2020 Torch of Excellence Recipients

While this year's annual banquet was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, over 180 athletes from FCC are being recognized virtually. The event, sponsored each year by the Fresno-Madera Kiwanis Clubs, recognizes students who compete in their respective sport and who excel in the classroom. New student academic recognition categories were established this year:

President's Scholar 3.51 - 4.0
GPA - 130 players recognized

Dean's Recognition 3.2 - 3.5
GPA - 56 players recognized

Chancellor's Award of Distinction 4.0 (2 semesters) awarded to Uyen D. Napier and Dominique B. Yang, (Sunnyside High School) from the Badminton team.

In addition, a female and male athlete of the year was also selected. Women's soccer player, Erika (Kiki) Montano, was named the female athlete of the year. She was the team captain and two-year starter at center back from Buchanan High School. She was selected as the 2019 Central Valley Conference Defender of the Year and named to the All Western Regional Team. She earned a 4.0 during the 2019 fall semester and transferred this spring to UC Riverside (Division 1) on soccer scholarship. 

"Kiki came to play for the FCC Rams and did everything we asked of her and then some," said head women's soccer coach Oliver Germond. "She is now playing Division 1 soccer and earning a UC education on scholarship because she worked hard to make her dreams come true," Germond added.

The male athlete of the year selected is Augustine (Augie) Garcia (Madera South High School). For two years Augie has wrestled in the 165 lbs. category and was a vital component of the two State Championship Wrestling Team titles in 2018 and 2019. He was named a State Champion in 2018 and State Champion in 2018 and State Runner-Up in 2019. He lost just three matches while winning 53 matches in two years. Augie has been an Academic All-American as well as Kiwanis Torch Lighter for two years. 

"This past season was especially challenging for Augie," said head wrestling coach Paul Keysaw. Last October he became a father and in December he finished his distinguished wrestling career by helping his team win their fourth straight State Championship title, a community college record, Augie was State Runner-up and he finished his 2019 semester with a 4.0 GPA. In the fall, Augie will transfer to California State University, Bakersfield and wrestle for the Road Runners.