Tont Resigns from Men’s Soccer Post

Southwestern College men's soccer head coach Cem Tont has stepped down after thirteen seasons.

Coach Tont joined Southwestern and coached the women's soccer team in 2005. Following the retirement of Bob Flores in 2011, he accepted the position of head men's soccer coach and subsequently led the Jaguars to three consecutive Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Championships (2012, 2013, 2014). Coach Tont ends his tenure with over 100 career wins.

Though leaving the football pitch, Cem will continue as a full-time faculty in Southwestern's department of wellness, exercise science and athletics.

"On behalf of Southwestern College, I would like to thank Cem Tont for his 19 years of leadership and service to our women's and men's soccer programs," Director of Athletics Ron Valenzuela said. "His coaching, commitment and dedication to player development resulted in many special moments for SWC men's soccer, including back-to-back-to-back Pacific Coast Athletic Conference Championships and 3C2A Southern California Regional appearances. "For Cem, this position went way beyond wins and losses and was about improving the lives of people through higher education and the sport of soccer. We are very thankful to Cem for his leadership as his success cemented a solid foundation and elevated the soccer program's stature.

A search to find Tont's replacement is underway, with the goal of having the next head coach in place before the non-traditional soccer season begins.