Men’s Water Polo Hands Out Awards at End-of-Season Banquet - Santa Clara

Posted: Jan 13, 2020

SANTA CLARA, Calif.- The Santa Clara men's water polo team celebrated its season and said goodbye to its seven seniors at the annual award banquet that was held Saturday on campus.

four awards were given out this year by head coach Keith Wilbur.

• Co-MVPs : Mac Carey and Shane Hughes
• Co-Iron Horse Award: Patrick Kirk and Ryan Werner
• Coaches Award: Luca Pagano
• Jeff 'Paco' Kopaceck Award: Keaton Fox

Carey ended his career ranked first all-time in Santa Clara history in assists (182), fourth in goals (179), and fifth in earned ejections (155). Carey was a three-time All Western Water Polo Association performer. Carey played in 105 games during his career, not missing a single game. In his final season, Carey started in all 28 games and tallied 49 goals, 67 assists, 17 steals, and 50 earned ejections.

Hughes finished his career ranked third all-time in Santa Clara history in assists (139), sixth in steals (122), and 11th in goals (139). Hughes was named to the All WWPA second team along with being a two-time WWPA and Association of Water Polo Coaches All-Academic Team performer. Hughes played in 105 games during his career, not missing a single game. In his final season, Hughes started in all 28 games and tallied 55 goals, 51 assists, and 38 steals.

Werner finished off his career playing in all 105 games, not missing a game in his career, totaling 105 goals, 69 assists, and 51 steals. Werner was named to the WWPA All-Academic Team in 2018. Werner, one of the three captains, finished his career off with tallying 40 goals, 24 assists, and 22 steals in 2019.

Kirk concluded his career appearing in 97 games, in which he started 67 times, totaling 101 goals, 47 assists, and 45 steals. Kirk lead the team this past year in field blocks with 23. In his final season, Kirk also posted 41 goals, 21 assists, and 16 steals.

Pagano ended his career playing in 88 games and started in two, finishing with 24 goals, 36 assists, and 25 steals. Pagano was named to the WWPA All Academic Team in 2018. Pagano finished his Santa Clara water polo career in his final season with 15 goals, 18 assists, and eight steals.

Fox ended his career ranked eighth all-time in Santa Clara history in saves (227) along with 38 steals and 25 assists throughout his career. Fox was named to the WWPA All-Freshman Team in 2016. Fox missed many games due to injury, he has appeared in 38 games, starting in 27 of those games.

Nate Miller ended his career appearing in 36 games, starting three times. Miller finished his career with four goals, two steals, 12 assists, and 22 earned ejections.