Sports information veteran John Van Gaston set for retirement after 40 years at Cerritos College
MISSION VIEJO - The California Community College Sports Information Association (3CSIA) extends a hearty congratulations to Cerritos College Sports Information Director John Van Gaston, who is set to retire at the end of December.
Van Gaston is in his 40th year at Cerritos, where he has been a pillar of consistency in reporting the accomplishments of the Cerritos teams and players. Known as one of the hardest-working people in the industry, Van Gaston earned the Brass Top Award by the 3CSIA in 2009 for being the top sports information director in the state.
“I had the honor of working alongside John for six years,” former Cerritos Athletic Director and current Saddleback Dean and Athletic Director Dan Clauss said. “Through his outstanding work ethic and professionalism, he taught me everything I know about the role of an SID. John made an enormous contribution to the success of Cerritos College athletics, and I wish him nothing but the best in his well-earned retirement. “
Van Gaston capped off his career with a state championship on Sunday when Cerritos captured the men’s soccer title at Saddleback College. He could be seen at the tournament roaming the sidelines with his notebook and pencil, jotting down notes as if it were his first event.
“John is one of the great people in my industry,” Saddleback SID Brad Hoiseth said. “I was blessed to work alongside him at state tournaments as well as covering regular season events. Mention the initials JVG and everyone in the state knows who you are talking about.”
Van Gaston was a workhorse in the press box, often filling 3-4 roles at one time. He was accomplished at writing, statistics, public address, publications, you name it, treating every aspect of the job with professionalism. Over the years, he made a lot of friends and was admired by all in the industry.
"John was already an established SID at Cerritos when I first started and I'm a fossil now, 35 years into my service at Pasadena City College," said Robert Lewis. "His work ethic, professionalism, and ability to perform multiple duties at various Falcons events made him stand out in our sports information community. He was an icon covering state wrestling for years and he was part of the original first all-SID state basketball table in the early 2000's. He had the most comprehensive media guides when printed guides were a thing before the pandemic. There are few that I worked with that cared more about his craft. He will be missed."
Congrats JVG!
(CCCSIA)