BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — The Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) announced that a total of 33 student-athletes from 14 institutions earn 2018 ACWPC Men’s Varsity Division III All-America honors.
Pomona-Pitzer Colleges leads the selections as the Sagehens garner six selections – including 2018 Division III National Player of the Year Adam Ward. He becomes the fourth Sagehens’ player to earn National Player of the Year honors following Daniel Diemer (2017), James Baker (2016), Jason Cox (2012).
The honor moves Pomona-Pitzer into a tie with Johns Hopkins University (Josh Kratz – 2008; Sean McCreery – 2007, 2006, 2005; Brian Mead – 2004) for the most Division III Player of the Year recipients since the honors was first presented to a athlete in 1996. The University of California-San Diego (Romas Kudirka – 1997, 1996; Ross Meecham – 1999 ,1998) trails the Sagehens and Blue Jays with four selections, while Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges (John “Tanner” Cullen – 2015; Brian Chong – 2011, 2010) and the University of Redlands (Ryan Floersch – 2009; Adam Foley – 2003; Kevin Rosa – 2001) have both earned three nods. The University of La Verne (Rob Casillas – 2002; Kenny Clements – 2000) holds a pair of awards, while Whittier College (Goran Mataic – 2014) has also earned a single Player of the Year accolade.
Behind Pomona-Pitzer, Whittier (three), California Lutheran University (three), Chapman University (three), Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (three), Redlands (three), Whittier (three), Austin College (two), Connecticut College (two), the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (two), Penn State Behrend (two), the California Institute of Technology (one), Johns Hopkins (one), La Verne (one) and Washington & Jefferson College (one) account for the other 27 selections.
A total of nine athletes are repeat All-America recipients as Ward (2018 First Team, 2017 First Team, 2016 First Team, 2015 Honorable Mention) of Pomona-Pitzer, Giorgio Cico (2018 First Team, 2017 First Team, 2016 Second Team, 2015 Second Team) of Johns Hopkins become four-time selections. Steven Csaposs (2018 Honorable Mention, 2017 Honorable Mention), Wesley Hertel (2018 Honorable Mention, 2017 Honorable Mention) of Chapman, Evan Kim (2018 Honorable Mention, 2017 Honorable Mention) of MIT, Joe Schafer (2018 Second Tea, 2017 Second Team) and Jacob Niskey (2017 Honorable Mention, 2017 First Team) of Pomona-Pitzer, Hans Zdolsek (2018 First Team, 2017 First Team) and Murat Ersoz (2018 Honorable Mention, 2017 Honorable Mention) all garner their second All-America nods.
Pomona-Pitzer head coach Alex Rodriguez adds to his legacy with his third Division III Coach of the Year award. The 2018, 2016 and 2011 National Coach of the Year, he ties Johns Hopkins head coach Ted Bresnahan of Johns Hopkins (2015, 2008, 2005) and Denny Harper of UC-San Diego (1999, 1998, 1996) for the all-time lead at three. Justin Pudwill of Whittier (2014, 2013), Greg Lonzo of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (2012, 2010), Tom Whittemore of Redlands (2009, 2001), Craig Rond of Cal Lutheran (2006), Mitch Carty of Whittier (2004), Jeff Ma of MIT (2003), Tim Hugar of La Verne (2000) and Mike Sutton of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (1997) have also previously garnered recognition. A Division III National Coach of the Year was not selected following the 2007 and 2002 seasons.
The ACWPC All-America teams are selected based on nominations and voting by the head coach of each program in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division (Division I, II, III).
Since 2005, the mission of the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) is to promote the development and advancement of collegiate water polo. This shall be accomplished by providing its membership with professional education, services, training and a united voice.
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