THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF USA

ADVENTURES OF SUPRAMAN Ian Supra’s story on how the water polo community rallied in his fight against cancer

VOLUME 29, NUMBER 2, SUMMER 2014 2014 MASTERS RESULTS p.16

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF USA WATER POLO VOL. 29, NUM. 2, Summer 2014 What’s Inside... USA WATER POLO NATIONAL OFFICE ON THE COVER . . 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Inside Water...... 2 Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Florida native Ian Supra (714) 500-5445 business • (714) 500-5449 membership • (714) 960-2431 fax has inspired the water USA WATER POLO NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER polo community in his 5 Meters...... 4 11360 Valley Forge Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720 ADVENTURES battle with cancer. OF SUPRAMAN Photos courtesy Mateo Mayorga (562) 799-8506 business • (562) 799-8508 fax Ian Supra’s story on how the water polo community rallied in his fight against cancer 2014 and Jonathan Moore Water Polo Times ...... 8 MASTERS RESULTS WEB SITE p.16 www.usawaterpolo.org A Day in the Life...... 26 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Christopher Ramsey CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Water Polo Scene...... 27 Marty Samuels CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Jim Callahan From the Deck...... 30 CHIEF ADVANCEMENT OFFICER Stephanie London Krogius Lob Shots...... 34 DIRECTOR, CLUB & MEMBER PROGRAMS Claudia Dodson DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Hot Shots...... 36 Greg Mescall HIGH PERFORMANCE DIRECTOR John Abdou DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Jeff Dyrek ReCaps ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT Christy Medigovich OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS MANAGER 2014 Fisher Cup...... 10 Anne Laurence MEMBERSHIP & EVENTS MANAGER Layla Behzadian pg20 USA-Serbia Series . . . . . 11 TRAVEL MANAGER Jo Fielder ODP National HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER 2014 Junior Gayle Shanks Team Selections . . . . . 12 FINANCE COORDINATOR Fay Hu Olympics MARKETING COORDINATOR Annalece Montgomery Everything You Need to Know 2014 FINA Women’s DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Intercontinental Phil Wooledge MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Tournament...... 15 Kathryn Manderino EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO THE CEO Mai Lam 2014 Masters...... 16 SPORT GROWTH SPECIALIST, SOUTHEAST ZONE Nick Gaffey RECEPTIONIST Yiyon Lee VIDEO PRODUCER Jake Mater Look Ahead... BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael Graff (Chairman), Jeremy Laster, William Smith, Ellen Estes Lee, Robert Sternfels, RoAnn Costin, Next Issue Sheldon Pang, Richard Esterkin, Vicky Rogers, > Academic All-American Selections EDITOR Greg Mescall CONTRIBUTORS Darcy Couch, Jim Cullingham, Ed Haas, Stan Schwimer, Kelley Casey, Allen Lorentzen, Kelley L. Cox, Angela Kraus, Peter Trabucco, Paul Ciaravino, Joey Rossi, Mark Felix, Jonathan Moore, Corbin Elliott pg24 PRINTING Quad Graphics, 555 South 108th Street, West Allis, WI 53214 > Junior Olympics Results CREATIVE Punahou’s Adrenalin, Inc., 54 West 11th Ave., Denver, CO 80204 303-454-8888 • goadrenalin.com Ken Smith USA Water Polo Skip Shot Magazine (ISSN# 15507580) is published 40 years of success four times per year by United States Water Polo, Inc., located at 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648. Periodicals postage is paid at Huntington Beach, CA 92648 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Skip Shot Magazine, United States Water Polo, Inc., 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 usawaterpolo.org 1 INSIDE WATER letter from the CEO, Christopher Ramsey USA WATER POLO

Professional Development Essential For Water Polo Growth & Success Recently Elon Musk—the charismatic leader of Tesla Motors around the country. Now with SplashBall appearing not only at USAWP clubs and considered by many a modern-day Tony Stark (a.k.a. but also popping up at Ys, JCCs, Parks & Rec programs, and through other Ironman)—took the extraordinary action of opening patents multisport industries, there’s a growing need for technical knowledge. With for his electric car to the world. In an industry where corporate strong leadership by Dejan Udovicic and , we also want to do espionage is legend and margins razor thin, what could a more complete job of sharing their vision. possibly have motivated Musk to share Tesla’s proven John Abdou is leading a renaissance of professional development at USA proprietary technology? Water Polo, but this initiative is broader than the national office. All our coaches and officials, and even our athletes, have something to teach each Musk said that his action was not entirely altruistic. I prefer to think of it as other. My hope is that professional development becomes ingrained in the a move of supreme confidence informed by enlightened self-interest. Musk culture of USA Water Polo. Ours is a small sport, and we strengthen it when knows that broad adoption of electric vehicles will be good for the planet— we reach out to help one another. This summer season, with competition and and also good for his business, even if not everyone buys a Tesla. More high- training at their height, ask yourself how you can help to share what you know quality vehicles on the road means more charging stations, which means and who you can learn from. Make us stronger. faster adoption, and probably accelerated improvements in battery and other technologies that will further fuel growth. And he’s confident in Tesla’s ability to innovate further, keeping it at the top of the market. There is a corollary for water polo. Like the auto industry, we are a sport of cre- ativity tempered by machine-like discipline and tight tolerances. Our athletes and our coaches are strong competitors with one another, and we don’t always share because we want every advantage. Yet reading about Musk’s unlikely act, I found myself wondering about water polo’s enlightened self-interest, and Chris whether the proprietary model is best for us. There is a wealth of intellectual property in the water polo community. Partly in order to make ends meet, there has been an explosion of private clinics

