By Eli LOCKE

In the past, many of CV’s great athletes have moved on to the Junior College level before transferring to four-year schools. For obvious reasons, Glendale Community College is one of the top choices for local athletes, and as many former Falcons have played for the Vaqueros. Most recently, standouts from CV have included Parker Haleen, Nick Leon, and 2010 graduate Sam Campbell. Several former Vaqs have gone as far as the NFL, most recently  lineman Zach Williams, who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers In the 2011 NFL draft, GCC’s first NFL player since the 1990s.  Other notable figures with ties to Glendale’s program include Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid and former Crescenta Valley coach Tony Zarillo.  Vaqueros coach John Rome took over for now athletic director John Cicuto in 2007.  Rome had previously been assistant head coach under Cicuto, helping the Vaqs to the U.S. Bank Beach Bowl in 2001, the Western State Bowl in 2006 and Western State Conference Southern Division championship in 2005.  The Vaqueros open their season Saturday at Pasadena City College against the Lancers, who boast another formidable team and many expect an exciting game in the annual crosstown matchup.

  By Eli LOCKE