Galveston College unveils new athletics logo
Galveston College has unveiled a new athletics logo and mascot just in time for the spring 2020 baseball and softball seasons.
The comprehensive redesign includes a distinct logo, new wordmark and new colors to reflect the college’s official royal blue and orange colors, which replaced blue and rust in 2018.
“The new logo features a blue wave with a foamy crest and a friendly but fierce expression,” said Carol Langston, director of public affairs. “We have had a great reaction from students, faculty and staff, and we are excited to introduce our new athletics brand to our fans in the community.”
This is the college’s first mascot and first logo update since Galveston College launched its sports teams under the name Whitecaps in 1992.
“Having a strong and recognizable brand is important to Galveston College and our high-performing athletics program,” said Dr. Myles Shelton, president. “The new Whitecaps logo provides us with a more powerful connection to our fans and our community. It also allows us to more seamlessly elevate the entire college’s visibility in the region, state and nation.”
The new Whitecaps wordmark will be featured on baseball uniforms this spring and new softball uniforms in 2021. Any new uniforms or equipment will include the new branding. The old Whitecaps wordmark will remain in use with some items as it is phased out.
The new logo also will be featured on athletics apparel, signage and the athletics website.
The rebranding project, which began a year ago, was conducted by the college’s Public Affairs department and the college’s Communication, Marketing and Advertising Committee comprised of faculty, staff and students.
The college will conduct a mascot naming contest during the spring 2020 semester.
Two Whitecaps baseball players sign National Letters of Intent
Two Galveston College baseball players on Nov. 13 signed National Letters of Intent to play with Texas universities.
“We are excited to be sending another two student-athletes to outstanding NCAA Division I programs in our region,” said Whitecaps Head Coach Kevin Lallmann. “Each of these students is a solid player with an excellent record. It’s another great day to be a Whitecap.”
Those signing letters of intent included
Jaycob Deese, a right-handed pitcher from Houston, University of Houston.
Roberto Gonzalez, an infielder from Katy, University of the Incarnate Word.
During Coach Lallmann’s four years at Galveston College, the Whitecaps sent 28 players on to the NCAA Division I level, had two players drafted in the MLB draft and had another player sign as a free agent.
The Whitecaps also have continued a tradition of academic excellence each year, with an impressive cumulative team grade-point average in excess of 3.0.
Nov. 13 marked the first day of the early signing period as athletes across the country signed their National Letters of Intent.
To view a list of Galveston College transfer achievements since 2013, visit https://gc.edu/athletics/whitecaps-baseball/4-year-college-transfer-achievements/.
Above:
Galveston College Whitecaps baseball players signing NCAA National Letters of Intent include (front row from left) Roberto Gonzalez of Katy and Jaycob Deese of Houston. They are pictured with Whitecaps Director of Athletics Christa Wallace, Head Baseball Coach Kevin Lallmann and Assistant Baseball Coach Kyle Giusti. Nov. 13 marked the first day of the early signing period as athletes across the country signed their National Letters of Intent.
Construction well underway on Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Student Residences
Construction work is well underway on the Abe and Annie Seibel Foundation Student Residences at Galveston College.
The student housing complex, located at the corner of 39th Street and Avenue R, will include seven units that have been designed to resemble the historical homes of Galveston.
Sullivan Brothers Builders of Galveston is construction manager for the project. Creole Design LLC of Houston is architect.
To follow the construction progress, click here.
Whitecaps Baseball vs. San Jacinto College
The Whitecaps baseball team will have its fall season home opener vs. San Jacinto College on Tuesday, Sept. 10, at 2 p.m. at Bernard Davis Stadium, 81st Street and Frank Giusti Drive, Galveston.
Head out to the ballpark for a great afternoon of baseball! Go Whitecaps!
Whitecaps to honor 1994 NJCAA championship team at Turn Back the Clock Day
Twenty-five years ago, the Galveston College Whitecaps baseball team ascended to the pinnacle of athletic success by winning the 1994 National Junior College Athletic Association Division I title in only its third year of intercollegiate athletic competition.
On Thursday, April 25, the current Whitecaps team, coaches and fans will honor the 1994 Junior College World Series champs at “Turn Back the Clock Day” prior to the 4 p.m. doubleheader with the San Jacinto College Gators at Bernard Davis Field, 81st Street and Frank Guisti Drive, Galveston
The Whitecaps will wear throwback uniforms, and there will be a bounce house for the kids, free popcorn, music and fun. The games are free and open to the public.
