John Zant

Sports Editor at Santa Barbara Independent

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Articles

Historic Gaucho Glory Reigned for the 1999-2000 Women’s Basketball Team

1 month ago | independent.com | John Zant

The 1999-2000 UCSB Basketball Media Guide cover, featuring Erin Buescher | Photo: John ZantMarch Madness was raging in Santa Barbara 25 years ago. On the heels of a 30-win season, a 26-game winning streak, and a top-15 national ranking, UCSB was one of the schools chosen to host the first two rounds of the 2000 NCAA women’s basketball tournament. It was a memorable time in the life of Cori Close, who is about to venture into the 2025 tournament as head coach of UCLA’s No. 1–ranked team.
The Legendary Charles Lloyd Brings a New Delta Trio to Santa Barbara’s Lobero

1 month ago | independent.com | John Zant

If Charles Lloyd did not abide by what he calls “the humility sutra,” he could deservedly be boastful about what he has accomplished in the jazz music world. When DownBeat magazine’s 2024 Critics Poll came out, Lloyd topped the list in these categories: Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Tenor Saxophonist of the Year, and Hall of Fame. That’s like winning the Triple Crown and MVP in major league baseball.
Gauchos Extend Winning Streak Over Cal Poly to 16 Games With 96-77 Victory

1 month ago | independent.com | John Zant

Gauchos Extend Winning Streak Over Cal Poly to 16 Games With 96-77 Victory UCSB Men's Basketball Improved to 19-10 Overall This Season After Blue-Green Rivalry Win By John Zant Fri Feb 28, 2025 | 7:25am Add to Favorites Jason Fontenet knocked down two of three attempts from three-point range. | Credit: Gary Kim The players thought it was cool to see actor Michael Douglas, a UCSB alum, in the house for the Gauchos’ basketball game against visiting Cal Poly on Thursday night. But it was a...
SBART Press Luncheon: Solana Sandoval and Jonathan Corona Honored as Athletes of the Week

1 month ago | independent.com | John Zant

SBART Press Luncheon: Solana Sandoval and Jonathan Corona Honored as Athletes of the Week Andres Villa Received the Scholar Athlete of the Year Award for San Marcos High By John Zant Mon Feb 24, 2025 | 7:54pm Add to Favorites Solana Sandoval led San Marcos to wins over Righetti and Cantwell Sacred Heart. | Credit: Courtesy SBART After a holiday break, the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table resumed its weekly press luncheons Monday and featured several award presentations. San Marcos High...
New Head Coach Brings a New View for SBCC Softball Team

Jan 6, 2025 | independent.com | John Zant |Victor Bryant |Callie Fausey |Nick Welsh

The Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) softball program is beginning a new chapter under the direction of first-year head coach Tyler Heil this season. Last season, the Vaqueros compiled a 19-15 overall record and finished third in the Western State Conference North with a 10-4 conference record. With a small but talented core of sophomores returning, Heil is excited to put his stamp on the program.
The State of Sport

Nov 20, 2024 | independent.com | John Zant

When she ponders the topsy-turvy state of college sports, Kelly Barsky confesses, “My head spins some days.” But UCSB’s athletic director keeps her feet on the ground as she forges a path for the Gauchos to keep up with the competition while adhering to traditional values. There is no disputing that intercollegiate athletics at the Division I level is a money-driven business.
Santa Barbara Sky FC Delays Debut in United Soccer League to 2026

Nov 13, 2024 | independent.com | John Zant
UC Santa Barbara Women’s Soccer Heads to NCAA Tournament for First Time in 15 Years

Nov 12, 2024 | independent.com | John Zant

UC Santa Barbara Women’s Soccer Heads to NCAA Tournament for First Time in 15 Years Women’s Friday Opener at Stanford Is Same Day as Gaucho Men’s Big West Title Match at Harder Stadium By John Zant Tue Nov 12, 2024 | 4:25pm Add to Favorites The UCSB women’s soccer team will travel to Stanford for their NCAA opener on Friday, November 15, after winning the Big West Championships at Hawai‘i last weekend. | Credit: UCSB Friday, November 15, will be a big day for UCSB’s soccer teams. The Gaucho...
Late UCSB Baseball Player Maury Ornest Struck a Chord Using Art to Express Mental Illness

Nov 6, 2024 | independent.com | John Zant

Late UCSB Baseball Player Maury Ornest Struck a Chord Using Art to Express Mental Illness Documentary Film ‘Outsider’ Chronicles a Gaucho Athlete’s Journey By John Zant Wed Nov 06, 2024 | 4:09pm Add to Favorites Maury Ornest | Photo: Courtesy Maury Ornest had several things in common with Freddie Freeman, the World Series hero of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both were born of Canadian parents, and both grew up in Southern California. Their fathers groomed them to play baseball, tossing balls to...
The Urzua Family Athletic Legacy Shines On at Bishop Diego

Sep 23, 2024 | independent.com | Victor Bryant |John Zant |Callie Fausey |Nick Welsh

A fast start to the season has cemented the Bishop Diego girls’ volleyball team among the elite units in Southern California — and at the heart of the program’s resurgence is senior outside hitter Eliana Urzua. Eliana has been a phenom since she first stepped foot onto the court for the Cardinals as a freshman in 2021 where, along with her older sisters Alina and Siena, she led Bishop Diego girls’ volleyball to its first CIF Southern Section Championship in 30 years.