Rustlers Crowned 3C2A State Champions for 7th Consecutive Season

Novato, Calif. - Golden West men's water polo (31-3, 7-0 OEC) crowned 2023 3C2A champions with their win over the West Valley Vikings (31-4, 9-0 CC), 13-9. 

Head Coach Scott Taylor and the Rustlers continue to earn historic achievements in the 3C2A. The program has now earned its seventh consecutive and 30th overall State Championship win to add to the banner. Under Taylor, men's water polo has become a force to be reckoned with in the entire state of California. In his last 15 seasons, he has won 12 State Championships, nine of the last eleven 3C2A titles and has a 614-44 record with a .933 winning percentage. 

The team this season was undefeated against 3C2A teams with their only three losses coming at the hands of the Mexican National Team, USC and Long Beach State. Golden West had earned their way to their 22nd consecutive State Championship game appearances with tough wins in the tournament. Held in Novata, the Rustlers first took on the Modesto Pirates in which Golden West dominated, 18-4. For the semifinal round, the team would narrowly beat Cuesta College in a nail biting finish. Golden West pulled away in the final quarter by two scores to advance to the Championship game. 

The Rustlers were set to take on the West Valley Vikings for their third consecutive State Championship meeting. Golden West did what they do best and jumped ahead 6-1 in the first eight minutes to take a commanding lead. The two teams matched each other in the second quarter for three goals apiece, 9-4. Golden West came back with another huge performance in the third frame to go up, 13-5. The Vikings attempted to play catch up throughout the game but never managed to fight their way back on the scoreboard and fell short. The Rustlers would continue their streak of seven consecutive championships as they closed out the win, 13-9. 

Head Coach Taylor was named the state's Coach of the Year, while Pablo Souza was named the tournaments Most Valuable Player. Itay Roth and Alec Johnson were honored as first team all-state to cap the awards for the Rustlers. Golden West finishes off yet another impressive, historic and memorable season with their 30th 3C2A State Championship. When asked about their season Taylor said, "The team worked really hard all year. I am proud of their efforts and the results of our journey together. They earned the title. They showed up every day ready to work and improve and we dominated the final day of the season. Very rewarding. I'm proud of all of them". 

UP NEXT: The men's 3C2A 2023 water polo season has concluded with the Golden West Rustlers crowned as State Champions.