Jake Retzlaff & Amber Nielsen Named RCC Athletics September Athletes of the Month
Riverside City College football's Jake Retzlaff and women's water polo's Amber Nielsen have been named the RCC Athletes of the Month following a strong month of September play.
Jake Retzlaff
Quarterback · Football
It was almost a given that J. Retzlaff would have immediate success entering into his first season as a Tiger, but second season as a two-year starting quarterback. The reigning Region III Player of the Year, J. Retzlaff traded in the green and yellow at Golden West College for the Orange and Black at Riverside to link up with his brother, sophomore wide receiver Reggie Retzlaff, and compete for the team's second state title in three years.
The 6-2, 200 lb gunslinger had a monster unveiling by breaking two long-standing RCC football records with 529 yards passing and six touchdowns in a 59-36 victory over Mt. San Jacinto. His passing touchdown mark currently stands as the most ever by a debuting quarterback. Additionally, he completed a season-high 33 passes to 11 different targets.
He did not simmer down in the coming weeks as he has thrown at least two or more touchdown passes this season and three or more touchdown passes in the month of September. Following his dominant performance against MSJC, he tossed five touchdowns and accumulated 376 passing yards in a victory over Long Beach. He continued on to connect for three touchdowns and amass 259 passing yards in a forceful win over Saddleback. He capped September play with a monstrous 488 yards passing resulting in four touchdowns in a statement win over Golden West.
Through five game this season, he has thrown for 1,897 yards and 20 touchdowns equaling 379.4 yards per game. He has been active with his legs of recent by carting the pigskin 18 times for 136 yards and a score. He currently leads the state with 379.4 passing yards per game, 1,897 passing yards, 124 completions and 191 passing attempts. Furthermore, he is ranked second overall with 20 passing touchdowns and fourth overall in 172.6 quarterback efficiency rating.
His performance has led the Tigers to a top ranking in the JC Athletic Bureau and the CCCSIA rankings for two-consecutive weeks.
Amber Nielsen
2M/Driver · Women's Water Polo
The No. 5 Riverside City College women's water polo team has been winning at a rapid rate and Nielsen has cemented herself at the nucleus of the Tiger's success.
Nielsen has put together some amazing numbers while acting as the top weapon for Riverside so far this season. She currently leads her team with 43 goals and 17 drawn ejections. Her 43 goals ranks sixth overall in the state and fifth overall in the south. Furthermore, her 17 ejections lands her in the top-20 in the state.
Nielsen has scored in every game she has played equaling a 19-game scoring streak. Her efforts are highlighted by a recent six-goal outburst in a 16-5 win over San Diego Mesa, followed by a five-goal showing in a 14-13 win over No. 2 Santa Barbara. She has scored four or more goals in five games as well.
All of her drawn ejections came in the month of September highlighted by a pair of four drawn ejection games in wins over Sierra and Golden West. In addition, she has pocketed 12 steals, 10 assists and has recorded a mere four turnovers, which is a team low with players that have participated in at least 10 or more games.