The Live Oak water polo connection at Loyola-Marymount
University continues. Scott Marshall, who graduated from Live Oak
in 2001, has signed a letter of intent to play for the Lions to
reunite with former teammate Justin Coleman.
The Live Oak water polo connection at Loyola-Marymount University continues.
Scott Marshall, who graduated from Live Oak in 2001, has signed a letter of intent to play for the Lions to reunite with former teammate Justin Coleman.
Marshall and Coleman were the Monterey Bay League’s co-MVPs their senior year. Marshall was also named to the all-CCS team and received All-American honors.
Marshall was a starter at West Valley College last year and was one of the top goal scorers on the team. He helped his team to a second place finish in the state.
Coleman, in his first year with LMU, was the backup goalie behind Kevin Paulsen, another Live Oak grad. Coleman appeared in nine games, while Paulsen appeared in 24 at goalie. Paulsen had 181 saves and allowed 170 goals. Coleman had 47 saves while allowing 54 goals. Adam Zintsmaster, yet another Live Oak grad, had 10 goals in 41 attempts in his 31 games. Both Paulsen and Zintsmaster graduated last year.
Also on the team is San Benito graduate Kris Barr, who is in his senior year.
Last year the team went 17-15 and lost 5-4 to UC San Diego in the Western Water Polo Association championship
Marshall said the transition to a four-year school is quite a jump for him to make.
“I got to see LMU play.” Marshall said. “It is riduculously fast the change (from junior college) with the counter attacks and overall strenght. Everyone is under 50 seconds in 100 free and is twice as strong.”
Loyola-Marymount was ranked as high as 10th in the nation this last year. Both Coleman and Marshall are playing on an athletic scholarship.
“We’ve been best friends forever,” Marshall said. “Friendship had a part to do with it. The money also helped as well.”
Having worked together before, the pair has a chance to become the top offensive and top defensive players on the team.
“Playing in high school together is big,” Marshall said. “Usually it takes multiple passes to get the ball down the pool. So many times I have got the pass from him then scored right away. I know you can go down and it will be there.”
Although Marshall was primarily known for his offensive skills at Live Oak, but his defense is tough as well.
“In high school, I worked more on offense, but in college I turned into a more defensive player,” Marshall said.
Marshall is pracicing with the West Valley club team this summer and is working out every day. He will be going down in July so coach John Lughran can watch him play first hand. Marshall reports for camp the second week of August.
“Being a sophomore, I hope I can get some good playing time and start my junior year,” Marshall said.
