The mascot of UCSB is the Gaucho and the school colors are blue and gold. UCSB's sports teams compete in the Big West Conference, with the exception of the men's and women's water polo teams and the men's volleyball team, which are in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Santa Barbara is best known for its women's basketball and men's soccer teams. Athletics at UCSB is not limited to the Intercollegiate Athletic Department. While there are some 400 students in ICA, there are over 700 in Recreational Sports Teams including: Alpine Racing, Cycling, Fencing, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Rugby, Sailing, Soccer, Triathlon, Ultimate, Water Ski and Rowing. Many of these teams are highly regarded and compete against Intercollegiate teams from across the US. For example Rowing has produced several national team members including Nine-time National Rowing Team member Amy Fuller, winner of several Olympic and World Championship medals and currently head of the UCLA Rowing Program. Many other hundreds of students participate in a large Intramural program consisting of Badminton, Basketball, Bowling, Flag Football, Golf, Floor Hockey, Indoor and Outdoor Soccer, Racquetball, Squash, Running, Softball, Tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball, Inner tube water polo, and Kickball.

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NCAA Division I Sports

UCSB Soccer

In 2004, the men's soccer team advanced to the College Cup (College Soccer's "Final Four"). UCSB routed Duke University Blue Devils in the semifinals 5-0, but lost in the championship match to Indiana Hoosiers on penalty kicks.

In 2006, UCSB again advanced to the College Cup. In the semi-finals, the Gauchos and 2nd seed Wake Forest Demon Deacons played to a 0-0 tie; UCSB won the game on penalty kicks 4–3. In the championship game, UCSB faced the UCLA Bruins and won by a score of 2-1 ^[1] to win their first NCAA Men's Soccer title and the second overall NCAA championship (1979 Men's Water Polo) in school history. ^[2]

In conference play, the Gauchos have dominated Big West play. They have won the Big West Championship in 5 of the last 7 years. Also, the Gauchos have had no less than 4 players receive full international caps.

Basketball

In 2005, the women's basketball team won its unprecedented ninth straight Big West Conference Championship. The team had its best year in history during the 2004 season when it advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 where it lost to eventual champion University of Connecticut. UCSB was the only team to hold UConn to less than a double digit victory in the NCAA playoffs.

The Gauchos men's basketball team had its best years in the late '80s and early '90s under coach Jerry Pimm, highlighted by a 77–70 victory over #1 UNLV in 1990, and NCAA tournament appearances in 1988 (lost to Maryland) and 1990 (defeated Houston and lost to Michigan State). The Gauchos returned to the NCAA tournament in 2002 where they nearly upset powerhouse Arizona in the opening round. Over the years, a few of Pimm's assistants at UCSB have gone on to coach other major programs across the country, including Ben Howland (1982–1994) of UCLA and Jamie Dixon of Pittsburgh. UCSB men's and women's basketball teams play at the UCSB Events Center, commonly known as the Thunderdome (capacity 6,000).

Swimming

Based out of Campus Pool on the UCSB campus, the swimming program has seen its fair share of success. For 32 seasons Gregg Wilson has been the head coach of the men's and women's swimming teams. Wilson has posted a dual meet record of 292–208–1 (172–115 with the men, 120-92-1 with the women). Even more impressive, his squads have collected 34 Big West Conference Championships, 24 by his men’s teams and 10 by his women’s teams. Before the University of Texas men's swim team broke it, the UCSB men's swim team set the NCAA record for most consecutive conference titles in any sport with 23 straight Big West conference championships from 1979–2001. The men’s teams have been ranked as high as 16th nationally and several of his swimmers over the years have advanced to the NCAA Championships. In fact, the men’s team has turned in 38 all-American performances under Wilson. Notable alumni of the program include Olympic gold medalists Richard Schroeder, Jason Lezak (the current American record holder in the 100 meter freestyle), Sandy Neilson, Sophie Kamoun, former 50-meter freestyle world record holder Bruce Stahl (the first person to ever hold this world record), as well as the oft-hated Pat Cary.

Water Polo & Volleyball

UCSB won the 1979 national championship in men's water polo, defeating UCLA in the championship match by a score of 11–3. The men's volleyball team has finished as the NCAA runner up 4 times, most recently in 1988. The women's volleyball team plays at Robertson Gym (capacity 3500), while the men's team plays at the UCSB Events Center.

Club Sports

Fencing

UCSB has a club fencing team that regularly competes against NCAA teams in the Intercollegiate Fencing Conference of Southern California. In 1992 UCSB Fencing won the overall conference title, upsetting the strongly favored California State Long Beach. In 1994 and 1995, the Men's Foil Team captured consecutive gold medals. The Men's Foil Team consisted of Craig Johnson, Kevin Sparkman and Hien Ha. Because of Craig and Kevin's similar fencing styles and physical resemblance, their coach often confused the two. Subsequently they were known simply as the Crevin. UCSB Men's foil continued their gold medal successes in 1996 and 1997 as well.

