(Monterey Park, CA) The South Coast Conference Men's Swimming Championships concluded on April 22, with Mt. SAC emerging as the clear victors. The team won 12 out of 14 individual events and all four relays, earning a total of 908 points, followed by Long Beach City College (555) and Cerritos College (467) in second and third place, respectively. Mt. SAC qualified nine swimmers for the CCCAA State Championships, which will be held May 4-6 at East Los Angeles College.

"It was a very solid meet all the way around," Mt. SAC Swimming and Diving coach Marc Ruh said. "It was a very long three-day grind and the kids really rose to the occasion. They swam great and really came together as a team for a big win." 

Markus Stegbuchner, one of the Mt. SAC swimmers, was the standout performer of the SCC Championships, winning three events - the 200 Individual Medley, 100 and 200 Breaststroke. Stegbuchner expressed his delight at winning the conference title in his first year at Mt. SAC, adding that the team's defeat last year had motivated them to win in dominant fashion this year.

"It was extremely exciting to win the conference with my teammates in my first year at Mt SAC," Stegbuchner said. "Last year we lost a 13-year conference winning streak and lost by two points, so it really urged our team this year to win in a dominant fashion.

"We have all worked extremely hard this year and I am proud of myself and my teammates. I have worked very hard this year and it is awesome to see it pay off, but it's not over yet."

Apart from Stegbuchner, four other Mt. SAC swimmers won two events each - Samuel Slezak (500, 1650 Freestyle), Eric Yeh (50, 100 Free), Jason Matsuda (400 IM, 200 Butterfly), and Matt Neoh (200 Free, 200 Backstroke). Neoh, who has been a key leader for the team, was praised by coach Marc Ruh for setting the tone for the program. Ruh also commended the freshmen for stepping up and performing exceptionally well at the meet.

"The leadership of Neoh has been vital in this team's success as well," Ruh said. "Matt is an incredible leader and has set the tone for the program. 

"The freshmen stepped up and had an incredible meet. Yeh won the 50 and 100 free and had an interesting occurrence in the 100 fly final, as the top qualifier there was a technical issue and some noise and he didn't hear the start of the race. He was allowed to swim after the race where he set a conference and school record of 49.03 but wasn't allowed to have that count as a win in the event. The time was more important." 

In addition to the individual successes, Mt. SAC also won all four relay events - 200 Free, 200 Medley, 800 and 400 Free relays. Ruh was pleased with the team's performance and praised Stegbuchner for being a surprise standout performer of the season, though he believes the swimmer has even more to offer.

Looking ahead to the state championships, Stegbuchner said the team has broken numerous school records and hopes to continue their success at the upcoming state meet.

"Our last meet is (state) and we are hoping to do very well there too. Our team this year has broken numerous school records, including myself and it's one of the best years in Mt SAC history. I am extremely excited for next year too."

SCC RELEASE:  https://southcoastconf.com/sports/mswimdive/2022-23/releases/20230426bzt3xf