The Long Beach State men’s water polo team opens their season this Saturday at noon at the 49er Campus Pool against top ranked USC. The Trojans, who will start the season on a 29-game win streak, won both the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation and national championship a year ago. The Beach is ranked No. 9 in the Collegiate Water Polo Association preseason rankings.
KEY RETURNERS: The 49ers head coach Gavin Arroyo welcomes back 12 letterwinners and five starters including seniors Dereck Weibe-Bailey and Justin Koeppen. Weibe-Bailey was a third-team all MPSF performer last season finishing fifth in the nation in saves (9.0 per game). Koeppen, who will be the 49ers team captain, was selected to the MPSF All-Academic team and also scored two or more goals in four games last season. Senior Jeff Greenwood is the top returning goal scorer from 2008. Greenwood had six games where he scored two or more goals in 2008 including back-to-back four goal games. Greenwood also scored 49 goals in 2007. Sophomores Matthew Farrington, Jordan Koeppen, Shane Luth, and senior Kevin Mundia will also contribute to the LBSU’s success.
SCOUTING USC: The Trojans return 12 of 16 players and five All-Americans from last year’s title team, including 2008 Olympic silver medalist and Cutino Award winner J.W. Krumpholz. Also back is goalkeeper Joel Dennerley, the 2008 MPSF Newcomer of the Year.
THE SERIES: The Beach is 22-56 lifetime against USC; In their last match-up the Trojans defeated LBSU, 12-7 (Oct. 18th, 2008).
NEWCOMERS: The 49ers will look to four newcomers, freshmen Carter Taylor, Brian Schiefer, Chase McColl and junior Patrick van der Linde to have an immediate impact and provide depth to the 49er roster.
NEXT UP: The 49ers return to the pool Sunday, Sept. 13 for their annual alumni match.
Report by LBSU