Athletics: Long Beach City College announces changes to athletics administration

Long Beach City College has announced interim personnel changes directly connected with its successful athletics program. The interim positions are six-month assignments.

Former Athletic Director Connie Sears will take on a larger role at the college as she has been named Interim Dean of Student Affairs, Physical Education, and Athletics. She will fill the role of former Dean of Physical Education and Athletics John Fylpaa as well as take on the added role of overseeing the Office of Student Affairs.

As Interim Dean of Student Affairs, Physical Education, and Athletics, Sears will not only oversee the PE and athletic departments, but will also manage divisions of student affairs including student life, student discipline, student health services, and the international student program.

“It is a time of transition for the college,” said Vice President of Student Support Services Gregory Peterson. “We are moving to a new model and we feel Connie (Sears) has the background and skills to manage this larger area.”

Filling Sears’ former position is Interim Athletic Director Randy Totorp. Totorp originally stepped in to an administrative position last fall after former Men’s Athletic Director Larry Reisbig retired. Totorp will shift from one interim AD position to another, assuming Sears’ duties.

“We are excited to have Randy (Totorp) take another step in the athletic department,” said Peterson. “His experience and ability to step up are strengths for the college.”

To cover the interim position that was recently held by Totorp, LBCC has announced the hiring of Telia Robertson to serve as Interim Assistant Athletic Director. For the past four years, Robertson has served as an assistant women’s volleyball coach at LBCC.

“We are very excited to have the interim team in place during this time of transition,” Peterson said. “We are losing a legacy with the retirement of Dr. Fylpaa, but we are confident our current leadership will continue to maintain the legacy of success of the physical education and athletic department.”