Monday, January 6, 1997
By Greg Calvert
Daily Bruin Contributor
The Bruins graduate seven seniors, and it will be up to the
improving play of players such as Steve Covec, Luther Weidner,
Brian Bent, Matt Armato, James Palda, Brett Stern, and Eric Helfer
to lead the way in 1997.
"We’re going to surprise a lot of people next year," Bruin coach
Guy Baker ensured curious reporters after the final match in San
Diego.
The main concern of those that follow UCLA water polo is the
void that Matt Swanson leaves in the cage. Freshman backup
goalkeepers Mike Coppin and Parsa Bonderson have learned enough
from Swanson to carry on, but it is unlikely that anyone will be as
good as Swanson was.
"We’ve got talent in the field, but the key to our success next
year will depend on who’s in the cage," junior driver Covec
said.
Fortunately, UCLA attracts good players. Guy Baker’s recent
success will have young prospects yearning to practice at Sunset
Canyon.
"We’ve got a lot of talent in the program," echoes Eric Helfer,
"And Guy Baker is a great coach."
The pressure of defending a national championship is a familiar
feeling to Baker, and his squad is already in the pool preparing
for another run to the history books.