March 23, 2007

Melbourne, AUS -- Loyola Marymount All-American Kevin Witt spent more than a year following the completion of his college career at LMU dedicated to training in hopes to getting a shot for a tryout with the United States National Team. He got that shot and has made the most of it.

Witt, who played four years for the Lions and graduated in 2003, was one of 16 players to make the U.S. National Team for the 2007 FINA Water Polo World Championships held in Melbourne, Australia this month. Not only is Witt the first Lion water polo player to make the U.S. National Team, he is making the most of his opportunity.

As one of the key players off the bench, Witt scored three goals in the preliminary round 9-3 win over Australia and has averaged about 19 minutes a contest in this opening round.

Witt was a three-time All-American, earning third-team as a sophomore and senior and second-team as a junior. Witt, who scored 42 goals in the 2002 season for the Lions, is the second player in LMU history to earn three All-America honors in his career. Former men's volleyball star Reid Priddy, who currently plays with the U.S. National team, was also a three-time All-American.

In four seasons with the Lions, Witt finishes second in all-time scoring at LMU with 210 total points. Ryan Eisberg set the record with 304 total points (includes two-point goals which were eliminated in 2000) from 1994-97. Endre Rex-Kiss has recently replaced Witt for second all-time.

Witt added 15 assists to his career totals, making him LMU's all-time assist leader with 93. His 145 steals is also ranked second at LMU.

Witt burst on the water polo circuit as a freshman in 1999, scoring a career-best 43 goals. He equaled that mark with 43 in his sophomore campaign. He had 32 goals as a junior.

He became the second player in program history to earn all-conference honors in the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) all four years at LMU. This season he was named the WWPA's Player of the Year.

Witt's brother, Kyle, is the current assistant men's water polo coach at LMU.

USA is scheduled to play Croatia in the final game of their preliminary rounds on Saturday, March 24, 2007 at 11:40am. If USA wins, they will automatically advance through to the quarter final rounds and play the winner of game 30 on Wednesday, March 28th.

For the latest on the 12th FINA World Championships, keep an eye on Melbourne2007.com. For up to date information on Team USA and to view the team's photo gallery and game recaps, go to USAWaterPolo.org.

For more information on USA Water Polo or its National Team programs, please contact ntprograms@usawaterpolo.org or call the USAWP office at 562.799.8506.

- GO LIONS -