Coach predicts strong season in the pool

By Chan Tran
Daily Forty-Niner

Standing on the track field during the first day of school, Rick Azevedo, Long Beach State men's water polo coach, watched his players run 10-minute laps in the afternoon sun.

"We have a young team this year," Azevedo said. "But it just means we're going to have to push harder and develop for the future."

The track field might be far from the Olympic-size swimming pools the players are used to practicing and competing in, but it adds to the feeling of change for the new season.

"We're starting three freshmen this year," Azevedo said. "By having a young team, it's a question of how fast we can mature to be a physically strong group and to learn the system."

Although the team finished in fifth place with a record of 9?10 last season, Azevedo said this is the time to start building a foundation for things to come.
Offensive power is the main area they have to compensate for with the graduation of three of last season's main players--Patrick Cochran (defense), Corey Dolley (2-meters/defense) and driver Shane Lindstrom.

"We stand to lose about 140 goals off offensive power, but what we have lost in offense, we gain in depth," Azevedo said.

Part of the new depth will be the addition of defensive power from Robert Smith (goalie) and Chris Segesman (defense).

But, Azevedo said, this season might not be the best time for a young team to test the waters.

"Our conference has the top eight teams in the country, and many of the other schools have more returning players," Azevedo said. "The toughest challenge will be our conference."

Among the teams presenting problems for the 49ers are UCLA, Stanford and Pepperdine.

But despite the newness of the team, Azevedo has very high expectations for the end of the season.

"We look forward to a very good year after the hard work during the summer" Azevedo said. "Even though we finished fifth last season, I am looking to finish in the Final Four this season."

• Park where?
• Panel hired to overlook contract dispute
• Department of Labor, CSULB to meet
• CSULB hires new faculty
  

• Clean cars better
• Piggish behavior at the DNC
  

• Hip-hop group set to get the Union rockin'

• Consistency in lineup key for women 49ers
• 2000 Women's Soccer Schedule
• 2000 Women's Soccer Roster
• Coach predicts strong season in the pool
• Men's 2000 Water Polo Roster-tentative
• Men's 2000 Water Polo Schedule