Vanguard University

The athlete: Joe begins his second year at VU…hit .222 as a freshman with 72 at bats…played in 28 of 48 games…will compete for a starting role this year…came to Vanguard from Page High School, home of the Sand Devils…All-State high school player in Arizona…holds PHS record for batting average, runs batted in, and hits…played baseball, basketball and football at PHS…has played baseball for 16 years…gap to gap hitter…very athletic and has a lot of potential…good defensive second baseman…soft hands…versatile infielder…look for Joe to develop into a good offensive player over the course of his career…expect Joe to have a great year for VU.

The person: Joseph Robert Candelaria was born in Page, Arizona on October 27, 1984…son of Robert and Shirley Candelaria…father is also the host of “Sports Jam with the Candyman” in Page, AZ…brother Kevin and sister Debbie are VUSC alums…goes by “Joe”…is pursuing a degree in Teaching and Coaching…sports hero is John Elway…favorite food is Mexican…likes watching “Seinfeld” on TV…roots for the Denver Broncos…enjoys playing all sports…would like to meet Michael Jordan…feels that the team chemistry is the best thing about this year’s team…competing in athletics has taught him about teamwork…has learned in life that it’s not what you know, but who you know…wants to become a coach.

His thoughts: I chose VU because of the location and I have family in the area. I also enjoy the campus community here.

Coach Mallernee’s comments: Joe is a great team guy. He does whatever it takes to make the team better.