Earlier this month, the water polo coaches of the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) cast their vote for the pre-season poll and placed Long Beach State in the seventh slot.  Doesn’t sound very flattering, but consider that the 49ers are number nine in the national poll, along with eight other members of the MPSF.  It’s the nations best in the Federation, so Long Beach will need their 11 returning letterman to use the experience gained during last season’s 17-15 campaign.

The 2007 MPSF co-Coach of the Year Gavin Arroyo is entering his third season at the Beach.  In June, the two-time member of the U.S. National Team was named Director of the 49er Aquatics Program, and will serve as head coach for both the men’s and women’s polo programs.  But first things first, he needs to continue the momentum on the men’s side where the team has looked better each year since his arrival.

The biggest challenge will be replacing third team All-MPSF selection Steve MacKenzie. MacKenzie recorded 275 saves (9.82 spg) last year, a mark which ranked third best on the 49er single season chart. Junior Derek Wiebe-Bailey will have to fill the big shoes after playing only seven games last year, averaging 6.43 saves per game.

Leading the way offensively will be senior Jake Kinne and junior Jeff Greenwood. Greenwood led the 49ers in scoring with 49 goals last year, and in just two years has tallied 95 career goals to rank 23rd in 49er history. Kinne was third on the team with 39 goals and earned honorable mention All-MPSF and All-America.

Long Beach will start the season at the Invitational in La Jolla on September 6^th and 7^th, and play their first home game in a September 14^th doubleheader.

Information Provided by Long Beach State Sports Information Department