History in the Making: College of the Desert Golf and Baseball Programs Shatter Records

The College of the Desert (COD) athletics department is celebrating a historic season as both the men’s golf and baseball programs reach milestones not seen in over a decade. With conference titles and record-shattering victory counts, the Roadrunners are cementing their status as a dominant force in Southern California community college sports.

The men’s golf team is heading into the State Championship with significant momentum after winning the Southern Regional title last Monday—the program's first regional victory since 2011. Under the guidance of Head Coach Tanner Bown, the Roadrunners have been nearly unstoppable, racking up eight tournament wins this season and capturing the conference championship. The team's depth has been its greatest strength, with five different players winning individual titles throughout the year.

The hunt for the program's first state title since 2012 begins tomorrow, Monday, May 11, at SilverRock Resort in La Quinta. Coach Bown noted that hosting the state tournament at home provides a unique opportunity for the squad to finish their fantastic season on top.

On the diamond, the Roadrunners baseball team has completed a campaign for the history books. Head Coach Sam DiMatteo’s squad finished with 32 victories, marking the most wins in the history of the program. Along the way, the team secured the Inland Empire Athletic Conference (IEAC) title, with several standout players earning Player of the Year honors.

Reflecting on the record-breaking run, Coach DiMatteo highlighted the team's chemistry, describing the group as a "close-knit family." One of the season's defining moments was a thrilling walk-off victory in the playoffs, which DiMatteo cited as one of his favorite wins in his coaching career. While the playoff run has concluded, the 32-win benchmark serves as a new gold standard for COD baseball.

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