The Changos de Naranjito are a professional volleyball team based in Naranjito, Puerto Rico. The team is the most successful franchise in any sport in Puerto Rican sports history.

Changos de Naranjito
Full nameChangos de Naranjito
Founded1958
GroundColiseum Gelito Ortega,
Naranjito, Puerto Rico
ChairmanPuerto Rico Alexis Aponte
LeagueLVSM
Website[1][permanent dead link]
Uniforms
Home
Away

Known for their large fan base and record 24 national men's volleyball championships, the Changos de Naranjito are the winningest sports franchise in Puerto Rico. Their main rival is the Plataneros de Corozal. This rivalry has been labeled as "El Duelo de la Montana", because of their historical battles throughout the years and geographical proximity. They held a battle for the ages in the 2004 LVSM men's volleyball finals with the Changos defeating Corozal in a 7th game held at the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamón, Puerto Rico.

The team colors are: orange, white and black.

Chairman / Owner is Alexis Aponte[1]

Club history

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The history of volleyball in Naranjito goes back to 1915.

In 1911, Reverend Howard T. Jason arrived in Naranjito to preach for the Presbyterian Church, finding resistance in this devoutly Catholic town. In 1915, two North American professors known as Mr. Esbaugh and Mr. Foster arrived in town and brought volleyball to Naranjito, attracting the town's youth. Reverend Jason took the opportunity to approach and share with the town's youth as well, helping the professors teach the game's rules, subsequently making friendships.

Reverend Jason remained in Naranjito until 1920, during which time he moved to the neighboring town of Corozal. Having now a good knowledge of the sport, he utilized the same technique of teaching the sport to young kids in order to get acceptance in town. Whenever he had the chance, Rev. Jason would create tournaments between teams both in Naranjito and in Corozal, which fueled a rivalry between both towns that lives to this day.

In 1938, Naranjito finally had a professional volleyball team, joining the North and South association as a professional team in 1940. Naranjito won five championships during this period.

In 1958, Naranjito joined the Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation.

Club Record

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Since 2004, Los Changos have the Guinness World Record in volleyball for the Most Championships in the world with 24 between 1958 and 2021.

Club Results

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The record of the Changos include in 48 seasons: 23 Championships, 10 Runners-up, 43 Semi finals, 6 consecutive championships 1988-1993, 5 consecutive championships 1995-1998, 2003–2007, 13 consecutive finals 1995-2007. In the last 24 seasons (1984–2007) the team reached 23 finals, won 18 championships and finished runners-up 5 times.

Championships

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1958, 1959, 1967, 1969, 1970, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2021

Runner-up

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1960, 1968, 1971, 1978, 1979, 1984, 1987, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2023,

Semi Final's

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1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972,1974 1975, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2018


Individual awards

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Coliseum

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The team always plays their home games at the Gelito Ortega Coliseum,[2] “ El Nido” in Naranjito, which is located about 40 minutes from the Capital San Juan. The Coliseum has a capacity for 3,000 spectators.

Staff

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  •   Alexis Aponte – Chairman / Owner
  •   Jamille TorresHead Coach
  •   Dr. Anthony Meléndez – Assistant Coach
  •   Gamaliel Santiago - Stadistics
  •   Geovanny Marrero – Physical Therapist
  •   Dr. Anthony Meléndez – Trainer

2012-2013 TEAM

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Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 {{{pos}}}   PUR Victor Ruiz
2 {{{pos}}}   CAN Spencer Leiske
3 {{{pos}}}   PUR Edwin Santiago
12 {{{pos}}}   PUR Juan C. "Agujita" Rivera
19 {{{pos}}}   CUB Jorge Mencias
6 {{{pos}}}   PUR Carlos Morales
4 {{{pos}}}   PUR Juan Carlos Rodriguez
7 {{{pos}}}   PUR Sequiel Sanchez
No. Pos. Nation Player
10 {{{pos}}}   PUR Jose Velez
15 {{{pos}}}   PUR Eliezer Oyola
9 {{{pos}}}   CUB Yunieski Ramirez
11 {{{pos}}}   PUR Arnel Cabrera
8 {{{pos}}}   PUR Luis Candelario
5 {{{pos}}}   PUR Milton Marrero
16 {{{pos}}}   PUR Noah Marrero
{{{pos}}}   PUR

