MICHAEL HARTANOV • JUNIOR
DISTANCE • MEAD, WA

The athlete: Mike readies himself for his third season as a Lion…team captain for 2009…All-GSAC in 2008 for placing third in the 800m with a time of 1:57.84, also a new personal record…set more PRs in 2008 in the 1500m (4:01.83), 3000m (8:54.83) and 600m (1:25.63), which were all good to mark in the top ten all-time at VUSC…came to Vanguard from Mount Spokane High in Mead, Washington…joined his older brother Travis on the team…graduated from MSHS in 2006…carried a 3.78 GPA in high school…was his team’s captain for cross country and track at MSHS…ran track for Coach Craig Deitz…has personal bests of 1:55 in the 800 meter, 4:17 in the 1600m, and 9:48.9 in the 3200m…took fourth place at State meet in the 800m and fifth place at State meet in the 1600m…also played soccer for MSHS…has been running for six years…gifted young runner…strength is the middle distance races…will mainly concentrate on the 800m and 1500m in 2009 where he possesses national qualifying capabilities and hopes to make a national indoor appearance in the DMR.

The person: Michael Thomas Hartanov was born on December 3, 1987 in Spokane, Washington to his parents Tom and Claudia…has three brothers, including his twin on the VU men’s soccer team…nickname is "The Cookie Monster"… majoring in Business at Vanguard…likes to eat at the "Big Belli Deli" and oatmeal cookie crunch ice cream…sports hero is Nick Fetner…loves the television show "Lost"…likes the color tiger blood red and the number nine…cheers for the Chicago Bulls…favorite Scripture is James 2…learned in life that you have to always enjoy things as much as possible…track has taught him that running is extremely difficult…wants to open up a sandwich shop…most admires Peter Pan because he always lives life as a kid.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the faculty.

Coach Bryan’s comments: Mike is a phenomenal student, excellent leader, humanitarian and man of character. Mike plays a significant role in "Krochet Kids," a non-profit organization he helped establish which serves impoverished people in Uganda, East Africa. This is what Mike is all about; a devoted man of God seeking to make an impact in the world.

AZERONE PERKINS • JUNIOR
HURDLES/SPRINTS/JUMPS • TRABUCO CANYON, CA

The athlete: Azerone returns to VUSC for his junior season…once again had a school record-breaking 2008 that saw him best his own 60m with a 7.17 which was good for an Indoor National All-American and fifth in the country…2008 outdoor National Finalist in the 110m hurdles and school record holder time of 14.33…also jumped 44-4 ¼ in the triple jump and ran 10.69 in the 100m to garner him All-GSAC honors in 2008…had an outstanding freshman season where he first set school records in the 60m (7.27), 60m hurdles (8.17), 110m hurdles (14.91)…2007 Indoor National qualifier in the 60m hurdles…All-GSAC in the triple jump with a mark of 44-4 ¼ where he placed third…also had a long jump mark of 21-4 ¼…came to Vanguard from El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California…local athlete who was a Team Captain and named Most Outstanding Athlete for Coach Larry Nitta in the South Coast League…has a PR of 22 feet 6 inches and 39:97 in the 300m Hurdles, 14.75 in the 110m High Hurdles, and 51.18 in the 400m dash…has been running track and field for eight years…has passion, charisma, and raw talent…will challenge in a myriad of events and contend for GSAC title and multiple All-American honors in 2009.

The person: Azerone was born on October 16, 1988 to his parents Jesse and Leticia Perkins…has one younger brother who plays basketball…people call him "Aze" for short…majoring in Intercultural Studies…likes to eat Mexican food at "Chipotle"…loves the "Back To The Future" trilogy…doesn’t watch TV…likes the colors white and blue and the number four…favorite Scripture is Matthew 5:14-16…roots for the USA Olympic USA Track and Field Team…favorite place is the Philippines…enjoys crocheting and making things…most respects God…career goal is to go to every country and change the world…track has taught him to move past the barriers.

His thoughts: The things I like most about VUSC are the Intercultural studies, professors, coaches and people.

