Former Cougar Justin Dehn Named to CCCAA Scholar Athlete Honor Roll

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director

Former College of the Canyons baseball player Justin Dehn has been named to the 2016-17 California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Scholar Athlete Honor Roll.

Dehn joins a select list of 18 student-athletes across the state to earn recognition as a member of the Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll. 

Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll award winners are selected for excelling both academically and athletically. Honorees must have participated in two seasons of sport, maintain at least a 3.5 GPA and display strong characteristics of citizenship, while representing the positive outcome of dedication, hard work and service. 

"Justin had a tremendous impact on our program during his time as a Cougar," said COC baseball head coach Chris Cota. "His accomplishments on the field and, more importantly, in the classroom, will serve as an example to our players for years to come."

In the classroom, Dehn maintained a 3.79 transferable GPA while majoring in accounting. He earned an associate degree in the subject while fulfilling all requirements of the COC Honors Program to graduate with magna cum laude honors.

On the mound, Dehn threw an even 87 innings for the Cougars recording a 6-2 record and team-best 2.79 ERA with 72 strikeouts. The right-hander allowed just 27 earned runs on the season and tossed two complete games, including a 4-1 win vs. Santa Ana College in the opening round of the CCCAA Southern California Regional playoffs. At season's end Dehn was named the Western State Conference, East Division Pitcher of the Year.

He was later named a 2017 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/ Rawlings Pacific Association Division (PAD) All-American Third Team selection, a California Community College Baseball Coaches Association (CCCBCA) Southern California All-State Team honoree, and a member of the ABCA/PAD Southern California All-Region First Team.

As a freshman in 2016, Dehn posted a record of 4-1 record with 45 strikeouts to earn All-WSC Second Team honors.

Dehn is currently attending New Mexico State University and pitching for the Aggies baseball program.

This accomplishment was celebrated at the Celebration of Student-Athletes Award Luncheon during the CCCAA Convention on Wednesday, March 29, in Concord.

A full list of 2016-17 CCCAA Scholar Athlete Honor Roll selections is included here. 

—Photo by Emma Doyle/COC Sports Information