Dec. 18, 2013
San Jose, Calif. (December 18) ----- Johnny Bega, a member of the San Jose State University women's water polo coaching staff since 2007, was named interim head coach following the death of head coach Lou Tully on December 17.
For Bega, this will be the second time he is occupying the team's lead duties in practice and competition. In 2009, he filled in as the designated head coach when Mr. Tully was recovering from his first battle against cancer and led the Spartans to a 20-14 win-loss record. San Jose State finished the season ranked sixth in the final national coaches' poll and scored a single-season school record 377 goals.
"I feel more prepared now than before. I am a lot more confident about leading the program," said the 38-year old Bega. "Our team will be ready when our season starts on January 11 with Cal State Monterey Bay."
"We are pleased Johnny accepted this appointment. Johnny showed he could lead our program successfully before and we look forward to supporting Johnny and the program after yesterday's tragic news about Lou (Tully) dying unexpectedly," said Gene Bleymaier, San Jose State University director of athletics.
With the completion of the fall semester, the San Jose State team will resume practice for the 2014 season on Monday, January 6.