Are you late to the USC men's water polo scene? Do you still want to be a part of Trojan history as the program strives for five consecutive national championships this weekend?
Here's what you need to know...
Here's what you need to know...
In 2011, USC defeated UCLA to complete the first water polo 4-peat in NCAA history. The same two teams will likely match-up this Sunday at 3 p.m. PT at the McDonald's Swim Stadium with another national crown on the line.
- The Trojans are a perfect 27-0 this season. USC is trying to finish a complete season undefeated for only the second time ever (2008).
- Jovan Vavic is the Phil Jackson of collegiate water polo. He has won seven national championships with the USC men's team and three more as the coach of the women's program. He is a 10-time national coach of the year, and recently was appointed the interim head coach for the U.S. Men's National Team.
- Nikola Vavic, the head coach's son, leads the team with 79 goals this season, which is the highest total for a Trojan since 1988. He needs just three goals to become the all-time high scorer for a single season.
- Joel Dennerley was the rock of the program in goal the last four years. However, the Australian has passed the torch to freshman James Clark, his Olympic teammate. Clark was recently named the MPSF's top goalie.
- Water polo plays through the rain. In fact, the rain has been good luck for the Trojans, who have won the last two NCAA titles amid downpours. While the forecast may call for wet weather Sunday, the show will most definitely go on!
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