In June 1994, the Whitecaps took the field in the NJCAA World Series in Grand Junction, Colorado, determined to improve on their third-place finish of the previous year. The team responded remarkably to the pressures of the series competition, winning six of seven games to take the coveted crown and finish the season with 54 wins against only 14 defeats.
Although each team member made a significant contribution to the Whitecaps’ success, several players also earned individual honors. Jose Rosado, Roman Escamilla, Stephen Randolph, William Roland, Dominic Hernandez, Justin Bowles and Mark Cridland were named to the NJCAA World Series all-tournament team. Jose Rosado also was tabbed the series most valuable player and most valuable pitcher, and Justin Bowles was chosen NJCAA first team All-American and Baseball America junior college player of the year.
Other Whitecaps receiving recognition for their performance during conference and postseason regional tournament competition included Mark Manbeck, Chris Olson, Stephen Watson, Scott Morrison, Collin Wissen and Karl Chatman.
Inspiration and determined leadership were the hallmark of head Coach Dick Smith, who led his players in baseball fundamentals and ignited their desire to excel both individually and as a team. For his superior efforts, Coach Smith was honored as NJCAA and ABCA coach of the year in 1994.
Dr. Marc Nigliazzo, president of Galveston College in 1994 and founder of the Whitecaps baseball program, said at the time the team’s championship in only its third year of competition far exceeded his original expectations. He said his primary goal was to provide “an opportunity for 30 to 40 kids to compete in intercollegiate athletics and to receive a good education. The rest was gravy.”
This exemplary group of men and their coaches has been a tremendous source of pride for the Whitecaps athletic program, student-athletes, coaches, students, faculty and staff of Galveston College and their many fans in the community for a quarter of a century. Their exceptional accomplishments have rightfully earned them honors from the city of Galveston, Galveston County and the state of Texas.
In recognition of the 25th anniversary of Galveston College winning the national championship, the Whitecaps are proud to play Thursday in honor of the 1994 NJCAA World Series champions.
Galveston College Whitecaps softball hosts Island Invitational tournament
The Galveston College Whitecaps softball team hosted the 2019 Galveston College Island Invitational Jan. 25-26 at the Lassie League Complex, 2506 83rd St., Galveston, Texas.
The Whitecaps took on Northwest Florida State College in the first round of the tournament, which featured teams from throughout Texas and the southern U.S. After a late score, Northwest Florida State defeated the Whitecaps, 14-9.
The Whitecaps also fell to Chipola College of Marianna, Florida, 14-2, in round two; the University of Houston-Victoria, 7-3, in round three; and Snead State Community College of Boaz, Alabama, 9-6, after late scoring in the final round.
Teams in the round-robin tournament also included Alvin Community College; Blinn College, Brenham; Lake Land College, Mattoon, Illinois; Louisiana State University Eunice; Navarro College, Corsicana; San Jacinto College, Pasadena; and Temple College.
The Whitecaps softball team will make an appearance at the Cowtown Classic Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2, at Gateway Park in Fort Worth. On Friday, the Whitecaps will take on Weatherford College at 3 p.m. and North Central Texas College at 5 p.m. On Saturday, the Whitecaps will play Crowley College at 9 a.m., Allen Community College at 11 a.m. and Northern Oklahoma College at 3 p.m. For more photos from the Island Invitational, click here.
Whitecaps Honor Andre Derouen, Jr. in opening day ceremony
The Galveston College Whitecaps baseball team honored former player Andre Derouen Jr. in a ceremony Friday, Jan. 25, at Bernard Davis Field before winning the season opening game against Temple College by a score of 5-3.
Andre, who was a freshman outfielder on the Whitecaps roster, drowned in March 2018 while rescuing his younger brother from a neighborhood pond not far from their League City home.
Many family members, friends and teammates were in attendance, including Andre’s parents, Andre, Sr. and LaTashia Derouen, and brother, Desmond Derouen.
Long-time Houston Astros announcer and Galveston native Bob Ford emceed the day’s events.
During the ceremony, Galveston College paid its respects to Andre by retiring his No. 1 jersey. The jersey will be displayed, along with a special plaque presented by the Galveston Kiwanis Club, on the right field wall.
Andre was a standout baseball and football player at Hitchcock High School before playing for the Whitecaps.
In Friday’s second game, Temple split the series by a score of 15-4.
The Whitecaps (1-1) travel to Justin, Texas, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 1-2, to take on Seward County Community College of Liberal, Kansas, at Northwest High School. Game times are 6:30 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday. For more opening day photos, click here.
