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Athletes transfer talent to La Verne

Junior pitcher Andres Loya is becoming one of the top pitchers on the baseball team. He transferred from East Los Angeles College this spring and has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old. Loya said that he is ”having fun while I’m here.” / photo by Rosie Sinapi
Junior pitcher Andres Loya is becoming one of the top pitchers on the baseball team. He transferred from East Los Angeles College this spring and has been playing baseball since he was 5 years old. Loya said that he is ”having fun while I’m here.” / photo by Rosie Sinapi

by Enedina Perez
Staff Writer

The University of La Verne not only expanded its academic student population, but also its athletic involvement by adding several transfers to its spring sports teams.

These transfers came to ULV to contribute to both the baseball and men’s volleyball teams.

Among the transfer athletes for this spring are juniors Robert Perea, Robert Aguirre and Andres Loya along with freshman Steve Trypuc.

Perea, a physical education major with an emphasis in athletic training, plays infield for the baseball team.

He came to ULV after two years at Pasadena City College.

“I still wanted to continue school and play sports,” he said.

When talking about the team, Perea likes the idea that everyone on the team “has the desire to win.” Unlike any other baseball team that he has played on in the past, he distinguishes the ULV team as having many positive characteristics.

“The team is dedicated as a whole and very hard working,” said Perea. He also feels that he is getting a fair chance to play, even though he is a new player.

“I am happy with the way things are going,” he said.

Another spring transfer baseball player is history major Aguirre, who plays third base. He transferred from Solano Community College in Suisun Calif., to play baseball.

Aguirre also has a positive outlook on the team.

“Everybody seems to get along with each other,” he said.

Head coach Owen Wright started working with them last October. He said that Aguirre has a very important role as the designated hitter.

Aguirre describes the ULV team as definitely knowing what they are doing.

“Everybody can really play baseball,” he said.

He also feels content with the chance to play that he has been given.

“So far, I’m getting my opportunity,” said Aguirre.

Wright is pleased with his new baseball players.

“I am very happy to have them all,” he said.

Also new to the baseball team is Loya, who transferred from East Los Angeles College and has become one of the team’s top pitchers with a record of 6-2 with three saves. He originally came in as a relief pitcher but has since become a starter and could become one of the only pitchers with 10 wins.

A psychology major, Loya is concentrating on his studies as well as baseball.

“I would like to graduate with honors and be recognized not only as a player but a student athlete,” said Loya.

He chose to come to La Verne after personal problems would not allow him to play at a Division I school.

“La Verne has a really good psychology program and the school is nice to graduate from. I’m not just a number here,” said Loya.

“We’ve been really happy with him,” said Wright about Loya. “He contributes a lot to the team.”

Trypuc, who is an athletic training major, plays middle blocker for the ULV men’s volleyball team.

Trypuc is considered a transfer only because of the eight credits that he had on his school record. He acquired these units after completing three classes during his three years in the Air Force, where he was stationed in Michigan. Since leaving the Air Force, the 26 year-old Trypuc said he “has not touched school for five years.”

He decided to continue school because he feels that “an education is very important in today’s society.

“Volleyball was also a motivation to go to school,” said Trypuc.

While doing his own research on schools with a men’s volleyball program, he became interested in ULV.

“Steve contacted me about our Division I volleyball schedule and an opportunity to play at such an intense level,” said Don Flora, head coach. “It took me two years to get Steve out of the military before he could come and play for ULV.

“Steve is like a sponge, soaking up information and experience,” said Flora. “He has a great desire which helps others do the same thing.”

Now that Trypuc is at ULV pursuing his education and playing volleyball, he feels that it is “a dream come true.

“Before every game, I pinch myself. I am happy for the fact that I’m here,” he said. “This is a chance of a lifetime. I love volleyball and I don’t want to miss out on the opportunity before I get too old.”

Sports Editor Heather Morales contributed to this story.

Enedina Perez
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