Coach Bryan’s comments: Aze is one of the most passionate and charismatic individuals our program has ever had. He is developing into an outstanding leader and role model. Everyone loves Aze. He is a dynamic Christ follower, Champion of Character, loyal teammate, humanitarian and future world changer.

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JESSE RODRIGUEZ • JUNIOR
SPRINTS/JAVELIN • SANTA ANA, CA

The athlete: Jesse joins the Lions in 2009 after transferring from Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California where he spent the last two seasons running with Head Coaches Knox and Moreno…placed seventh in the conference for the javelin and made it to the SoCal prelims…has a PR of 167-0 in the javelin, 11.6 in the 100m and 24.2 in the 200m…graduated from Century High School in Santa Ana, California in 2004 where he was an All-League and Orange County All-Star member under Head Coach Theo Cortez…also played baseball and played for the O.C. All Stars…has ran track for four years.

The person: Jesse was born in Los Angeles, California on September 18, 1986…mom is Martha Silva…Communications major…nickname is "J-Rod"…likes eating pasta and at "Ahi Sushi"…favorite Scripture is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27…favorite movies are "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Goonies" and TV shows are "Robot Chicken" and "South Park:…likes the color blue and the numbers nine and 11…sports hero is Jackie Robinson…says honesty, being respectful and trustworthy are the most important characteristics for a person to have…most respects his mother because she is a hard worker…still learning in life…sport has taught him that it’s all worth it in the end…career goal is to be financially stable.

His thoughts: I selected Vanguard because I felt welcomed and comfortable.

Coach Wilkins’ Comments: Jess is a welcome addition from OCC. He is a dedicated and hard working athlete. We are excited to get to know him better and discover his strengths and character firsthand.

MORGAN ROSE • JUNIOR
SPRINTS •  CYPRESS, CA

The athlete: Morgan comes to the Lions after spending the last two track seasons with Head Coach John Knox at Orange Coast College where he was a team captain and Coaches Award winner…graduated in 2005 from Cypress High School in Cypress, California where he ran for Head Coach John Eyman and was team MVP…state finalist in the 4x400 relay…also played soccer and spent several years with the Cypress Futbol Club…has ran track for 11 years…PR of 49.00 in the 400m…will focus on the 400m in the outdoor and 600m in the indoor season in 2009…possesses All-American talent…has a very bright future as a Lion.

The person: Morgan J. was born in Long Beach, CA to parents Jack and Beverly on October 11, 1986…has a younger sister…nickname is "Captain Morgan"…Sociology major…likes eating Mexican food at "Chipotle" and eating at "Stonefire"…favorite movie is "Super Troopers" and TV shows are "Family Guy" and "F.S.C."…favorite colors are blue and black and numbers are 14 and eight…favorite Scripture is 1 Corinthians 9:24-27…roots for Manchester United…sports hero are Michael Johnson and Jeremy Wariner…enjoys backpacking, wakeboarding and camping…most respects the people who what is right, not what’s easy…learned life is full of ups and downs, the ugly and the beautiful…sport has taught him determination and hard work really pay off…would like to become a police officer.

His thoughts: I came to Vanguard because I liked the coach, the team and the school; easy choice.

Coach Wilkins’ Comments: Morgan is a very welcome addition to our program. He is a tremendous competitor with great work ethic. We are blessed to have him in the mix.

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CHRISTIAN DE GLYMES • SOPHOMORE
DISTANCE • NEWCASTLE, CA

The athlete: Christian begins season number two after becoming one of the fastest freshman in VU history…set the VU freshman record in the 3000m (8:53.14) and 10,000m (31:41.68) which were also good for fourth on the all-time VUSC chart…10,000m outdoor National Qualifier…also ran the 5000m at 15:15.91 which was second fastest for a freshman and eighth all-time at VUSC…came to VUSC after being named Most Outstanding Runner and being an All-Metro standout at Del Oro High School in Loomis, California…ran for Head Coach Kevin Ostenberg in the San Joaquin League…tenth at State, second in sections…4:29 in the 1600m and 9:31 in the 3200m are personal bests…also played basketball…played two years for the Buffalo Chips club team…has ran track for 11 years.

