Vinnedge, Bulldog Men's Soccer Ready to Make 2014 Debut

The Billy Vinnedge era of the Allan Hancock College men's soccer program begins on Wednesday, August 27, when the Bulldogs open the 2014 season. Hancock hosts Taft at 5 p.m. on the Santa Maria campus.

"I am extremely excited to kick the season off at home," said Vinnedge. "We have been training since March and are anxious to play our first game as a new time." Vinnedge spent the last six seasons as the boy's varsity soccer head coach at Nipomo High School. He has 12 of his former Titan players on his Hancock roster, along with many other local athletes.

"We have several local All-League and All-CIF players who have returned to start their college careers this year," said Vinnedge. "There is going to be a lot of movement in our preseason games because guys will be fighting for positions and time on the field."

The former Hancock and University of Wyoming kicker said becoming a college-level coach was always a dream. Now he is thrilled to restore the pride in the Hancock men's soccer program. "My goal as the new head coach is to bring a winning program to the community of Santa Maria, both on and off the field. This is going to be a fun season for the community to come out and watch Bulldog soccer."

Hancock went 3-16-2 last season. Taft went 11-6-3 last season and won the Central Valley Conference title. The Bulldogs play at Victor Valley (5-8-4) on Friday at 4 p.m., before returning to Santa Maria to open a four game homestand on September 5.

Hancock has three returners from last year's squad on his active roster. Arroyo Grande High School graduate Oscar Muñoz, Pioneer Valley High School graduate Jorge Marin, as well as Nipomo graduates Mike Arevalo and Buddy Kichler are among the Central Coast natives playing for the Bulldogs.