successful. They practice hard and present Mesa in the best possible fashion whether its home or on the road,” he said.
