Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann
The USC men's water polo team will host No. 17 ranked Cal Baptist in the Trojans home opener at the McDonald's Swim Stadium on Saturday. The top-ranked Trojans are looking to make history as they embark on the quest for a fifth consecutive championship.
Last December, the men's water polo team became the first program to win four consecutive national championships after defeating crosstown rival UCLA 7-4.
Although the Trojans have created a dynasty in the pool, head coach Jovan Vavic believes that 2012 means new beginnings for the Trojans. "We don't labor on the past because this is a new season," Vavic said. "We only focus on what is in front of us now."
USC has become a fixture at the top of the rankings, but the team is well adjusted to the hype and thrives on knowing that they are the team to beat. "We are used to the pressure of being ranked number one," Vavic said. "We look forward to playing in these big games against teams that want to knock us down."
The Trojans will be without goalie Joel Dennerley, who graduated this past May. Dennerley is USC's all-time career saves leader and was named National Player of the Year and the Cutino Award winner following the 2011 season.
The USC men's water polo team will host No. 17 ranked Cal Baptist in the Trojans home opener at the McDonald's Swim Stadium on Saturday. The top-ranked Trojans are looking to make history as they embark on the quest for a fifth consecutive championship.
Last December, the men's water polo team became the first program to win four consecutive national championships after defeating crosstown rival UCLA 7-4.
Although the Trojans have created a dynasty in the pool, head coach Jovan Vavic believes that 2012 means new beginnings for the Trojans. "We don't labor on the past because this is a new season," Vavic said. "We only focus on what is in front of us now."
USC has become a fixture at the top of the rankings, but the team is well adjusted to the hype and thrives on knowing that they are the team to beat. "We are used to the pressure of being ranked number one," Vavic said. "We look forward to playing in these big games against teams that want to knock us down."
The Trojans will be without goalie Joel Dennerley, who graduated this past May. Dennerley is USC's all-time career saves leader and was named National Player of the Year and the Cutino Award winner following the 2011 season.
The absence of Dennerley certainly does not panic Vavic as USC boasts a stacked roster for the 2012 season. "We have a philosophy in which we focus on the players we have," Vavic said. "We are grateful for our former players and their contributions but it is always exciting to see someone new have the opportunity."
USC is only three games into the 2012 season and 19 different Trojans have already scored goals. Nikola Vavic leads the Trojans with 10 goals and Kostas Genidounias has scored six.
"We have many players that will make a big impact in this program," Vavic said. "Jeremy Davie is in his third year here and he is going to be a real impact player for us this season."
Vavic also sings the praises of veteran players Matt Burton, Michael Rosenthal and Andrew Reego, all have been influential in championship runs before. The offensive superstars have led the Trojans to average 21.7 goals per game this season.
The 2012 Trojans may have a unique opportunity this year to make history in front of a home crowd as the McDonald's Swim Stadium will serve as the host site for the 2012 MPSF Tournament and the 2012 NCAA Championship.
Click here for the 2012 schedule.
USC is only three games into the 2012 season and 19 different Trojans have already scored goals. Nikola Vavic leads the Trojans with 10 goals and Kostas Genidounias has scored six.
"We have many players that will make a big impact in this program," Vavic said. "Jeremy Davie is in his third year here and he is going to be a real impact player for us this season."
Vavic also sings the praises of veteran players Matt Burton, Michael Rosenthal and Andrew Reego, all have been influential in championship runs before. The offensive superstars have led the Trojans to average 21.7 goals per game this season.
The 2012 Trojans may have a unique opportunity this year to make history in front of a home crowd as the McDonald's Swim Stadium will serve as the host site for the 2012 MPSF Tournament and the 2012 NCAA Championship.
Click here for the 2012 schedule.
