Athletics

UCI once again makes its mark on the Summer Olympics, with coaches and alumni athletes joining the U.S. in London.

With his win in the NCAA 800 meters, Charles Jock became the first Anteater in 34 years to win an individual title. But his attempt to make the 2012 Olympic team fell just short.

Since the Big West started sponsoring women’s water polo in 2009, UCI has dominated winning four consecutive league tournament titles.

Sweep over USC brings UCI its third NCAA title in six years.

Kevin Tillie, who came from the French Riviera to Orange County, has earned praise as one of the nation’s top players, helping lead the Anteaters to a No. 1 ranking for much of the current season and positioning them for their third national title in six years.

Over the past 40 years, UC Irvine’s tennis programs have boasted numerous national championships, conference titles and All-American performers. In their efforts to continue this tradition, coaches Mike Edles and Trevor Kronemann rely on extensive personal experience: As former UCI student-athletes themselves, they contributed much to this record of tennis excellence.

It was a good year to be an Anteater sports fan in 2011, and 2012 promises to be the same, if not better. Here are 10 stories to follow.

After years of slow but steady progress, Anteater soccer broke through to a new plateau in 2011. With stellar coaching, a burgeoning soccer culture and strong grassroots support, UCI is on its way to becoming the soccer capital of the West.

Spirit rally, concert and free food drew thousands of students to annual party sponsored by ASUCI and UC Irvine Athletics.