Led by a new coach, the men’s water polo team finished fourth in the Pacific Coast Conference against Southwestern College. Earlier in the season, Mesa lost to them 12-7, but in the contest for third in conference, Mesa lost by one point.

“Come near the end of the season, we were competing [with] and almost beating [Southwestern],” said former UC Santa Barbara water polo player, coach Nathan Resch. “We definitely had tenacity on the team to be able to stick with whatever contest we were in.”

Including tournament games, the men held a record of 7- 12. In conference, the Olympians finished 2-8. According to Resch, most of the wins came toward the end of the season.

“Our ability to adjust and improve in a short amount of time is a testament to how determined they were to get better and stay focused on what they needed to improve on, both individually and as a team,” said Resch.

Sophomore captains Jay Taylor and Tommy Stewart led the team of 13 men — comprised of 10 freshmen, two returning players, and one transfer student. Several members of the team earned All- Conference honors. Taylor earned a 1st Team All- Conference, freshmen JK Barnes and Nick Lockhart were 2nd team, and freshmen Yegor Denz and Matt Siordia received Honorable Mentions.

Several awards were given by the team to its own players. Taylor received the award of Most Valuable Player. Most Valuable Defender went to Barnes. Freshman Josh Denz received both Most Improved and Most inspirational.

According to Taylor, “the team had the best attitude you could ever ask for.”

He also credits Resch for much of the team’s improvement.

“Coach Resch is a great coach,” said Taylor. “He’s a younger guy, so you never feel like [you have] an older professor talking down to you.”

With Barnes already chosen as one of next year’s captains, Resch has high hopes for the next season.

“One of the biggest things about our team is that we started out pretty young and inexperienced, but the players all brought in a desire to work hard and improve,” said Resch. “I think the momentum we have will carry us over into the next year with all the returners.”