The athlete: Joe returns for his third season with the Lions…has 63 games and 51 starts under his belt in the blue and gold…has 35 hits and has scored 18 runs in two seasons…will competing for a starting role somewhere on the VU infield…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…all-league and all-state baseball player at PHS…played baseball, basketball and football at PHS…has played baseball for 16 years…gap to gap hitter…good defensive infielder, may play second or third base…soft hands…knows and understands the game…will continue to improve with hard work and experience…keep an eye out for some solid production from Candelaria in 2006.

The person: Joseph Robert Candelaria was born in Page, Arizona on October 27, 1984 to his parents 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 athletic alums…goes by “Joe” or “Candy”…is a Liberal Studies student at Vanguard…sports hero is John Elway…favorite food is Mexican…likes watching “Seinfeld” on TV…loves the movie “Cinderella Man”…cheers for the Denver Broncos…enjoys playing all sports and going camping…would like to meet Jesus Christ…believes that hate is the biggest problem in the world…likes the camaraderie on his VU baseball team…has learned in life that what comes around, goes around…competing in athletics has taught him about responsibility and trust…wants to be a good father, good husband, and a God-fearing man in the future.

His thoughts: I chose VU because of the location, the people, and the atmosphere at Vanguard.  I love the close knit family on campus and that my actual family is nearby.

Coach Mallernee’s comments: Joe has really improved since last spring.  He is a good defensive infielder with a good heart.