The Mt. SAC Men's Water Polo Team is making waves as they dive into the 2024-2025 season with a robust and dynamic roster. With 40 players on the squad, 15 more than ever before, the team is gearing up for an exciting season under the leadership of Head Coach Marc Ruh.
Now in his 30th season at the helm of the Mt. SAC Men's Swimming and Water Polo Teams, Coach Ruh is enthusiastic about the potential of this year's team. "We have a talented group of athletes and I really like what we are seeing so far," Ruh said. "They are hardworking, respectful, academically focused and ready to take on the challenges of this year."
In preparation for the season, the team has put a strong emphasis on conditioning and fundamental skill development. "All of the men are uniquely talented, but they don't all have the same skill set," Ruh explained. "So, we are working on building consistency across the board." The team has also benefited from the recent addition of a full weight room, which is a significant upgrade after years of using a more limited adaptive facility.
The primary goals for the season include repeating as South Coast Conference Champions and making a strong push for the state championships. "The guys really want to make it to the state championships this year," Ruh stated. "We haven't been in a couple years, and we would like to finish in the top four." Coach Ruh is confident his team has the skill and determination to achieve their ambitious goals.
Reflecting on his recent award as Southern California Water Polo Coach of the Year, Ruh notes, "The great thing about coaching is that it's never the same." He continues, "I learn something new every season, especially at our level when we have to rebuild the team every year." Ruh remains dedicated to bringing the best group of athletes together and keeping them motivated throughout the season.
Ruh also acknowledges the critical role his coaching staff plays in shaping the team's success. His assistant coach and wife, Lani Ruh, has been with Mt. SAC since 2019 and brings a valuable sports psychology background to the team. She is instrumental in uplifting and encouraging the athletes to reach their full potential. Their daughter, Campbell, supports the team by handling academic tasks such as video analysis and note-taking, as well as managing the team's social media accounts. The collaborative efforts of the Ruh family contribute significantly to the team's culture and performance.
With 15 returning players and 25 new recruits, this year's 40-man roster is the largest in the program's history. Ruh's approach to team building is to recruit each year as if nobody is returning. His yearly goal is to push athletes to achieve their milestones and advance to the next level. "As a coach, if you are athlete-centered, it makes everything very clear and your decisions that much easier." Ruh added.
Mt. SAC served as the training center for the USA Men's Water Polo Team before they competed at the Olympics in Paris. To inspire the players, Coach Ruh displayed the games on the big screen after practice. "It was exciting for our team because it allowed us to compare and contrast our current level of play with the elite standard," Ruh said.
The Men's Water Polo Team home opener is set for Friday, September 6, at 3:30 PM against Ottawa University Arizona. We hope to see you in the stands this season cheering for the team.
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.