Golden West reclaims top spot in state again

The Golden West College men’s water polo program is tops in the state again.

For the first time in six years, Golden West has ascended to the top of the men’s community college water polo ladder by winning the California State Championships tournament last weekend. The Rustlers won the title by surviving West Valley of Saratoga, 14-11, in a double-overtime thriller in Merced.

The teams headed to overtime after playing to an 11-11 tie through regulation. Golden West’s defense, and the play of goalie Toby Devine, didn’t allow West Valley a goal in either of the two overtime periods. The Rustlers, meanwhile, scored two goals in the first overtime and got a goal from State Most Valuable Player Emilio Vieira in the second overtime to seal the win.

Vieira led all scorers with five goals. Rex Learmouth scored three goals, Ricky Moniz and Colin McKibben each scored twice and Joao Felip Coelho and Nathan Castillo both scored once for Golden West. Devine registered 11 saves. The state title was the first for Golden West since the program took the 2002 crown and the 19th overall in the program’s illustrious history.

The California State Championships was a six-team tournament that included the top three teams from both Northern and Southern California. Top-seed Golden West advanced to the state tournament by winning the Southern California Regional tournament last week, beating No. 3 Long Beach, 9-8, in the regional final at Golden West. Vieira also was named MVP of the regional tournament.

The night before Saturday’s State final, Golden West assistant coach Ken Hamdorf was inducted into the Community College Hall of Fame Friday. Hamdorf has been a part of the Golden West men’s water polo program since 1977, taking over as head coach in 1985. Under his leadership, the Rustlers became one of the most dominant community college water polo programs in the nation. He retired in 2001, but served as an assistant coach the past few years.

As head coach of the Rustlers, Hamdorf won nine State titles, seven Southern California Championships and 11 conference titles. In his 15 years leading the program, he compiled an overall record of 425-46-2. His coaching success has helped more than 50 former Rustlers attain All-America honors.

Saturday’s State title game was Hamdorf’s final game as an assistant with the program.

“It was great for us to win this and it’s special to send Ken out a winner,” said Golden West Coach Scott Taylor, who was named State Coach of the Year after leading the 2008 Rustlers to a 33-2 record. “Throughout the year, this team overcame injuries and illnesses to get to this point.”

— Mike Sciacca