California will honor the 2005 PSAC football team, as well as recently retired baseball coach Michael Conte and softball coach Rick Bertagnolli, during the Homecoming game. These individuals have impacted the Vulcan athletics program as a whole.
The 2005 Vulcan football team, under John Luckhardt, had a successful season. They won all but two games, with Antoine Bagwell scoring the most touchdowns and final scores in the 80s. This was the team that led the Vulcans to their first championship in 1984, making this recognition even more special.
Michael Conte graduated from Virginia Tech in 1990 and worked at California for 29 seasons. During his 18 years as head coach of Vulcan baseball, he averaged 28 victories per season. He was named PSAC West coach of the year in 2013 and NCBWA Atlantic Region coach of the year in 2010. In addition, he and Vulcans Baseball won six championships and PSAC in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2013. As a head coach, he had an amazing run with the team. However, after finishing last season, he decided to hang up his coaching gear and retire. He finished his coaching career with an 802-548-4 record, 6 titles, and 2 coach of the year awards.
He said to Vulcan Athletics, “I’m so thankful for the administration for their consistent support over the years, to my incredible and devoted assistant coaches, to the student-athletes who gave amazing championship effort every year in the classroom and on the field, and forever to my family for bearing with the ups and downs of the life of a coach. My position at Cal has given me a fulfilling career, and at this time in my life, I’m truly humbled and filled with tremendous gratitude.”
A graduate of Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, Rick Bertagolli served as softball coach for 32 years. He was a 2-13 NFCA Hall of Fame inductee and coach of the year in 1997 and 1998. Additionally, he was named PSAC West coach of the year 14 times. The Vulcans were 972-389 under his direction and won two back-to-back championships.
California Athletic Director Dr. Karen Hjerpe said in an article for Vulcan Athletics, “Rick Bertagnolli built a legacy in the softball program as one of the most dominating teams within the PSAC each year and a national powerhouse in the sport. He built champions on the field while stressing academic success in the classroom. He was a true teacher of the game and developed the skills of the players in his program. His passion for the sport showed in the countless hours of dedication to his team.”
The recognition ceremony will take place before the homecoming football game against Clarion.