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If you have a comment or question concerning Skip Shot magazine, send in a letter to the editor. LETTERS TO You can write to Skip Shot Magazine: THE EDITOR c/o USA Water Polo, 2124 Main Street, Suite 240, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 or send an email to: [email protected]

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5 METERS Quick Shots from USA Water Polo USA WATER POLO

team had that My 1st Match year, and it was a Jack Kocur, Assistant Coach, Men’s turning point for Senior National Team the players—as well as for me. The game was Fall 1998 an offensive My first coaching opportunity came in dual, with both the fall of 1998 when Richard Corso hired teams unable to me to assist him with the varsity team at stop each other. Harvard-Westlake High School and run We were up by the junior varsity program. Prior to this one goal with less than 30 seconds on the clock, and Los Al had the I had coached at many camps and clinics, or helped out with both . All game I was trying to get my center defender to control the programs at my alma maters (Pepperdine & Royal High School). opposing center by using a few skill sets we’d worked on. And then, I don’t remember my first game as a coach that year, but I do at the perfect moment, my defender used the correct skill to steal the remember the moment I truly felt coaching was the career path ball from the opposing center—and that allowed us to win the game. for me. The player’s excitement after stealing the ball, and the cheer of the My junior varsity team was playing Los Alamitos High School at team winning the game, was so rewarding for me as a coach. This their pool in a tournament. It must have been the first big game our was the start of my enjoyable coaching career.

Five Questions with... all photos courtesy Monty Briton/CBS YUNG “WOO” to. People have always been positive, but this HWANG of experience magnified it. The positivity and the awesome feedback and support that I’ve been Newport Beach, receiving from everyone who tuned in and is California, recently a fan of the show, it’s been awesome. Prior to completed a run the show I didn’t get too much recognition; to second place on but now that the show is over, the people who Season 28 of the hit tuned in have shown me a lot of love. CBS show Survivor. SS: You don’t have a background playing When he isn’t trying water polo, but you have experience working in strength and conditioning with the to outplay, outwit, and outlast, the Huntington Beach Water Polo Club. What obviously a completely different environment. martial arts instructor and personal has that been like? trainer has spent time working with It’s admirable to see how long and fast these WOO: I’m a longtime buddy of Mark (athletes) can play in the water without athletes from the Huntington Beach Canner, the girls varsity water polo coach succumbing to fatigue. I respect Water Polo Club. He answered five at Huntington Beach High School. He also and water polo on another level after being questions for SkipShot magazine works with Huntington Beach Water Polo. around these guys. We opened up a gym in January, and at first SKIPSHOT: SS: We recently had our Masters Nationals— What was the experience like being it started off as a private thing. But it grew to people aged from the 20s to the 70s playing on “Survivor”? You came very close to winning. include water polo boys and girls and other water polo. Will we see you in a water polo WOO: Just from the start, from being cast on athletes. We are looking forward to expanding competing someday? the show to going to the Philippines to be the gym. Through Mark we had a program on the same stage as Jeff Probst, the whole within the water polo club where he has these WOO: (Laughs) If I get some strong, heavy, experience was remarkable. I made it through boys and girls come in for in-season and off- swim-conditioning lessons, you’ll see me out day 39. To be there at final tribal council and season conditioning. Honing in on reflexes, there because I do have a solid arm. Back in look around, I felt really proud and thought flexibility, strength, and prescribing a good high school they used call me Golden Arm. I accomplished a lot. I came in second place workout compatible with water polo. All kidding aside—it’s fun, but I don’t know if I could compete with those guys. On the and I’m very proud to have done that. SS: You were on a show that required a lot of record the boys and girls I’ve been working SS: How has your life changed from before different athletic skills. What have you learned with (at Huntington Beach) qualified for “Survivor” to after “Survivor”? about the abilities of water polo athletes? Junior Olympics at Stanford, and I couldn’t be WOO: Being a martial arts instructor since WOO: You can be a tremendous athlete on happier for them. a young age, I was always kind of looked up the land but when you go in the water, it’s

4 Quick Shots from USA Water Polo 5 METERS

Did You Know? What’s on Did you know Annika Dries is just the second woman ever to win the Cutino Award twice? Dries joined USC my iPod? graduate and Team USA teammate as the CONNER CLEARY, STANFORD MEN’S WATER POLO AND MEN’S SENIOR “Heart of Courage” by Two Steps from Hell only two-time winners. Dries won the award the first NATIONAL TEAM —To really get into that whole “epic” mindset. I used time in 2011 and was honored again in 2014 along to mentally pump these songs to get me through hard swim sets. side Pacific’s Balazs Erdelyi. Erdelyi is no stranger to “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor the honor as 2014 marked his second straight year —A throwback to the good ol’ days of 16U water polo with Santa Barbara Water Polo Club. Shout-out to Rich receiving the award honoring college water polo’s and the boys! top player. “Where I Belong” by Building 429 —A good reminder that my hope is in Jesus, and I’m not out here to show people how great I am—but how great he is. “Follow Me Up to Carlow” by Sligo Rags —Gets the fighting Irish blood flowing. “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba —In my water polo philosophy, you’re bound get knocked down sometimes. The secret is finding a way to bounce right back.

