Sherman named state XC coach-of-the-year

The Saddleback cross country program was back in the news this week when it was announced that head coach Matt Sherman has been named the California Community College Cross Country Coaches Association Coach-of-the-Year.  Sherman guided the Gauchos to a second place finish in women's cross country at the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championships in November.

"The 5CTCA (California Community College Cross Country and Track and Field Coaches Association) Executive Board unanimously agreed that Coach Matt Sherman should be awarded the Women's Head Cross Country Coach-of-the-Year," California Community College Cross Country Coaches Association President David Wellman said.  "Coach Sherman has always made positive contributions to the sport of cross country and the coaches association.  His outstanding sportsmanship was a key factor in the coaching body's decision to award coach Sherman."

Saddleback's finish in 2019 was the best finish in program history, eclipsing a fifth place finish at the state finals the season before.  The Gauchos also won the Orange Empire Conference title in November, becoming the first Saddleback cross country program to win back-to-back conference championships.

"It's good to see one of the elite coaches in the profession win an elite award," Saddleback Athletic Director Randy Totorp said.  "He continues to churn out great kids and great results.  We couldn't be more proud of him."

Sherman took over the head coaching position at Saddleback in 2010 after serving as an assistant to Mark Blethen for eight seasons.  Since taking over, his men's and women's programs have captured two conference titles with five second place finishes.

"Matt's recognition as the CCCAA Women's Cross Country Coach-of-the-Year is well deserved," Blethen said.  "He has done an exceptional job with the cross country programs since taking over.  In addition to the team and individual successes, Matt's teams have excelled in the classroom and have earned scholastic team awards as a result of his guidance."