Aqua Supremacy
A deep dive into the historic 1979 NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship, where UC Santa Barbara claimed its inaugural national title.
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Tournament Overview
A Landmark Event
The 1979 NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship marked the eleventh iteration of this prestigious collegiate tournament, dedicated to identifying the national champion in NCAA men's water polo. Hosted in December 1979, the event unfolded at the renowned Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach, California, a fitting venue for such a high-stakes aquatic competition.
Key Statistics
This championship brought together eight elite teams to compete across twelve intense matches. The tournament was characterized by high-scoring games, with a total of 246 goals netted, averaging an impressive 20.5 goals per match. The event also drew a significant audience, with a total attendance of 2,542 spectators, averaging 212 attendees per match, underscoring the growing popularity of collegiate water polo.
The Champions Emerge
In a memorable final showdown, UC Santa Barbara triumphed over UCLA with a decisive score of 11โ3, securing their first-ever national title. This victory was particularly significant for the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos, marking a historic milestone in their athletic program. For UCLA, it was their sixth appearance in a national title game, a testament to their consistent excellence in the sport.
Tournament Details
Qualification
Given the singular nature of the NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship, all NCAA men's water polo programs, irrespective of their Division (I, II, or III) affiliation, were eligible to vie for the national title. For the 1979 championship, a select group of eight teams received invitations to compete, representing the pinnacle of collegiate water polo talent from across the nation.
Participating Teams
The 1979 championship featured a strong field of contenders, many of whom were seasoned participants in the NCAA tournament. The invited teams and their prior championship appearances were:
Championship Bracket
Tournament Flow
The 1979 NCAA Men's Water Polo Championship followed a structured single-elimination format, with additional matches to determine third, fifth, and seventh places. All matches were held at the Belmont Plaza Pool in Long Beach, California, culminating in a series of decisive contests that shaped the final standings.
Individual Accolades
Most Outstanding Player
The tournament's most distinguished individual honor, the Most Outstanding Player award, was bestowed upon Greg Boyer from the championship-winning UC Santa Barbara team. Boyer's exceptional performance and leadership were pivotal in guiding the Gauchos to their historic first national title, showcasing a remarkable blend of skill and strategic play throughout the competition.
Top Goal Scorer
For an unprecedented third consecutive year, Scott Schulte of Bucknell emerged as the tournament's leading goal scorer, tallying an impressive 11 goals. This consistent scoring prowess highlights Schulte's remarkable talent and enduring impact on the collegiate water polo scene, solidifying his reputation as one of the era's most formidable offensive players.
All-Tournament Team
Recognizing the most exceptional talents of the championship, a seven-player All-Tournament Team was selected. This elite roster comprised athletes who demonstrated outstanding skill, sportsmanship, and significant contributions to their respective teams' performances. The honorees included:
- Greg Boyer, UC Santa Barbara (Most Outstanding Player)
- John Dobrott, UC Santa Barbara
- Randy Kalbus, Stanford
- Kevin Robertson, California
- Rick Sherburne, UCLA
- Carlos Steffens, California
- Craig Wilson, UC Santa Barbara
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional sports analysis or coaching advice. The information provided on this website should not be used as a substitute for expert analysis, strategic guidance, or professional coaching in water polo or any other sport. Always refer to official sports records, historical archives, and consult with qualified sports professionals for specific insights or training methodologies. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
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