Gillman made an immediate impact at Dayton. C. J. hit an awesome .383 clip, just 3 points behind the team leader. He also crashed four home runs. His 37 RBIs lead the Flyers. C. J. stole 20 bags and led Dayton with 33 walks. He scored 45 runs which also ranked first on the team. Gillman imposed his will at the community college level. C.J. received all conference honors twice as a member of the Garden City (Kan.) Broncobusters. He hit .376 and brought home 43 runs as a sophomore. He blasted 7 home runs in his final season at Garden City and crossed the plate a team high 60 times. In his freshman campaign he posted similar numbers: a .344 batting average and 50 RBI. His father Chuck coached his high school team, the Columbine Rebels. The Gillmans engineered a State championship season in 2006 and went to the State finals in 2007. Gillman was named First Team All-Colorado in both seasons. The leadership major also led his football team to a Colorado 5A State Championship a senior. He earned First Team All-State honors as the team's Quarterback.