After leading the Cerritos College men's soccer team to the first state championship in school history last season, Benny Artiaga has recently been hired as the school's full-time head coach. In addition to his coaching assignment, Artiaga will also serve as a full-time instructor in the Health, Physical Education/Athletics department.

    "At first, I was extremely flattered to be considered for the full-time position of Health Instructor/Men's Soccer Coach," said Artiaga. "This is the opportunity of a lifetime and I think this allows me to set new goals for myself, and they are to be one of the most effective instructors on campus and build a powerhouse of a soccer program that prides itself on transferring its student athletes." 

     Artiaga, who will now be starting his third season as the Falcons head coach, played for the Falcons in 2001 and has also spent two seasons as an assistant coach. He has compiled a 32-11-10 record in his two seasons running the program, and led the team to a second place finish in the South Coast Conference championship last season. The Falcons concluded last year ranked #1 in the state and #2 in the nation with 20-3-5 record. In addition, Artiaga was not only named the SCC Co-Coach of the Year, he was honored as the NCSSA/adidas Junior College Division III Men's Soccer Coach of the Year. 

     "I have been here for six years now as player and coach and there is no other place I would rather be," added Artiaga. "The experience of being here and learning from my colleagues, I feel have made me a better coach and teacher.  And, while soccer program is peaking right now, stability and consistency will be the key for many, many years to come."