The person: Christian Charles Richard de Glymes del Tollebecque was born to parents Richard and Nancy in Berkley, California on July 25, 1988…has three brothers…majoring in Sociology…nickname is "Caveman"…loves eating burritos at "Costco"…favorite movie is "A Clockwork Orange" and TV show is "Jimmy Jimmy"…favorite Bible verse is Genesis 1:1…roots for the Oakland Raiders…likes the color silver and the number 24…learned in life that nice guys finish last but keep their dignity…career goal is to be an active sociologist…track has taught him extreme responsibility…most admires Nick Fetner for his amazing abilities.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the caf.

Coach Wilkins’ Comments: Christian brings great charisma and creativity to our team. He is an outstanding student, incredibly hard worker, fun, reliable and passionate about out great sport. He is a loyal team member and is loved by all.

NATHAN PHILLIPS • SOPHOMORE
SPRINTS • HANFORD, CA

The athlete: Nathan returns for his junior year academically at Vanguard…is a sophomore on the track team for the Lions…set PRs of 12.44 in the 100m and 25.21 in the 200m as a freshman at VUSC…graduated in 2006 from Hanford West High School in Hanford, California…academic award winner…graduated with a 3.35 GPA…very new to track…went to the College of Sequoias in Visalia, CA in 06-07…will compete in sprints and relays in 2009 and should see tremendous improvements with a season under his belt

The person: Nathan was born in Hanford, California on July 31, 1987…parents Daniel Phillips and Karen Sullivan…has one brother and two sisters…majoring in Pastoral Leadership…likes eating Mexican food at "Chipotle"…likes the color green and the number 20…favorite movie is "Amazing Grace" and TV show is "Burn Notice"…roots for the USC Trojans…favorite Bible verse is John 15:12…likes fixing things…person he most respects is his grandpa…learned in life to love everyone…track has taught him about courage, strength and devotion…would like to move to Africa.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the people and the community.

Coach Wilkins’ comment: Nate is a loyal teammate who works diligently and brings charisma and enthusiasm to our team. He is committed to his Christian walk and lives his faith in word and deed.

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DANNY THOMAS • SOPHOMORE
SPRINTS • BORON, CA

The athlete: Danny returns to the track for his sophomore season after taking a redshirt in 2008…is a junior academically…as a freshman ran a mark of 11.31 in the 100m and 22.76 in the 200m, all personal bests…came to VUSC from Boron High School in Boron, California…ran track for Coach Tim Bishop…named Team MVP…received Coaches’ Award…also ran cross country, played football, and basketball at BHS…has high school bests of 24.0 in the 200 meter and 54.0 in the 400 meter dash…has three years of track and field experience…will challenge indoor 60m school record in 2009…has national qualifying potential in short sprints...team captain in 2009.

The person: Danny Benjamin Thomas was born on July 24, 1987 in Los Angeles, California to his parents Leroy and Roscheal Taylor…has four siblings…nickname is "Shadow"…is a Youth Ministry major at Vanguard University…sports hero is Michael Jordan…likes to eat ribs…watches the TV show "Lost"…loves the color blue and the number 20…enjoys rooting for the Chicago Bulls…favorite Bible verse is Psalms 37:45…hobby is sleeping...most respects his mom because she created the man he is today…track has taught him that it’s not over…career goal is to try to bring the best out of everyone.

His thoughts: My favorite quote, "Go after God whole-hearted or don’t at all."

Coach Wilkins’ comments: Danny is a humble man of great character. He is God-honoring in all he does. He is someone who knows how to persevere through adversity without complaint. He is a true teammate, leader by example and committed Christ follower. Our program is twice as good because of the quality of person Danny is!