Kyle Giusti is new Galveston College assistant baseball coach
Galveston College baseball standout Kyle Giusti has returned to his alma mater to serve as assistant coach of the Whitecaps baseball team.
The Santa Fe, Texas, native spent the 2018 season at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock where he worked with the team’s hitters and served as bullpen coach. During his time at UA Little Rock, the Trojans experienced one of their best seasons in recent years and won their first postseason game since 2011.
Before UA Little Rock, Giusti served as a volunteer assistant coach at Galveston College. He was the team’s first base coach and helped the Whitecaps to a regional tournament appearance and an overall record of 35-22.
Prior to Galveston College, Giusti was the head coach at Rotan High School in Rotan, Texas. He led the team to its first playoff appearance in over 10 seasons after going 15-10, and secured District 6-2A Coach of the Year honors.
Giusti began his coaching career as a student assistant at Abilene Christian University in 2015 after a successful playing career. Giusti played at Abilene Christian for two seasons where he garnered First Team All-Southland honors, First Team ABCA All-South Central Region honors and status. He transferred to ACU from Galveston College where he was a 2012 Texas/New Mexico JUCO All-Star and a First Team All-Conference and All-Region selection as a sophomore.
For more information on Galveston College Athletics and the complete Whitecaps baseball schedule, please visit the official website at https://gc.edu/athletics/whitecaps-baseball/.
Galveston Kiwanis Club to honor Andre Deroeun at Whitecaps season opener
Galveston Kiwanis Club to honor Andre
The Galveston College Whitecaps baseball team will take on the Temple College Leopards
in its season opener Friday, Jan. 25, at 3 p.m. at Bernard Davis Field, 83rd Street
At 2:45 p.m. prior to the game, the Galveston Kiwanis Club will make a presentation in honor of Andre DeRouen, a member of the Whitecaps baseball team from League City, Texas, who drowned last year while rescuing his brother from a neighborhood pond.
Houston Astros announcer Bob Ford will emcee the event. Admission is free.
For more information on Galveston College Athletics and the complete Whitecaps baseball schedule, please visit the official website.
Four Galveston College Whitecaps sign National Letters of Intent with NCAA Division I universities
Four Galveston College baseball players signed National Letters of Intent Nov. 14 to play with three universities in Texas and Louisiana.
“We are excited to be sending another four student-athletes to outstanding NCAA Division I programs in our region,” said Whitecaps Head Coach Chris Joblin. “Each of these students is a solid player with an excellent record. It’s another great day to be a Whitecap.”
Those signing letters of intent included
- Jacob Jimenez, sophomore right-handed pitcher, Houston, University of Texas at San Antonio;
- Corbin Vines, sophomore third baseman, Hempstead, Texas, Sam Houston State University;
- Erick Hernandez, sophomore catcher, Orlando, Florida, Nicholls State University; and
- Jordan Lansford, sophomore right-handed pitcher, Wortham, Texas, Nicholls State University.
During Coach Joblin’s six years at Galveston College, the Whitecaps sent 35 players on to the NCAA Division I level, had seven players drafted in the MLB draft and had another player sign as a free agent.
The Whitecaps also have continued a tradition of academic excellence each year, with an impressive cumulative team grade-point average in excess of 3.0.
Nov. 14 marked the first day of the early signing period as athletes across the country sign their National Letters of Intent.
To view a list of Galveston College transfer achievements since 2013, visit https://gc.edu/athletics/whitecaps-baseball/4-year-college-transfer-achievements/.
Above, Galveston College Whitecaps baseball players signing NCAA National Letters of Intent today include (front row from left) Erick Hernandez of Orlando, Florida, Nicholls State University; Jacob Jimenez of Houston, University of Texas at San Antonio; Corbin Vines of Hempstead, Texas, Sam Houston State University; and Jordan Lansford of Wortham, Texas, Nicholls State University. They are pictured with (back row from left) Whitecaps Head Coach Chris Joblin and Assistant Coach Kevin Lallman.
At top, Galveston College Whitecaps baseball players (from left) Jacob Jimenez of Houston, Erick Hernandez of Orlando, Florida, Jordan Lansford of Wortham, Texas, and Corbin Vines of Hempstead, Texas, sign NCAA National Letters of Intent today in the Hermes Fitness Center at Galveston College. Today marks the first day of the early signing period as athletes across the country sign their National Letters of Intent.