2010-2011 TEAM

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Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 {{{pos}}}   PUR Sequiel Sanchez
2 {{{pos}}}   PUR Noah Marrero
3 {{{pos}}}   USA Mathew Propper
12 {{{pos}}}   PUR Juan C. "Agujita" Rivera
5 {{{pos}}}   CUB Jorge Mencias
6 {{{pos}}}   PUR Rafael Negron
7 {{{pos}}}   PUR Juan Carlos Rodriguez
No. Pos. Nation Player
11 {{{pos}}}   PUR Jose Velez
13 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor Ruiz
14 {{{pos}}}   USA Matt Werle
15 {{{pos}}}   PUR Rafael Melendez
18 {{{pos}}}   PUR Omar Rivera
8 {{{pos}}}   PUR Gustavo Girau
{{{pos}}}   PUR

2009-2010 TEAM

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Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ángel Rivera
2 {{{pos}}}   PUR David León
3 {{{pos}}}   USA Andrew Hein
12 {{{pos}}}   PUR Juan C. "Agujita" Rivera
5 {{{pos}}}   PUR Joerel Morales
6 {{{pos}}}   PUR Juanmi Ruiz
7 {{{pos}}}   PUR Samuel Torres
No. Pos. Nation Player
11 {{{pos}}}   PUR Eric Haddock
13 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor Ruiz
14 {{{pos}}}   CRO Mauro Miletic
15 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ángel Ruiz
18 {{{pos}}}   PUR Omar Rivera
{{{pos}}}   PUR
{{{pos}}}   PUR

2008 LVSM Division 1 season

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This season was dedicated by the team for a local team-association "Los Batatas". Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
5 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor "Chiqui" Bird
18 {{{pos}}}   PUR Omar Rivera
13 {{{pos}}}   USA Russell Holmes
12 {{{pos}}}   PUR Juan C. "Agujita" Rivera
11 {{{pos}}}   PUR Erick Haddock
15 {{{pos}}}   PUR Jorge Alifonso
10 {{{pos}}}   PUR Pablito Guzmán
No. Pos. Nation Player
7 {{{pos}}}   PUR Milton Marrero
8 {{{pos}}}   PUR Miguel "Cundo" Rodríguez
3 {{{pos}}}   USA Tyler Hildebrand
16 {{{pos}}}   CUB Sirianis Méndez
14 {{{pos}}}   PUR Pedrito Rivera
2 {{{pos}}}   PUR José Bujosa
17 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ryan Underwood

2007 LVSM Division 1 season

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This season was dedicated by the team for the Modesto Nieves Family. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
2 {{{pos}}}   USA Tyler Hildebrand
18 {{{pos}}}   PUR Omar Rivera
14 {{{pos}}}   USA Steve Klosterman: Final MVP
12 {{{pos}}}   PUR Juan C. "Agujita" Rivera
11 {{{pos}}}   PUR Erick Haddock
13 {{{pos}}}   USA Robert Tarr
3 {{{pos}}}   PUR Emanuel Batista
No. Pos. Nation Player
9 {{{pos}}}   PUR Luis "Feñito" Rodríguez
7 {{{pos}}}   PUR Dariel Rolón
16 {{{pos}}}   PUR Orlando Ortega
6 {{{pos}}}   PUR Eduardo Quiñones
10 {{{pos}}}   PUR Javier Feliciano
8 {{{pos}}}   PUR Jason Rodríguez
15 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ryan Underwood

