The Santa Clara men's water polo team capped another successful season in 2010 with a 19-15 record and a historic win to tie for a program-best finish of third place in the 2010 Men's Water Polo Association Championships, held at the first time at the Broncos' own Sullivan Aquatic Center.
The season, which was the 6th winning season in the history of Santa Clara men's water polo, was highlighted by two distinct victories. In October, the Broncos registered a 12 10 win over then- No. 9 Pepperdine, only the second-ever SCU victory over a Mountain Pacfic Sports Federation side. In the third place game at the WWPA tournament the Broncos posted their first ever defeat of No. 11 UC San Diego.
The Broncos most consistent offensive force all season was junior James Case, who led the team with 59 goals on the year while shooting a blazing 49.1% from the field. The speedy driver also collected 22 assists and 26 steals while being named a second team All-WWPA selection. Senior co-captain Stephen Hobbs had his best season as a Bronco, finding the back of the net 35 times from the two meter position while earning a team high 44 ejections, both career highs. Hobbs was named to the first team All-WWPA for his outstanding play.
Fellow senior co-captains Nick Poggetti and Mitch Klipa also had big years. Coming off a record breaking junior season, Nick Poggetti cashed in on 40 goals while drawing 22 ejections and tallying 22 steals. Klipa helped anchor the Broncos defense, collecting 33 steals to go along with 25 goals and 17 assists.
Redshirt junior Daley Meistrell had a record breaking season, setting the single-season assists record with 57, besting former teammate Jack Wall's record of 52.. Meistrell also came up big on defense for the Broncos, and led the team with 37 steals. Junior goalkeeper Michael Wishart received All-WWPA honors for the first time in his career while racking up 288 blocks, 20 steals, and 21 assists.
Seniors Josh Luebke, Jake Diserio, and John Radvanyi all closed out their Santa Clara careers. Luebke had his most productive season as a Bronco, starting all thirty-four games while registering career highs with 15 goals, 35 assists, and 32 steals. Diserio drew three ejections for the Broncos while collecting two steals. Radvanyi proved to be a key role player off the bench for the Broncos, registering four goals, three assists, and six steals.
The Broncos will look to contend for a WWPA championship in 2011, as they return a strong group of players led by juniors James Case, Michael Wishart and Daley Meistrell. Freshman two meter man Tucker Carlson will look to take over the scoring out of two meters, while Theo Nasser and Patrick Weiss fill the void for two time team defensive MVP Mitch Klipa at two meter defense. The Broncos will be strong between the posts by returning All-WWPA selection Michael Wishart.
Head Coach Keith Wilbur will enter his 10th season at the helm of Santa Clara men's water polo team with a 142-148 record.
