Men's Water Polo: Cuesta Returns to State Finals this Weekend in Marin

The men's water polo team at Cuesta College reached the playoffs for the 44th straight year, while also qualifying for the CCCAA State Tournament for the second straight year and the 10th time over the past 44 campaigns.  The Cougars, who also won their 31st conference title, benefitted from this year's expansion of the playoffs.  In the early 2000's the water polo's playoff count was reduced from four teams per region to three and later to a Final Four with two North teams and two South teams. | ORIGINAL RELEASE

Last year, water polo returned to its original eight-team format, while also continuing to play out its Regional Playoffs for a title.  The legislative change worked in the Cougars' favor this season because as the 5th-seed in the CCCAA's Southern Region, they locked down a trip to the State Tournament after upsetting #4 Orange Coast, 18-17, after sudden death overtime, in their playoff opener.  The Cougars ended the weekend with a loss to eventual Regional Runner-up Long Beach and a win over Cerritos to take Third Place.   The Cougars are 21-12 overall.

The Cuesta Poloists travel to Marin this weekend for the 2023 CCCAA State Men's and Women's Water Polo Championships.  The Cougars are the #3 seed from the South, while Golden West claimed the top seed, and Long Beach and Cerritos landed on either side of Cuesta.  The North is led, in order, by #1 West Valley, #2 Sierra, #3 American River and #4 Modesto.  Cuesta will open against Sierra on Thursday (2:15), who has beaten them twice this season by one goal, on September 15 (11-10) and October 20 (12-11).  Overall, the Cougars are 4-5 against the State Championship field this season. 

2023 CCCAA State Championship Information- https://www.cccaasports.org/sports/mwaterpolo/2023-24/2023_CCCAA_Men-s_and_Women-s_State_Championships_Fact_Sheet_FINAL_VERSION.pdf

Cuesta Men's Water Polo State Appearances 

Year    Record   Finish

1989  33-3      2nd

1990  32-2      2nd

1992  28-10     5th

1994  21-12     5th

1998  27-10-2  5th

2000  27-8-2    4th

2006  27-8-1    3rd

2007  28-11     4th

2022  29-9       4th

2023  21-12     ?