(Vallejo, CA, 5 Nov 2007)  Ben Gomez has been awarded Athlete of the Month for October 2007 for his outstanding efforts in the pool for the California Maritime Academy. Ben, a native of West Covina, graduated from Damien High School in 2007.
 

As a freshman at Cal Maritime, Ben has been a starter on the men's water polo team where he anchors the defense as the team’s goalie. Currently, Ben was announced as the Pacific Coast Division Player of the Week for the period of October 21-28, for his outstanding performance at the Pacific Division Championship Tournament.  

 

Defensively, Ben has recorded at least forty saves in two tournaments this past month.  At the Northern Regional I tournament, Ben denied over 40 shot attempts against quality opponents San Jose State, Fresno State, Chico State, and St. Mary's College. At the Pacific Coast Divisional Championship Tournament, held 26-28, Ben had secured 40 saves in three games.

 

In the Keelhaulers first game at the Pacific Coast Divisional Championship Tournament, Ben had 15 saves in a 5-4 double overtime loss to UC San Diego. Under the leadership of Gomez, the Keelhaulers were able to finish strong with wins against St. Mary's College in the second game, were Ben had 10 saves, and UC Santa Barbara, were Ben had another 15. 

 

Being a first year starter for the Cal Maritime's Men's Water Polo team, Ben Gomez has had an influential role in the pool. Earlier this year, he helped lead the Keelhaulers to a #9 ranking in the nation, which is the best ranking in the program's history.

 

Ben is currently studying marine transportation here at Cal Maritime. Ben is expecting to graduate in the Spring of 2011.