College of the Canyons head coach Greg Herrick picked up his 600th career victory at the college on December 17, as the Cougars fought for a historic 78-67 win over Rio Hondo College during Day One action of the Glendale Crossover tournament.
The victory, which by virtue of schedule, came nearly two weeks after Herrick claimed career win No. 599 prompted an emotional post-game celebration from the group of friends, family, colleagues, fans and supporters who were in attendance.
"This acknowledges all of the players over the course of the last 29 seasons that contributed to the 600 wins," said Herrick, moments after being presented with the official game ball and having an opportunity to address the crowd.
"I get the credit, but the team, and all the players are the ones that should get all the credit because they're the ones that did it," added Herrick, who took over the COC women's program prior to the 1992-93 season.
"I'm very happy, I'm proud of what we've done all these years, but it's all about the players," he said. "With all the players that I've coached, there is a love for all of them. If they were all here, I'd thank every one of them."
Herrick's 30-year tenure at College of the Canyons has included 16 Western State Conference (WSC), South Division Championships (1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2018) in 29 seasons. COC did not compete during the 2020-21 year due to cancellations brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
His teams have also qualified for the CCCAA Southern California Regional Postseason in 23 seasons, including a run of 21 straight appearances from 1994-2014. In 1997, Herrick guided the Cougars all the way to the state championship game, eventually finishing runner-up to Ventura College.
Herrick has also been named the WSC, South Coach of the Year on 10 occasions.
Through the first month of 2022, Herrick boasts a career record of 607-281 at the college, good for a .684 winning percentage.
Herrick's tenure at College of the Canyons has been one of the most successful of any head coach in the CCCAA.
"College of the Canyons gave me the opportunity to coach the sport I love so much," said Herrick. "When somebody gives you that opportunity and gives you the freedom to build the program in your image, I am overly appreciative of that. I will never forget them for giving me this chance."
Canyons got off to the best start in program history in 2021-22, going 8-0 and winning the annual VC-Kiwanis Tournament of Champions in late November. COC went on to finish runner-up at the prestigious Gilcrest Tournament the following week after falling to No. 1 ranked San Joaquin Delta in the tourney's championship game.
Included in that season-opening win streak were a pair of wins over state-ranked Mt. SAC, along with victories against ranked programs in Long Beach City College and College of the Sequoias.
Herrick and the Cougars began conference play on January 5 poised to compete for another WSC, South Division title.
"There are a lot of good teams out there," said Herrick, "but if things go our way, you've got to consider us having a chance, and maybe favorites, to take the conference."
Jesse Munoz is College of the Canyons' sports information director.