The men's sabre squad, while it never took gold, consistently claimed silver or bronze as a squad from 1992 until 1996. The championship squad was Jim Emmons, Phil Ives, and Jason Levin. Individually the squad fared well, though not so well as foil—Phil Ives was third in the league one year and Jim Emmons was seventh. Injuries and changes in squad line-up did little to help sabre, but that said, they managed to do well in spite of that. Only Jim Emmons and Jon Tarantino were present from 1993 until 1996. A succession of other sabreurs, notably Erik Baker, Doug Graham (who also fenced foil and épée for the Gauchos), Chad Park, Dave Patterson, and an Italian exchange student, Federico Bullo, were members of the sabre squad at one time or another.

In terms of coaching, the Gauchos took the title under the tutelage of Edwin "Buzz" Hurst, their head coach during the early nineties (a student of Buzz's, Thomas Van Horn, sometimes assisted in weekly lessons, particularly for the sabreurs). Budget cuts are never kind to club sports, however, and the team could not afford a coach, so we lost Buzz who went on to coach in San Diego. Happily, several fencers began driving to Los Angeles to fence at Salle Couturier, and through that relationship, and through the growing friendships that Gaucho fencers made with Couturier fencers at tournaments, UCSB found a new coach, Brian Pena. Other Couturier fencers, such as Larry Dunn, and Al Couturier himself, often joined Brian at UCSB. Al and Larry worked out with the sabre squad. Brian took the men's foil squad to success after success. As this generation of fencers graduated or moved on, these relationships moved with them, and so UCSB was in need of a coach again. Among the coaches who stepped in were Phil Hariff, Jeff Van Housen, and more recently, Tim Robinson, the proprietor and coach at Salle Presidio in Santa Barbara.

Lacrosse

UCSB Men's Lacrosse team is one of the best club teams in the nation. The program boasts two National Championships and consistently is in the top tier of the WCLL (Western Collegiate Lacrosse League). The women's team has grown in stature since the 2003-2004 season when it earned its first-ever WDIA National appearance in St. Louis, MO. The Gauchos superseded their 2004 season with a 20-2 season in 2005, including a WWLL championship over undefeated Cal Poly and a 3rd place finish at Nationals in Blaine, MO. In recent years the women's program has continued to grow and has remained within the Top 5 in National polls, including a fourth place finish in 2007.

Roller Hockey

The UCSB Roller Hockey team is a highly competitive club every year, being serious contenders for league championships and securing bids to the National Championships almost on an annual basis. They currently play in the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL), a subdivision of the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association.

The club is one of the largest collegiate roller hockey clubs in the nation, and currently boasts over 30 players split into three teams. The Division 1 team (abbreviated D1), is made up of the best players the club has to offer, while the rest of the players are split between the two B-Division teams, known as B-Gold and B-Blue. This past season (208-2009) the club had a very strong year. After starting the season a collective 12-0 among all three teams, The Division 1 squad captured the WCRHL Division 1 Championship and secured an automatic bid to the National Championship tournament with a dramatic overtime win over the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Both "B" teams enjoyed significant success as well, securing places in the regional championship tournament. B-Gold won its second straight league championship and a trip to the National Championships tournament with a whopping defeat of Arizona State University in the final matchup, and B-Blue finished the tournament tied for third after being eliminated by their club-mates B-Gold in the tournament semi-finals.

UCSB Roller Hockey also enjoys a distinct advantage over other clubs of having its own full-size roller hockey rink on campus. The Multi-Activity Court, located in the UCSB Recreation Center, plays host to the team's practices and 2 league events every year. Because of this, the team rarely has to struggle for rink usage, meaning frequent practices, pick-up games, and even an intramural roller hockey league. Not surprisingly this league is comprised mostly of players from the three club teams, but is completely open to anybody with the proper equipment who wishes to play. The two league events every year mean the squad gets literal home games played on campus in front of their friends and fans, something no other school in the WCRHL gets to enjoy.

Rowing (Crew)

The men's and women's crew teams row out of the team boathouse that was erected just prior to the 1982-1983 school year at Lake Cachuma. The boat house was paid for entirely by then head coach Michael Tremain. The teams received a boost following the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles when several hundred thousand dollars worth of shells, equipment and dock were donated to the team by the Los Angeles Olympic Committee. In the 1985–1986 season, the team won the Head of the Harbor regatta in Wilmington as well as the Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship at Lake Natoma in Sacramento.

Sailing

UCSB hosts one of California's fifteen university sailing teams. They are currently ranked among the top-twenty teams nation-wide.

Surf Team

UCSB's 12-time national championship surf team holds more trophies than any other surf team in the nation. Its last national championship was in 2005 at the NSSA Nationals.

Ultimate Frisbee

UCSB also has two of the nation's most competitive Ultimate Frisbee teams, although neither plays under the "Gauchos" moniker. In the Ultimate Players Association's College Open (Men's) division, the Black Tide is consistently ranked among the top 15 teams in the nation and holds six national titles. In the College Women's division, the Burning Skirts are similarly-respected and have earned 3 national titles since their inception.