2006 LVSM Division 1 season

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This season was dedicated by the team for the boxer Félix "Tito" Trinidad. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ángel Pérez
16 {{{pos}}}   CAN Terrence Martin
9 {{{pos}}}   PUR Luis "Feñito" Rodríguez
4 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor "Vitito" Rivera: Final MVP
11 {{{pos}}}   PUR Erick Haddock
8 {{{pos}}}   USA Matthew Denmark
5 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor "Chiqui" Bird
7 {{{pos}}}   PUR Dariel Rolón
No. Pos. Nation Player
12 {{{pos}}}   PUR Elvyn Martínez
2 {{{pos}}}   PUR Joel A. Rivera
10 {{{pos}}}   PUR José José Delgado
3 {{{pos}}}   PUR Dennis Santiago
15 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ryan Underwood
6 {{{pos}}}   PUR Raymond Ocasio
{{{pos}}}   PUR Félix Campos

2005 LVSM Division 1 season

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This season was dedicated by the team in the memory of Roberto Walker Clemente. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ángel Pérez: Final MVP
16 {{{pos}}}   CAN Terrence Martin
9 {{{pos}}}   PUR Luis "Feñito" Rodríguez
4 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor "Vitito" Rivera
3 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ossie Antonetti
7 {{{pos}}}   CUB Maikel Cardona
5 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor "Chiqui" Bird
No. Pos. Nation Player
6 {{{pos}}}   PUR Gregory Berrios
11 {{{pos}}}   PUR Erick Haddock
12 {{{pos}}}   PUR Elvyn Martínez
14 {{{pos}}}   PUR Dariel Rolón
10 {{{pos}}}   PUR Abdel Otero
2 {{{pos}}}   PUR Héctor Lebrón

2004 LVSM Division 1 season

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Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ángel Pérez
9 {{{pos}}}   PUR Luis "Feñito" Rodríguez
4 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor "Vitito" Rivera
3 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ossie Antonetti
7 {{{pos}}}   CUB Maikel Cardona
5 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor "Chiqui" Bird: Final MVP
8 {{{pos}}}   USA Matthew Denmark
No. Pos. Nation Player
6 {{{pos}}}   PUR Gregory Berrios
11 {{{pos}}}   PUR Erick Haddock
12 {{{pos}}}   PUR Juan C. "Agujita" Rivera
2 {{{pos}}}   PUR Esteban Rodríguez
10 {{{pos}}}   PUR Abdel Otero
13 {{{pos}}}   PUR Alexander Pérez

2003 LVSM Division 1 season

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This season was dedicated by the team in the memory of Maralisa Colón Berríos. Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ángel Pérez
9 {{{pos}}}   PUR Luis "Feñito" Rodríguez
4 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor "Vitito" Rivera: Final MVP
3 {{{pos}}}   PUR Ossie Antonetti
7 {{{pos}}}   CAN Jason Haldane
5 {{{pos}}}   PUR Víctor "Chiqui" Bird
8 {{{pos}}}   PUR Enrique "Papolito" López
No. Pos. Nation Player
6 {{{pos}}}   PUR Gregory Berrios
11 {{{pos}}}   PUR Erick Haddock
12 {{{pos}}}   PUR Joel A. Rivera
2 {{{pos}}}   PUR Willie de Jesús
{{{pos}}}   PUR Jorgito Otero
10 {{{pos}}}   PUR Abdel Otero
15 {{{pos}}}   PUR Héctor “Tito” Núñez

Coaches

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Name Nat Managerial Tenure
David Alemán   1998–2000
Hiram Padilla   2001–2002
Enrique Ruiz   2003–2004
David Alemán   2005–2007
José L. Díaz   2007–2008
Rigo Guilloty   2009–2009
Enrique López   2009–2011
Luis Enrique "Quique" Ruiz   2012
Jamille Torres   2017–Present

References

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  1. ^ "PUERTO RICO HERALD: Men's Summer Volleyball League In Top Shape". www.puertorico-herald.org. Archived from the original on September 7, 2008. Retrieved August 16, 2008.
  2. ^ "Los Changos de Naranjito dieron el sí para jugar con cinco equipos". El Nuevo Dia (in Spanish). April 9, 2019.
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