Notebook: Stan State announces new director of athletics; CCAL MVP commits to school
After holding the job on an interim basis, Aaron Allaire on Monday became the new director of athletics for Stanislaus State University. Ellen Junn, president of the Turlock campus, announced the promotion Thursday.
Allaire, an alumnus of the university, has been involved in many aspects of Stanislaus State’s athletics program since 2003. He served as head assistant baseball coach for 11 seasons. During that time, he helped lead the team to a program-record 37 wins in 2008 and a No. 1 national ranking by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper in 2009. While he was on staff, the Warriors produced 47 all-conference players and sent 17 to play professional baseball.
Allaire began his career in athletics administration at Stan State in 2014. He has served as assistant athletics director for facilities and game operation, associate athletics director for facilities and game operations and senior associate athletics director.
“We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the search committee as well as external search consultant Cary Groth, president of The Pictor Group, and her team for their diligent work during this extensive national search,” said Junn in an email announcement to the campus community. “Allaire’s leadership and experience will bring new energy and partnerships to strategically position the Stan State Athletics Department for new growth and progress.”
Allaire graduated Stan State with a bachelor’s of arts in history. He started his career as a student-athlete in 1997 as a third baseman and catcher. He went on to earn his teaching credential at Chapman University and his master of arts in management with a specialization in leadership from National University. He has served on the Stanislaus State Student Affairs Leadership Team as interim director of athletics under Vice President Dr. Christine Erickson since February.
“I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity to serve as director of athletics at Stan State” said Allaire. “As a student-athlete, coach and administrator, I have seen so many great accomplishments from our student-athletes and I intend to expand on those and help provide the greatest student-athlete experience possible.”
Pitman’s Balentine commits to college for baseball: Pitman High’s Andrew Balentine recently made a decision on where he will play college baseball after graduation. The rising senior finished with team highs in hits and batting average and announced his commitment to Fresno State University on June 2. The Central California Athletics League MVP helped lead the Pride, one of the Stanislaus District’s best teams all season, to a 21-6-1 record and a Sac-Joaquin Section Division II playoff appearance.
MJC hosting USA Track and Field event: Modesto Junior College will be the host site for the USA Track and Field Region 16 Junior Olympic Qualifying Meet. The event will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 24-26, and will have six groups that feature participants from ages 7-18.
MaxPreps All-Sac-Joaquin Section team announced: MaxPreps released its annual Sac-Joaquin Section All-Section Softball Team at the beginning of June and the list features multiple local selections. Central Catholic pitcher Randi Roelling was named Player of the Year for the class of 2023. Ripon High’s Caitlyn Campbell was the only Stanislaus District senior to earn an All-Section nod. Pitchers Kailey Estes (Gregori) and Ava Hernandez (Big Valley) highlight a loaded local sophomore class. Class of 2025 infielders Ava Montesdeoca and Jazmarie Roberts lead a talented freshman class.
