University Southern California Trojans
Men's Water Polo Announces Signings Of Five New Trojans
June 24, 2005 | Men's Water Polo
June 24, 2005
USC men's water polo coach Jovan Vavic has another healthy load of talent splashing down for the 2005 season. Incoming freshmen Matt Aksel, Ryan Cummins, Arjan Ligtenberg and Jovan Vranes all joined junior transfer Pavol Valovic in signing letters of intent with the Trojans.
"I think we have a very balanced recruiting class with two-meter offense, two-meter defense and good drivers," Vavic said. "Pavol is going to help with this team immediately, and the younger players will definitely be competing for playing time."
Pavol Valovic (Slovakia/Golden West College) was the 2004 Orange Empire Conference Player of the Year. Valovic, a 6-3 utility player, also received 2004 honors as a member of the All-Southern California team and the region's MVP following his second standout season for Golden West.
Incoming freshman Matt Aksel (Beaverton, Ore./Westview HS) will bring added experience from the U.S. junior national team to Troy. A 6-2, 215-pound two-meter defender, Aksel is expected to bring a crucial physical presence to USC's inside game.
Another new Trojan with national team ties is Arjan Ligtenberg (Los Altos Hills, Calif./Gunn HS), who has been a member of the U.S. youth team. At 6-10, Ligtenberg will be easily the tallest player on the USC roster. He will be looked to for two-meter offense and defense.
Also providing skills at center defense is Jovan Vranes (Serbia and Montenegro/Newport Harbor HS). A 6-5 two-meter defender, Vranes also boasts a strong shooting arm, according to Vavic. He was selected to the 2004 All-CIF Southern Section Division I third team.
The inside talents of Aksel, Ligtenberg and Vranes will be balanced by fellow freshman Ryan Cummins (Santa Ana, Calif./Foothill HS). Cummins, a 6-0 driver, was a second-team high school All-American and a first-team All-CIF Southern Section Division I selection in 2004.
The incoming Trojan talent will help counter the losses of graduated 2004 All-Americans James Shin and Nick Andrejich, both of whom were 2004 All-MPSF selections along with fellow senior Cameron Kaiser. USC posted a 22-5 record last season and finished third at the MPSF Championship.
