After nine wins in three seasons, Oxnard College athletics decided it was time for different scenery directed towards its men’s basketball program. Many believed it needed to start at the top, with a new leader.
That’s exactly what they received in new head Coach Jeff Theiler, guiding the Condors to their first winning season in memorable years as well as becoming a force to deal with in upcoming years in the WSC division, recently controlled by the Ventura College Pirates.
With a win against Moorpark on Feb. 23, the strong and surprising Condors beat Ventura College at Ventura, preventing the Pirates from clinching the division title and remaining in the race to become division championship.
The Condors followed up their promising win at Ventura by scoring 95 points to beat Moorpark in their season finale. Unfortunately, Ventura beat Hancock College, eliminating the chance of a division crown from the Condors, leaving their postseason fate in the hands of a bracket committee.
The Condors were not elected for postseason play this season.
“The student-athletes represented the school great,” said Tim Harrison, director of athletics at Oxnard College. “I am very impressed with the program Coach Theiler has put together.”
Ending a nearly ideal season, Oxnard College fell just short of winning the Western State Conference North title, a goal that many believed wouldn’t be possible due to their rebuilding stage. Ventura College Pirates, who finished their season with an 11-1 conference record, suffered their only loss to Oxnard.
Oxnard finished a 10-2 conference play record with an overall record of 17-14, an impressive improvement from last years last-place squad.
The Condors will return key players from this year’s squad for next season, including Josh Crawford, who became an inside force down low for the Condors in their last stretch of games.
Oxnard had only compiled nine wins in their past three seasons combined. According to Harrison, head coach Theiler is responsible for the remarkable turnaround.
“He has created a competitive environment for the student-athletes,” said Harrison. “We’re very proud of this program.”
