Under the Lights: Men’s Water Polo
A look at Pacific Men’s Water Polo home schedule, and more!
Some may say it’s football season, but no. It’s water polo season, especially at University of the Pacific. It’s men’s water polo’s time to shine, a feat the program is well-accustomed to accomplishing. Last year, the team’s season of domination included winning the Golden Coast Conference championship and advancing as far as the NCAA championship semi-finals. It was truly a season for the record books.
Now, it’s a new year and a new season, and the looming question is: must all good things come to an end or will the Tigers continue their trend of success? According to the Collegiate Water Polo Association’s (CWPA) pre-season poll, the UOP men are ranked 6th out of 20 ranked teams, a nod to the success of the team last year and an impressive start to the 2023 campaign. After opening the season over Labor Day weekend at the Bruno Classic, hosted by Brown University, the Tigers seem worthy of this ranking, securing five wins in five games. Not only this, their offense showed impressive tempo, the team outscoring their opponents 101 goals to 43 goals, also demonstrating the cohesiveness of their defense. Along with these literal goals, is one uniting goal; Head Coach and Director of Water Polo, James Graham, stated that “the dream is to win the conference championship and make it to NCAA’s.” Fueling this season of goals, is one valiant returning starter, multiple other consistent contributors, and 15 new freshmen faces.
The freshmen don’t comprise the only change for the program’s 2023 season. The team is also joining a new conference: The West Coast Conference (WCC). Joining this new conference has implications for the programs involved, many positive, including the relationship with EPSN+ and the signing of a multi-year digital media rights partnership. On this, Graham said, “We are super excited. I believe it’s a premier conference, a fantastic conference that’s well balanced.” He also added, “The conference overall, not just in regard to polo, is very professional and high-end.” The participation in this new conference is also a testament to the growth of water polo, something Pacific’s program has been instrumental in.
Further demonstrating the program’s commitment to the growth of the sport is the fact that after every home season game, Pacific is hosting youth clinics. This will not only promote the sport, but also contribute to the home game atmosphere that Pacific is known for. As Graham says, “It’s the greatest place to experience college water polo in the country. There’s no place like UOP, which is why it’s called ‘Water Polo U.’ The fans, tailgates, hype videos, giveaways, t-shirts, engagement, quality and level of play, and the livestream are amazing. There’s nothing like coming out and being a part of a UOP water polo game.” This season offers no shortage of opportunities for the community to do exactly that. The Tigers’ home campaign includes hosting third-ranked UCLA, as well as CAL, last year’s national champion, next weekend, September 16th and 17th, respectively. Then, following away games, they return home to play four other ranked opponents. And, in conclusion, the Tigers will host San Jose on October 29th and, for Senior Night, are slated to play Air Force on November 3rd.
Again, after each of these games, Pacific is hosting youth clinics, open to all entrants who are currently in high-school, male or female. For just $10, participants will gain admittance to the game and have the opportunity to be coached by current members of the Pacific men and women’s water polo teams. Each clinic will be an hour long, and will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of each home game. Graham comments, “This is a great opportunity to connect with the community and help young athletes progress in their careers. We wanted to make the price extremely reasonable, and it includes an opportunity to work with some of the top athletes in the country and to watch a high level water polo game.”
As if all this wasn’t enough, there is one more factor fueling the fire for the Tigers this season. After the passing of teammate Calvin Behm in the spring, a 2022 UOP graduate, the team is working to continue his legacy. On August 29th, the team unveiled a tribute to Calvin and the Behm family. The artwork, pictured above, is a testament to the contributions Calvin made to UOP water polo. On the impact this has on the team, Graham said, “Calvin’s spirit is alive and well inside of all of us. His desire to come to practice and dominate is an inspiration to us and every day we want to honor and represent him at the highest level by tapping in and being ready to dominate.” When asked to describe the impact that this tribute will have, specifically on home games, Graham added, “Not only does 13 represent Calvin but also all of our former players who we want to make sure we are representing at the highest level.”
Pacific men’s water polo is a program for the ages. From a truly eclectic home-game atmosphere to a commitment to honor their players, the Tigers are brewing something special in Stockton. After reaching the NCAA semifinals last year, they are looking to win the inaugural WCC championship and continue to raise the ceiling. And their home game campaign promises to do exactly that. Who needs football anyways?
UOP Men's Water Polo team. Photograph by James Graham.