Outlook
is positive for men’s water polo team
By Jack Schneider
On-line Forty-Niner
Long
Beach State men’s water polo is about working
as a team, and focusing on the competition
that lies ahead.
After
losing five starters and seven seniors last
year, the 49ers have a different lineup
comprised mostly of sophomores and juniors
with seven freshmen are added to the roster.
This season marks Coach Rick Azevedo’s fourth
season as head coach, who’s record throughout
his three years is 41-35.
Azevedo will replace last year’s top four
goal scorers with some of this season’s
top scorers such as junior Nathan Allard
and team captain senior Aaron Holloway.
This year, men’s water polo will focus on
acting as a team instead of relying on a
captain like last year.
“Last year we relied on team captain but
this year is a bit different— we are acting
as a team based upon seven players instead
of one but there is a good blend of people,”
Azevedo said.
Aaron Holloway
Holloway notices the team working more efficiently
through each practice.
“The team has a lot of good chemistry, and
we’re getting in great shape” Azevedo said.
After competing in last weekend’s 2002 Navy
Open, players have been shattering records
and playing some of the best games.
“We have a lot of guys this year that have
great talent,” Holloway said. “We’re getting
better and everyone right now is working
hard in practice.”
Already, Holloway has 67 career goals with
LBSU, and is just five short from moving
into the top 25 in 49er history.
This year will also be focused on tournaments
and double headers, especially with the
Mountain Pacific Sports Federation tournament
coming up in late November.
With much of the focus on the upcoming games,
Azevedo said he hopes that as the season
goes on, the team will become stronger and
more productive in their plays.
“We want to be able to get the practices
we want so the team can be well prepared
for our later tournaments,” said Azevedo.
Overall the team has high expectations in
competition and wants to continue their
tradition of winning.
“I am very proud of our accomplishments
with the team. We have a lot of pride in
our community being both students and players,”
said Azevedo.
The next game the 49ers will compete in
will be Saturday against UC San Diego and
Stanford at the SoCal Tournament at USC.
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