At 11:30 AM on May 15th, 1000 spectators gathered at Spaulding Field to celebrate UCLA’s 100th NCAA championship, which the women’s water polo team earned when they defeated Stanford last Sunday. UCLA’s 3rd Lexus Gauntlet victory was also commemorated during the rally. The Bruins defeated USC in a head-to-head challenge of 18 sports. During the rally, Deborah Senior, a representative of the Southern California Lexus , presented the 150-pound Gauntlet trophy to UCLA.

Members of the athletic department presented speeches to the crowd. Dan Guerrero, UCLA’a athletic director, said that the accomplishment he is proudest of was playing baseball in the Bruin uniform as an undergraduate.  He expressed that he is grateful for being able to work with the talented student-athletes at UCLA today.  Al Scates, UCLA’s volleyball coach, applauded the women’s water polo team for their outstanding work ethic and he commended the coaches for their camaraderie.  He expressed that the support the team has garnered from family, friends, and the UCLA community impresses him.  Sue Enquist, UCLA’s softball coach, praised the team by claiming that they have set the standard for future athletics.

After the speeches, Chancellor Norman Abrams presented the 100th NCAA Championship trophy to water polo coach, Adam Krikorian, who proudly declared UCLA as “the best university in the world.” During an interview with senior water polo players Kelly Rullon & Kacy Kunkel, the girls reflected on the intensity of the Stanford game, their deep appreciation for Coach Adam Kirkorian, passion for water polo, and unrivaled bond with their teammates.

Amy Ta