LA JOLLA, Calif. - The nationally-ranked UC San Diego men's water polo team has signed six high school seniors to National Letters of Intent, head coach Denny Harper announced on Monday.
Joining the Tritons as true freshmen in 2010 will be Daniel Lorch, Dane Sequeira, Tyler Ranj, Cameron Ravanbach, Joshua Stiling and Lukas Syka.
"This particular incoming class of young men is just what we are in need of to replace a significant group of graduating seniors," Harper said. "All six of them have great size, are all overachievers in and out of the water, have very high water polo IQ's. They are natural leaders and great students."
The class will help to fill the void left by six departing seniors who helped guide UCSD to the Western Water Polo Association championship game and the program's 25th title game appearance in 2009. Finishing the season ranked No. 10 in the nation, the Tritons will be looking to extend their record of 14 WWPA titles in 2010.
Lorch comes to UCSD from Moorpark High School in Camarillo, Calif. At 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, the two-meter attacker was a USA Water Polo Academic All-American in both 2008 and 2009. He was voted first-team all-league as a junior and senior and scored a total of 93 goals during his final season at MHS. Lorch was team captain, team MVP and a member of the Ventura County All-Star All County Team.
"The way the game is today, if you don't have someone who can battle at two meters, you are usually in trouble," Harper said. "With Daniel, we will once again have a strong strike zone presence and we expect him to contribute immediately."
Ranj, also a local Westview HS graduate, stands at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds. He was voted defensive MVP in 2008 and 2009. A four-time member of the San Diego Union Tribune's All-Academic Team, Ranj was an all-league honoree during his junior and senior seasons.
"We all know you win in all sports by playing great defense," Harper said. "Tyler is a great defensive player and I am proud that we will be utilizing his skills here at UCSD."
Ravanbach will look to add depth for the Tritons at the goalie position. At 6-foot-4 and 175 pounds, he is a local product from La Jolla High School and was a two-year starter for the Vikings. Another Union Tribune all-academic team member, he was voted defensive MVP for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. As a member of Windansea Water Polo Club, Ravanbach competed in water polo tournaments in Hungary prior to the 2008 season.
"Cameron is very experienced in the cage and I'm certain he will battle for playing time from the very beginning of his career," Harper said. "He's another local kid with a lot of experience and ready for the challenges of next level."
Sequeira follows a long line of Newport Harbor graduates to come south to the La Jolla campus. At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Sequeira was a winner of the prestigious Gray Lunde Award for leadership, commitment and perseverance. He is a left-handed driver who brings a wealth of experience to the program. Voted all-league and all-CIF in 2009, Sequeira helped guide Newport Harbor to the CIF Division I championship game.
"I have not seen many players as young as Dane who have such a grasp and feel for playing at the elite level," Harper said. "He should make an immediate impact, in particular with our counter attack and front court offense. He really has great leadership skills, as well."
Stilling comes to UCSD from Southridge High School in Beaverton, Ore. At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, he was voted first-team all-league and first-team All-State for the 2008 and 2009 seasons. A team captain for both his water polo and swim teams, Stiling took home league MVP honors during his senior season.
"I'm super excited that Josh choose UCSD to continue his polo and academics, as we happen to believe he has untapped talent and will have a meteoric rise of success for years to come," Harper said.
Lastly, Syka joins UCSD from Westview High School, where he scored 279 goals during his career. The local product was voted first-team all-league and second-team all-CIF. He is a member of Del Mar Water Polo Club and helped them win the USA Water Polo's Winterfest Tournament in January 2010. As a 6-foot-2, 210 pound utility player, he should also make an immediate impact on the Triton program.
"Needless to say, we are psyched to have Syka," Harper said. "He is a flat out a scorer and the type of player who embraces the physicality of our sport. There is no question I plan on having him contribute right away."
The Tritons spring season continues at the Fisher Cup in Berkeley May 21-22. UCSD will then host the "Not Quite in Baja Invitational" on June 5 at Canyonview Pool. The fall campaign begins with the Triton Invitational in early September.
