Head Men's Soccer Coach
Fred Bruce-Oliver
Head Men’s Soccer Coach Fred Bruce-Oliver brings over 3 decades of coaching experience to the table for the Owls. Bruce-Oliver’s playing days began in the late 70’s when he began playing for Pomona College where he played for 4 years. During his time at Pomona, the Sagehens won 3 SCIAC Championships and played in the NCAA Division III Finals in 1975. Bruce-Oliver also played semi-professional soccer for the Claremont UCFD for 2 years.
When his time was over at Pomona, Bruce-Oliver began his coaching career as an Assistant Coach at the University of La Verne from 1981-1982. After his stint with the Leopards, Bruce-Oliver moved over to his alma mater at Pomona College and took over as an assistant coach where he remained from 1983-1989. Bruce-Oliver left the college ranks, but came back in 1997 to take over the reigns of the men’s soccer program here at Citrus College. Bruce-Oliver has been here ever since.
On top of his duties in coaching college, Bruce-Oliver has been the Men’s Head Coach at Claremont High School for 26 years. During his reign Bruce-Oliver captured a CIF Division I Championship in 1994. Including his duties at the high school Bruce-Oliver has been pivotal in his coaching duties with the traveling soccer club the Claremont Stars where he has coached for 16 years. In 1997 Bruce-Oliver led the Stars to the Surf Cup Championship.
Bruce-Oliver obtained his Bachelor’s of Arts from Cal Poly Pomona in 1981. Bruce-Oliver is also a substitute teacher and a member of the Cal South coaching staff as well as being a scout. Bruce-Oliver enjoys watching soccer, reading (mostly soccer literature), and world history.
Assistant Coach
Jason Schmelzeisen
Assistant Coach Jason Schmelzeisen has been with the Fighting Owls Soccer program since 2001. Jason kicked off his collegiate playing career right here at Citrus playing as a two-year starter for current Head Men’s Coach Fred Bruce-Oliver and current Head Women’s Coach Tim Tracey. For the past 10 years Schmelzeisen has worked with local clubs like Cypress FC, Claremont Stars, Glendora FC, and his current team the Foothill Storm. Schmelzeisen has also coached the frosh/soph team at Claremont High School the past six seasons.
Assistant Coach
Rigo Torres
Rigoberto Torres’ love of soccer has taken him full circle with the Owls first as player, and now as a Coach. Torres prepped at Baldwin Park High School from 2000 to 2004. While playing for Baldwin Park, Torres was captain of both his freshman and varsity squads, while being elected a 1st team All-League honoree, and leading Baldwin Park to a number four ranking in the area.
After Torres graduated from high school, he went on to play two years for Citrus College. While playing as an Owl, Torres earned Western States Conference Honorable Mention honors during his two years of play. Upon leaving the Owls Torres went on to coach Wilson High School where he coached for a year taking them to a 5-11 record.
Besides Torres duties with the Owls, Torres also coaches at nearby Glendora High School where last year he guided the Tartans to a 5-11-5 record and a 3rd place finish in the Bonita Tournament. Torres is in his 2nd season with the Owls.