Hamdorf Inducted into U.S. Water Polo Hall of Fame

Posted on: August 30 2002
Released by Steve Lombard - Golden West College SID, (714) 895-8344

Longtime GWC water polo coach Ken Hamdorf was recently inducted into the U.S. Water Polo Hall of Fame. Coach Hamdorf has been a part of the GWC polo program since 1977. His dedication to the sport has helped the Rustlers become and continue to rank as one of the most dominant programs in the community college sector.

Hamdorf was among 10 honorees at the 14th U.S. Water Polo Hall of Fame induction dinner at the Los Alamitos National Training Center June 30. He is now part of 168 members inducted into the Hall.

As head coach of the Rustlers, Hamdorf won nine State Championships, seven Southern California championships, and 11 conference titles. His overall coaching record stands at 425-46-2, and he has helped produce 47 All-Americans. Five times he was named California Community College Coach of the Year. In 1986, Hamdorf served as the U.S. Water Polo Level III Elite Coach.

Hamdorf played for Fullerton College and Long Beach State University where he earned “Forty-Niner of the Year” honors in 1961 and 1962. He began his coaching career at Westminster High, coaching the Lions from 1962 through 1965. He moved on to Lakewood High, coaching the program there from 1966 through 1976. He then spent one season at Long Beach Wilson before coming to GWC.

He and his wife Marilynn of 40-years reside in Old Town. They have two sons, Paul and Tim, and two grandchildren, Kelsi and Tucker.

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