Seven Questions with Brian Domecus

Dec. 3, 2008

Stockton, Calif.- Media Relations Graduate Assistant Morgan McSweeney had a chance to catch up with senior water polo goalie Brian Domecus (Vallejo, Cailf.) and ask him some questions about his time at Pacific. Brian tied former Tiger All-American Mike Ennis for first place all-time in career saves with a seven-save performance against California, on Sunday Nov. 23, to close out his Pacific career. Domecus led the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation in total saves (313) and saves per game (10.79) during the 2008 regular season.

1) What was it about Pacific that drew you to Stockton?
I was first attracted to University of the Pacific when I heard my aunt and uncle both attended and did really well after they graduated. On top of that there is a great engineering program here at Pacific and the small class environment. I was also given the chance to play water polo for a Division I program, my dream growing up.

2) What is the driving force for you when you are playing? How do you continue to push yourself day in and day out?
It depends on the time or place. When I broke my nose, I was angry, depressed and thought my season would be coming to an end. I decided I didn't care and I was going to play anyway and to this day it continues to drive me. Ever since I arrived at Pacific, people didn't believe I could do it. When I came to Pacific no one had any clue where I was from or what high school I came from, but it didn't matter. I didn't care what others think or said about me, I was going to try and be the best. My limits can only begin where my vision ends.

3) This season you really took your game to another level. What did you do differently this year that enabled you to become so successful in the cage for the Tigers?
As strange as it may sound, this year has been all about my mind. I have completely changed they way I approach games and have managed to step out of my comfort zone from the previous years. This year has been all about confidence for me. My physical fitness has increased a lot in the past few months with Coach Graham, but most of my development this year has been mental. At the beginning of this year, coach sat me down and gave me a huge responsibility for this team. I did not plan on letting anyone down.

4) Looking back at your career here at Pacific, what is the one thing that you will remember most?
The Stanford overtime victory that we had at Chris Kjeldsen Pool. That game is symbolic of why I love this sport. Seeing my friends and teammates play their hearts out in a game in which the opposition was highly favored was amazing. Before most games when I'm not feeling right or just need a little bit of motivation, I can simply just close my eyes and remember the last 10 seconds of that game. One of the best blocks on a man down I have ever had and then watching my teammate bar in the most insane shot I have ever seen. I will always remember that moment.

5) What is the impression that you feel you have left on the water polo program at Pacific in your time as a player?
I'm not sure exactly what that is yet, but I'm hoping that I set a standard of work ethic and determination. I hope that I can leave an example of what it means to overcome extreme adversity. It's been a rough road to get to this point but I can only hope my reaction to the situations with which I have been presented makes a positive effect not only on those around me but those who follow.

6) How has it been playing for a new coach in James Graham, and in a whole new style of play here at Pacific this season?
He challenged me. I can only imagine what the possibilities would be like if I were to have met him earlier in my career. He provoked me into playing to my potential and expected nothing less. I feel like all the problems I have had with my game in previous seasons have been improved drastically. I can fully attribute this to him and how he makes it easy to be coached. I am happy I was here for this season with Coach Graham and I am excited to see what this school will accomplish in the near future under his leadership.

7) What are your plans for the future, both at Pacific and beyond?
After I finish my degree I plan on getting a job as soon as I can in the biomechanical engineering field. I'm also entertaining the possibility of playing overseas or even making an effort on the national scene if they will have me.