Women's Soccer

The Women's Soccer team has consistently strong team since its inception. Their honors include being Regional semifinalists in 2006, 2007; Regional finalists in 2001 and 2004; Regional Champs in 2002, 2003, 2007, and 2008; National quarterfinalists in 2002 and 2005; National semifinalists in 2003 and 2004; National finalists in 2001; National Open Champions in 2006; and National Champions in 2007. In 2007, both the Women's and Men's teams won the National Championship.

Men's Soccer

The Men's Soccer team is one of the best in their California league. They have won their league to get the automatic bid to nationals the last few years. In 2006, they were among the favorites to win the National title, but were upset in the quarterfinals to rival USD. In 2007 they were able to redeam themselves and won the National Title, especially sweet since the girls were simultaneous champions.

Gaucho Locos

Since 1998, UCSB athletics have received support from a booster club, the Gaucho Locos, founded by the UCSB student body. The Gaucho Locos were originally known as the Gauchoholics but changed its name due to negative connotations. The Gaucho Locos could be spotted at UCSB athletic events with their signature golden yellow t-shirts with a top ten list on their back, similar to the ones on The Late Show with David Letterman.

The Locos are also accompanied by their famous mascot, "The Fantom of the dome" a man with black swim goggles and a black cape, who usually wears denim shorts along with a golden yellow UCSB basketball jersey and a Gaucho loco t-shirt underneath.The Fantom is a UCSB Alumni who graduated in 1995. He only manages to make a couple of games a year as he is currently a teacher at Rancho Cucamonga High school. He also is currently the mascot for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes in the Angel's minor league franchise.

The Gaucho Pep Band

Like many organizations at UCSB, the Gaucho Pep Band is completely managed by students. As a volunteer organization, members (by definition) receive no financial or academic compensation for their service. The reward most members of the Gaucho Band find is in the acquisition of lasting friendships and a sense of camaraderie unlike that found anywhere else on campus or off. The pep band plays at all home men and women basketball games along with the occasional soccer, ultimate fisbee, and rugby games. The band participates in post season travel with the basketball teams including the Big West Basketball Conference Championship, the NCAA March Madness, and the National Invitational Tournament. Being in the band is simple; all you really need to do is be able to play an instrument, be committed to the Gauchos and the other band members.

Fight Song

“	Ole, Ole Ole Ole! Gauchos, Gauchos!	”
—The unofficial fight song.

El "C" Grande
We are Sons of California,
Fighting for the Gold and Blue.
Palms of glory we will win,
For Alma Mater true.
Poly’s men will soon be routed
By our dazzling “C”,
We’ll stomp ’em in the mud
Their green will turn to blood,
In our hour of victory!

U! C! Sss! B! U-C-S-B, Go Gauchos!

Notable alumni

• Joe Cannon , 2002 & 2004 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year, current goalkeeper for the San Jose Earthquakes, and former member of the United States National Team.
• Larry Dierker , 1969 & 1971 MLB All-Star pitcher and 1998 NL Manager of the Year for the Houston Astros.
• Eric Fonoimoana , 2000 Olympic Games Gold Medalist in Beach Volleyball.
• Rob Friend , soccer striker for Borussia Mönchengladbach of the German Bundesliga and the Canadian National Team.
• Carin Jennings , 1991 FIFA Women's World Cup and Golden Ball Winner, 1996 Olympic Games Gold Medalist in soccer; National Soccer Hall of Fame (Personal) and United States Olympic Hall of Fame (as 1996 Women's Soccer team) inductee. UCSB's only 4-time All American and the NCAA's all-time leading scorer (men or women) with 102 career goals.
• '''Dan Kennedy, Goalkeeper for MLS franchise Chivas USA.
• Jason Lezak , 4 time Olympic Gold Medalist and 7 time Olympic Medalist swimmer in the 2000, 2004, and 2008 Olympic Games.
• Tony Lochhead , soccer left back for Wellington Phoenix FC of the Australian A-League and the New Zealand National Team.
• Thiago Martins , soccer striker for FK Bodø/Glimt of the Norwegian Tippeligaen.
• Kevin McClatchy , co-owner of Major League Baseball's Pittsburgh Pirates franchise.
• Todd Rogers , 2008 Olympic Games Gold Medalist in Beach Volleyball; 1997 AVP Rookie of the Year, 2004-2007 AVP Best Defensive Player, 2006 AVP MVP, 2007 AVP Champion.
• Jim Rome , Sports radio talk show host and former Sports Director of KCSB, the college radio station located on the UCSB campus.
• Brian Shaw , 3-time (2000, 2001, 2002) NBA Champion point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers and current assistant coach with the Los Angeles Lakers.
• Ryan Spilborghs , MLB center fielder for the Colorado Rockies.
• Craig Wilson , U.S. Olympic Water Polo goalie Silver Medalist in the 1984 & 1988 Olympic Games and participant in the 1992 Games.
• Michael Young , 5-time (2004-2008) MLB All-Star shortstop for the Texas Rangers and 2006 MLB All Star Game MVP.

References

1. NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!!! From www.UCSBGauchos.com, Posted 03 December 2006.
2. Gauchos Complete Amazing Run to Earn Program's First NCAA National Championship, Defeat UCLA 2-1From www.UCSBGauchos.com, Posted 03 December 2006.