Welcome to Golden West College Water Polo
The Golden West College men’s water polo program has solidified itself as the most dominant community college program in the nation. Since first beginning play in 1966, the Rustlers have been unequaled, totaling 18 state championships. Half of the team’s titles (9) came during a state record run from 1989 through 1997.
During the past couple of years, the Rustlers claimed back-to-back state championships, finishing each season with a trip to the State Finals. GWC closed out last year’s title run with being crowned Southern California Community College Champions.
Likewise, the Rustlers’ coaching staff has made a huge splash in the world of community college water polo. Original coach Tom Hermstad led the program for the first 20 years. During that time he compiled an overall record of 425-106-3, including seven titles and three undefeated seasons.
When Hermstad stepped down after the 1985 season, longtime assistant Ken Hamdorf took over the program. In only 15 seasons, he matched his predecessor’s mark of 425 victories, finishing out his coaching career with an overall record of 425-46-2. Both Hamdorf and Hermstad are members of the U.S. Water Polo Hall of Fame.
Current GWC coach Scott Taylor played for both coaches, and helped lead the Rustlers to consecutive titles in 1989 and ’90. He was named the state Player of the Year in 1990. He begins his seventh season in what should be a long and successful coaching career leading the Rustlers as the top community college water polo program in the nation.
The success of the GWC program enables many of its former players to continue their playing careers at some of the best four-year level schools and with U.S. National teams.