Men's Water Polo opened its season as expected, on the winning side at the Merced Tournament. The Cougars condensed their schedule and mashed all of their tournament games at the two-day event into one long Friday. The Poloists stepped off the van in time for their 11:45 game against American River and were up 15-0 on the Beavers by Noon. American River scored early in the second half, but eleven Cougars scored en route to a 24-1 victory. Ninety minutes later the Cougars faced fellow 2021 CCCAA Regional Semi-Finalist Sierra. The Wolverines played even with the Cougars for most of the first half, but All-State Driver Dean Moody (pict) put Cuesta up by one just 26 seconds before the half. Cuesta rolled out of the intermission with another goal and, eventually, won big, 18-10. The Poloists had a little more rest before playing their final game versus Las Positas at 4:45 PM and packing up for the long ride back to SLO. The Hawks struck first, just 40 seconds into the contest, but it was all Cuesta the rest of the way. The Cougars scored the next seven goals and headed home with 22-9 triumph and a lot of confidence.
This week the Cougars, 3-0, shall enjoy their final weekend off until they are eliminated from the playoffs or break for Thanksgiving. Cuesta Men's Water Polo has never endured a losing season or missed the playoffs, since its founding in 1979, so they expect to be busy the next two months. Coach John Marsh, who also played for Cuesta in 1980 and 1981, has crept closer to a milestone of his own. Marsh, who took the program's reigns in 2004, increased his career victory total to 399. The Cougars trip to San Jose on September 10 shall be his first chance for win number 400. Marsh, who was the 2022 Cuesta College Coach of the Year for his work with women's swim & dive, currently ranks 7th all time in wins at Cuesta.
Cuesta All Time Wins List
Terry Bowen, Men's Water Polo (1979-2003)- 556
Rusty Blair, Men's Basketball (1993-Present)- 533
Larry Lee, Baseball (1987-2002)- 460
Bob Miller, Baseball (2003-Present)- 460
Ed Musolff, Women's Basketball (1981-2010)- 427
Pete Schuler, Women's Water Polo (1999-2020)- 405
John Marsh, Men's Water Polo (2004-Present)- 399
