Leader in the pool for 49ers

By Jeff Dusing
Daily Forty-Niner
 
With 11 goals in seven games this season, water polo team captain Chris Segesman is one of the highest scoring players for Long Beach State.

But Segesman is more than just a high scorer. As team captain he continually pushes the team to work harder and play better. For this he has gained the respect of the entire team.

"You see him in practice--he's always talking to other players, always trying to be a leader," said Assistant Coach Eric Ploessel. Segesman runs practice and games from inside the pool, Ploessel said.

At 6-foot-4, the 205-pound junior commands attention while he makes suggestions.

"I like playing with him a lot, he is definitely the team leader," said team mate and 2-meter man Bryce Felloney.

While Segesman has made his mark as the team leader, he is also a powerful force in the pool, and has distinguished himself as a defensive player.

"He is probably the best hole set defender in the MPSF right now," said junior goalie Rob Smith.

Also known as 2-meter men, defenders such as Segesman are commonly the largest players on a team.

"He's the biggest, strongest guy in there," Felloney said. "He makes everybody work, especially me, as he guards the position that I play."

The 21-year-old 49er has not always been the strongest player in the pool, especially after tearing cartilage in his left knee just before the 1998 season.

Segesman was forced to sit out and did not return to full play for six months.

Back in the pool for two years, the defensive player has received much acclaim for his high level of play.

"He is one of the best defensive players I've ever seen," Ploessel said.

Despite his presence in Long Beach State water polo, Segesman does have bigger, grander dreams.

The 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece are foremost on his list of desires.

"It's awesome, when you're playing at that level," Segesman said. "You're playing with people you've looked up to your whole life."

To accomplish this goal, he has been training with the national team for the past two summers.

Segesman has also played with various other international teams including the Junior Olympic team.

Out of the pool, Segesman is pursuing a degree in human development with a minor in mathematics.

"I originally wanted to be a math major, but I don't have the time with water polo, so I choose an alternate route to go into teaching."

Along with teaching, the junior hopes to keep coaching in the future.

He currently coaches a 12-and-younger team for Shore Aquatics as well as girls water polo at Marina High School.

"I love the physical contact in water polo. I love the physical shape you have to be in to play.   "Most people don't understand the conditioning that's required," Segesman said. "I also love the camaraderie. You make a lot of good friends."