Over the past three seasons, senior Cameron Ravanbach has established himself as one of the finest goalies in UC San Diego water polo history. With the 2014 Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Championships underway at Loyola Marymount, the La Jolla native has racked up 808 career saves in the cage, fourth all-time at UCSD. In addition, Ravanbach is a three-time first-team All-WWPA selection, and was MVP of the 2013 WWPA tournament, leading the Tritons to an unprecedented 16th title. If the 6-foot-3 stopper and his teammates can prevail this weekend in Los Angeles, it will mean more than just another conference crown. A victory would propel UC San Diego into the NCAA Championship mix, where the No. 6 Tritons would be just one win away (a Nov. 29 play-in contest) from the national semifinals, which will be hosted at UCSD's own Canyonview Aquatic Center (Dec. 6-7). Looking both in the past and future, Ravanbach spent a few moments recently talking about his sport and college career.
Q: What's the best and worst of being a water polo goalie?
RAVANBACH: One of the best things about being a water polo goalie has to be the feeling when you make a game-winning stop. The worst thing is getting nailed in the face by guys that shoot like (Josh) Stiling and (Lukas) Syka.
Q: What are some of the things going through your head when the opposing team has the ball in your end and is working its offense?
RAVANBACH: Block the ball! Block the ball! No, but really, I just try to focus on running our defense and making sure that the opposing team ends up with the lowest-percentage shot possible. Also while running the defense, I focus on keeping my hands light and my legs working hard. It's a lot of multi-tasking.
Q: How important is the play of the defense in front of you to your success? What do they do to make your job easier?
RAVANBACH: The defense of the team is the biggest reason for a goalie's success, especially in two meters. When our guards (Joe Dietrich/Syka/Jacob Castro) are able to take the opposing team's set player out of the deal, we are able to press up and force bad shots out on the perimeter.
Q: As a sophomore in 2012, to a degree, you came out of nowhere to take over in the cage following the graduation of four-year starter David Morton, and went on to earn first-team All-WWPA honors. Were you surprised by the rapid rise and level of recognition?
RAVANBACH: I really didn't think much of it. I came into this program with one job and that's what I was planning on doing. Things did turn out in my favor, but in the end, my biggest concerns are for the success of my team, not my individual accolades.
Q: That year, UCSD went into the WWPA Championship tournament as the favorite, and was upset by Air Force in the title game. Do you remember the feelings after that loss?
RAVANBACH: The feelings after that game were indescribable. A mixture of emotions, but mostly anger and sadness. I mostly felt for our seniors, Brian Donohoe, John Butler, Lance Curtiss, Chris Barton and Brian Roach. It was their final chance at claiming the WWPA title, and we fell just short.
Q: Last year (2013), the team bounced back to win the WWPA crown over top seed UC Davis in the Aggies' home pool. Was the celebration following sweeter and more significant given the defeat a year earlier?
RAVANBACH: Last year's championship was something I will never forget. We were seeded second and going up against the first seed Davis at their home pool, so we knew the task would not be easy. Our defense did a phenomenal job and the celebration was sweeter than ever. Though it was a significant game, I think the defeat in the 2012 championships is what really sparked our fire for what was to come in 2013.
Q: You're part of a phenomenal 2014 senior class. Talk about your relationship with those teammates, the bond you've created, and the legacy you have and would still like to leave for UCSD Water Polo.
RAVANBACH: The sport of water polo has played a huge role in my life, and most importantly, it has created friendships that I know I will never lose. These guys that I call my teammates will be there for me throughout the remainder of my life, and I know that I will be there for them. I am very thankful for them.
Q: What are the two or three words that best describe the Triton water polo program? Coach Denny Harper?
RAVANBACH: The program - challenging, physical, fulfilling. Denny Harper - knowledgeable, funny, encouraging.
Q: What would it mean to close out your college career at the NCAA Championship in your home pool?
RAVANBACH: Participating in the NCAA Championship at home in my last season would be the cherry on top of one of the best periods of my life. This program and this school have molded me into the person I have become today, and I am thankful for the experiences I have gained.
Previous Triton Q&A Features
Eric Olen (Men's Basketball) November 17, 2014
Mitchell Shulman (Men's Fencing) November 13, 2014
Paul Li (Men's Swimming & Diving) November 1, 2014
Paige Hughes (Women's Cross Country) October 20, 2014
Danielle Dahle (Women's Volleyball) October 14, 2014
Tareq Alwafai (Men's Cross Country) September 25, 2014
David Higginson (Men's Water Polo) September 18, 2014
Matthew McClure (Men's Soccer) September 10, 2014
Caitlin Brenton (Women's Volleyball) September 3, 2014
Michelle Yasutake (Women's Soccer) August 25, 2014
2013-14 • 2010-13 • 2004-09
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