Vargas traces success to a UCI legend

UC Irvine Hall of Fame inductee’s career as player, coach shaped by mentor Ted Newland.Competitive drive propels John Vargas out of bed each day, toward the next season, the next practice or game, the next recruit. So focused is he on the challenges that lay ahead, the Stanford men’s water polo coach has little time and even less interest in retrospection.

There are near-daily occurrences, however, when the seeds of more than three decades of distinction as a player and a coach seep unconsciously into his own words.

“When I’m talking to my team, sometimes, I have to chuckle to myself,” said Vargas, among five who will be inducted today into the UC Irvine Athletic Hall of Fame. “I find myself saying the same things to the guys that [Ted Newland] said to us years ago.”

Newland, the legendary UCI water polo coach whose 714 career victories in 39 seasons with the Anteaters rank No. 1 in collegiate water polo history, coached Vargas at UCI.

But Vargas, a two-time All-American at UCI who went on to play 10 years with the U.S. national team and enjoyed an illustrious coaching career that included guiding the national team in the 2000 Olympic Games, said he regards Newland as much more than a coach.

“Everything I’ve done as a player or a coach always comes back to Newland,” Vargas said. “I was a little surprised [to learn of his inclusion in the UCI Hall of Fame], and I was definitely honored. Just looking at the water polo players who have been inducted is a pretty incredible list. To be a part of that is unbelievable. But it’s all a credit to Newland and everything he has done for UCI water polo and the players.”

Vargas, 44, contributed to the Anteaters’ only unbeaten NCAA championship team in 1982, helping the ‘Eaters finish 30-0.

Soon after joining the national team as a player, Vargas became the boys’ water polo coach at Corona del Mar High. In 19 seasons, he guided the Sea Kings to seven CIF Southern Section championships and 11 CIF title games.

During his time at CdM, he coached the U.S. national team from 1997 to 2000.

After guiding CdM to its third straight Division II crown in 2001, Vargas became the men’s coach at Stanford. In his first season, the Cardinal won the NCAA championship. Stanford has been the NCAA runner-up the last three seasons and Vargas is 89-22 at the school.

Newland, with whom Vargas remains in regular contact, was named coach emeritus before the 2005 season at UCI. “In the back of my mind, I thought about winding up as the coach at UCI,” Vargas said. “But when this [Stanford] opportunity arose, it was something I could not pass up.”

As with most major life decisions, Vargas consulted with Newland before accepting the Stanford job.

“I asked him, if he were in my position, would he take the job and he said ‘Absolutely,’” Vargas said.

Vargas said he and Newland exchange e-mail at least once every two weeks. The topics range from water polo to family to current events.

Vargas said Newland’s teachings have shaped him as a coach. He said the primary principle he learned was dedication.

“The dedication and the daily work ethic he has is incredible,” Vargas said. “I talk to my players a lot about being physically and mentally tough. Ted lives that way every single day. He has always, always been about trying to get better every day.”

Now that he no longer has to coach against Newland-led Anteater teams, Vargas said he enjoys his return visits to his alma mater much more.

“To be honest, I didn’t like coaching against Newland,” Vargas said. “We’re both so competitive, it just wasn’t a fun game.”

Vargas said he was very much looking forward to today’s ceremonies, which include a homecoming alumni brunch at 11 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach. Vargas and his fellow inductees will also be introduced at halftime of tonight’s men’s basketball game against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo at the Bren Events Center.

“I don’t know who is going to be there, but I do know it will be a chance to see Ted,” Vargas said.20060211iuhxwpncDAVID GONZALES / STANFORD ATHLETICS(LA)John Vargas, second from left, has had plenty to celebrate at Stanford.