MATT JOHNSON • FRESHMAN
DISTANCE • LAKE FOREST, CA

The athlete: Matt comes to the Lions after graduating from El Toro High School in Lake Forest, California…ran for Head Coach Rick Hagin and was an All-County, All-CIF and All-Conference selection as well as team MVP…one of the most talented prep milers Vanguard has ever had…went to the Nike Team Nationals in 2006…also played lacrosse, wrestled and ran cross country…had a strong freshman season as a member of the 2008 VU cross country team…has ran for four years…has PRs of 4:22.04 in the 1600m and 9:31.44 in the 3200m…will play a role in the DMR for the 2009 team and could contribute at a high level from 1500m to 10,000m.

The person: Matt was born to parents Mike and Alice in Redlands, California on November 8, 1989…has two brothers and one sister…Business major…loves eating at "Chuck E. Cheese" and chocolate ice cream…enjoys the book of Matthew in the Bible…favorite movie is "Surf’s Up" and TV show is "Home Improvement"…likes the color blue whale and the number three…roots for the Cleveland Cavaliers…says having the Champions of Character characteristics are the most important for people to have…most respects Olya because she says what’s on her mind every time…has learned that track is hard and makes your body hurt…discovered in life that you can find happiness in the times where it doesn’t seem happy…career goal is to own his own business.

His thoughts: I chose Vanguard because it was close to the beach.

Coach Wilkins’ Comments: Matt is a promising addition to our team. He is blessed with loads of talent and is just beginning to realize his potential. Matt is fun, dedicated, a true teammate and devoted Christian.

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NOAH LOPEZ • FRESHMAN
DISTANCE • TORRANCE, CA

The athlete: Noah begins his athletic career at Vanguard this spring…comes to VUSC after graduating from Torrance High School in Torrance, California in 2008 where he ran for Head Coach Israel Pose…MVP, Most Improved, Coaches Award and Athlete of the Month Award winner…set high school cross country PR time of 16:06 in the three-mile, and track times of 9:56 in the two-mile and 4:36 in the mile distances…spent the fall semester of 2008 at El Camino College in Torrance, California where he ran for Head Coach Dean Lofgren…JC 4-mile cross country best was 21:38…began running in high school…quality pickup for the VU program.

The person: Noah David was born in Torrance, California to parents David and Cece on June 19, 1990…has three younger siblings…majoring in Business Administration…likes to eat chorizo and at "King Taco"…likes the color blue and the number 53…favorite movie is "Gladiator" and TV show is "Scrubs"…favorite Bible verse is John 3:16…enjoys video games, running and eating…most respects his grandfather because he is the most generous man he knows…learned that life is fun…sport has taught him to be diligent in what he does…career goal is to be a successful businessman.

His thoughts: I selected Vanguard because it’s a Christian school with a good cross country and track team.

Coach Wilkins’ comment: Noah is a surprise addition to our team this spring. We are excited to have him. He brings a great attitude, work ethic, and adds depth to our distance program.

CHAD SMITH • FRESHMAN
DISTANCE • HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA

The athlete: Chad begins his second semester at VUSC…had a very solid freshman cross country season for the Lions…came to the Lions after graduating from Huntington Beach High School in Huntington Beach, California in 2008…ran for Head Coach Rick Glenn and was named top runner in 2007 as well as Captain’s Award winner…has PR of 1:59.59 in the 800m and 4:35 in the 1600m…also played football and baseball…will specialize in middle distances for VUSC and maybe the DMR at indoor nationals…poised for a break-out freshman season on the track.

The person: Chad Michael was born in Santa Ana, California to parents Michael and Lori on December 18, 1989…has one brother…nickname is "Zodiac"…majoring in Accounting at Vanguard…likes eating Mexican food at "Paco’s"…favorite movie is "Saw" and TV show is "Family Guy"…likes the color red and the number 26…roots for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers…enjoys video games and football…most respects his dad because he’s accomplished a lot…says honesty is the most important characteristic for a person to have…has learned that life is a game…sport has taught him that practice helps…career goal is to be in the FBI or a CPA.

His thoughts: What I like most about Vanguard is the close-knit community.

Coach Wilkins’ comments: Chad is a highly dedicated athlete who is primed for a breakout track season. Chad’s work ethic, character and drive to be the best are the attributes I love most about him.