Cougar Athletics
30 NAIA National Championships
95 GSAC Championships
...and counting

THIS YEAR: A please surprise among Azusa Pacific’s 50 newcomers to the program, sophomore transfer Joe LaPorta is an excellent athlete who is likely to see time in both the Cougar secondary and special teams ... Has good speed and is quite strong ... Can make the big hit on defense.

JUNIOR COLLEGE: Played 1 season for head coach Jim Bittner at Moorpark (Calif.) College ... Played primarily special times and situational downs for the 9-2 Raiders ... As an up-back returned one kickoff 12 yards.

HIGH SCHOOL: Played 2 varsity seasons for head coach Mike Sanders at Thousand Oaks (Calif.) High ... As a 2004 senior named All-Marmonte League first team and All-Ventura County second team after tallying 112 tackles, 1 interception and 1 touchdown for the 8-4 Lancers ... Named team defensive MVP.

PERSONAL: Born Dec. 23, 1986, in Tarzana, Calif., to Dan (contractor) and Nicki (real estate agent) LaPorta ... Has a brother (Luke) and 2 sisters (Lauren, Gabby) ... Majoring in exercise and sport science ... Would like to teach and coach after graduation ... Plays the guitar and has served as a junior high leader at his church.