San Bernardino Valley College has just announced the re-designation of John Shipp from interim coach to full time faculty member and head football coach. The San Bernardino Community College District approved his hire as of July 1st.
Shipp replaced Kevin Emerson last season, and guided the program to a 6-4 overall record and a 4-3 American Division-Mountain Conference record. Emerson, who helmed the SBVC Football program from 2009 to 2013, took SBVC to a Conference Championship and two Bowl games. Shipp brings with him a pedigree of success from high school to community college football, as the one time head coach of the Fountain Valley Barons from 2004-2012 and the former offensive coordinator at Golden West College.
Shipp is excited about continuing on as SBVC's head football coach and has seen the great opportunity that this school has to offer. He believes that, "It has always been about the opportunity to coach student athletes and support them, to move on, and do the things they want to do in life."
When the opportunity came about, to come to a college that has been very successful athletically as well as academically he was ready to take the next step. Shipp attended Claremont McKenna College and he feels familiar with the environment and the community in which he will be recruiting. SBVC "felt like home, it was a great opportunity to come in here and continue the tradition of success."
Shipp firmly believes that, "the athletic department continues to play a huge and vital role in the student body, football can be a huge driving force for a lot of student athletes and their success." He knows that the season ahead will provide opportunities to improve upon last season and is looking to continue the tradition of success at SBVC.
SBVC opens the season at home versus the Santa Barbara City Vaqueros on September 5th. The Vaqueros and SBVC had never faced one another in football until last season, where SBVC pulled out a dramatic, come from behind, 18-10 victory. The opener is the only game of the season which will kick off at 4 p.m.
SBVC's first road game will be against the West Los Angeles Wildcats on September 12th. Last season SBVC hosted the Wildcats for the first time since 2000, back when they were named West L.A. Oilers, and SBVC dominated in a 47-24 lopsided victory. Their last non-Conference game has them hosting Glendale on September 19th at 6 p.m.
SBVC will open up American Division-Mountain Conference play on September 26th, hosting the Mt. San Jacinto Eagles with kick off set for 6 p.m. and then SBVC goes back on the road on October 3rd looking to retain the SBVC-COD Challenge Trophy against the College of the Desert Roadrunners in Palm Desert.
In week six, SBVC hosts Victor Valley looking to avenge a 40-10 loss last season at Victorville and then on October 24th, SBVC makes the trek south to San Diego Mesa with kickoff set for 6 p.m. On Halloween, October 31st, SBVC travels to Compton with kick off at 1 p.m. and the final home game of the year features the Southwestern Jaguars on November 7th for the Homecoming game and Sophomore Night festivities.
Closing the 2015 season with a home game against the East Los Angeles Huskies at 1 p.m., so come out and support SBVC this football season.
Information, Photos & Story provided by SBVC Sports Information.