Sophomore Adam Shilling make nine saves as USC held off Stanford, 3-2, to win the national title. Photo Courtesy of USC Athletic Dept.

By Andy Gray

At USC, it may be considered a jinx to utter the words "Trojans" and "national champions" in the same sentence before the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4. But not when talking about the men's water polo team. After defeating Stanford, 3-2, last month, USC is guaranteed at least one champion for the fall season. A major reason for the Trojans' success was sophomore goalkeeper Adam Shilling, whose rock-steady play throughout the season, especially in the grueling title game, was the anchor USC needed to win it all. For that reason, Shilling is the recipient of our U Award for water polo. But like most people in Los Angeles right now, Shilling has football fever and was caught off-guard by the news of the award.

"I'm honored to be recognized the same week Reggie Bush won the Heisman," Shilling said when told of the U Award. "I'm surprised there's press for anything else right now."

For those who watched Shilling's performance during the pressure-packed finale against Stanford, however, the award should come as no surprise. It was the fifth matchup between the teams in less than three months. For two squads so familiar with one another, the margin of error is tiny and every mistake is amplified. USC coach Jovan Vavic knew he needed a big performance from Shilling if the Trojans were to be victorious. He got it and when the final horn sounded, Vavic could hardly contain his excitement about his rock between the posts.

"I think Adam was unbelievable," Vavic said. "It was his first NCAA tournament and for him to step up is pretty darn special. And I have him for two more years."

After playing in just 11 games as a freshman last season, Shilling took over the goalkeeping responsibilities this year and proved to be a reliable stopper. The San Jose-native has been playing goalie since he was 12-years-old, started all  four years at Bellarmine Prep and played in the 2003 World University Games. He followed in the footsteps of his brother, Lars, who played played at USC.

The Trojans finished the season with a 26-1 record, their only loss coming early in the year to Pepperdine. The team responded to that setback with a school-record 19-game winning streak. After capturing the Northern California Tournament in mid-October, the Trojans took over the No. 1 ranking and never relinquished it. Shilling was quick to point out a family-type atmosphere as the primary reason for the Trojans' success. Over the summer, the team developed a tight bond on a trip to Vavic's childhood home of Yugoslavia (now Serbia and Montenegro).

"Coach Vavic spent a lot of time showing us where he grew up," said Shilling. "The experience was great for our team. We built a great chemistry that I really feel helped us win the championship. It was by far the best trip I've ever been a part of, just a great way to start the season."

When the team returned to L.A., Shilling immediately noticed a closeness that was not there before. "We're all family," he said. "We roomed with each other. Over the summer, we had dinner at teammates houses. We were able to spend a lot of time together and that really helped. There was no animosity over the course of the season at all, and it's because of those trips."

Shilling harbors no jealousy toward Matt Leinart and Bush, whose accomplishments on the football field have overshadowed his achievements in the pool. On Jan. 4, he'll be rooting for them just like everyone else, but if the Trojans lose to Texas, he will take solace in the fact that he has something most athletes covet: a national championship.

Honorable Mention

Juraj Zatovic, USC. Shilling's teammate also played a major role in the Trojans' national championship. The senior captain, a native of Slovakia, scored in all but one match this season and was named Co-MVP of the NCAA Tournament (along with Shilling). It was the second national championship for Zatovic, who also won a title as a freshman. Zatovic led USC in scoring all four years and leaves as the Trojans all-time leading scorer with 220 goals.