THANKS FOR COMING HEY ROBBIE, NO WAY SORRY WE ALL THAT‛S A HECK OF A BACK DENNIS, LOOKS THE ADVENTURES OF AREN‛T WE MAN! NOT LEFT SHIELDY, WIN TEAM, WAY TO LIKE OUR TEAM NEEDS SUPPOSED TO OUR POOL, YOU ASKED FOR HOMETOVISITors LEARN A LESSON IN COME OUT ON THE CLEAN UP THE NOT OUR OUR HELP. ROAD AND GET THE HOME VISITors BENCH BEFORE PROBLEM, RESPECTING OTHER VICTORY. WE LEAVE?HOME VISITors LET‛S GET PEOPLE ANDTHEIR NOW LET‛S CLEAN SOME 5 PROPERTY.7 UP OUR BENCH PIZZA! AND GET SOME yay!! DO YOU PIZZA! 5 7 IM GONNA 5 7 HAVE A GO HELP PLAN? 8 WATER POLO 5 !! OUT SHIELDY. 7 WATER POLO WATER POLO WATER POLO

7 YES, 8 YES I DO.

illustrated by paul ciaravino

SHIELDY, ROBBIE, WHY DO I THINK WE ARE REALLY SORRY. WE SHOULD I JUST SURE SHIELDY YOU WON‛T HAVE SORRY ROBBIE, THIS PIZZA HEY SHIELDY PASS HAVE HELPED YOU CLEAN UP THE BENCH. WE‛LL HAVE ONE WHAT‛S UP? ANY TROUBLE ME A SLICE OF PIZZA, IS ONLY FOR EVERYONE WHO PROMISE TO DO A BETTER JOB NEXT TIME. QUESTION CLEANING MY STOMACH IS HELPED CLEAN UP OUR BENCH. FOR YOU. YOUR PLATE? GROWLING!

WHAT! WATER POLO WATER POLO WATER POLO

NOW THIS IS HAHA, OH WE ARE A TEAM THE KIND OF TEAM I‛M PROUD TO COACH, SHIELDY, IN AND OUT OF THE WATER BUT I DIDN‛T ADMITTING YOUR MISTAKES AND WORKING TO YOU‛RE THE SEE THAT TEAMWORK TODAY AFTER OUR GAME ENDED. GET BETTER, LET‛S ENJOY THIS PIZZA. BEST!

usawaterpolo.org 5 5 METERS Quick Shots from USA Water Polo USA WATER POLO

Your thoughts on . .

Alys Williams–UCLA Women’s Water Buzzfeed: I’m new to this one, but I’ve seen an extra spark you may not always have at away Polo and Women’s Senior National Team some interesting entries on Facebook. A fun games. They’re a chance to show the rest of the Home Games: It’s always a way to learn useless information. school what your team is about and how you go great experience to play at your about your business. home pool. They’re the most fun Airplanes: Always happy to be on airplanes games, and you always have to do your best to Madeline Rosenthal–Women’s Senior during the season because it usually means protect your home! National Team, NCAA Champion we’re going to SoCal, where I’m from. Airplanes: Not my favorite. I love traveling and Home Games: I LOVE home Jonah Hill: L.A. native and Kobe Bryant fan. going to new places, but I really don’t like the games. Especially when my What’s not to like? long airplane rides. friends and family come to support. There’s nothing quite like looking into Buzzfeed: Never used it or understood what Jonah Hill: SO funny! Jonah and Channing the stands and seeing familiar faces cheering it is. Some of these social apps are completely Tatum were a great duo in 21 Jump Street. Can’t on your team. over my head. wait to see what he does next. Airplanes: Flying is relaxing. I always fall Buzzfeed: Love it. Buzzfeed never gets old, and asleep on planes. Throw a sweatshirt over my it’s always a great procrastination tool. Always head, a pillow to lean on, and I’m passed out EB Keeve–Arizona State Women’s Water something knew to laugh at. until touch down. Polo and Women’s Senior National Team Home Games: Love everything Jonah Hill: Not the cutest actor in my opinion, about home games. From all the but he’s definitely very funny and talented. He’s Fred Sicard–USA Water Polo support we get in the stands to played a bunch of different roles. I liked him in Home Games: Nothing like hav- the yummy goodies parents bring us! Moneyball and Forgetting Sarah Marshall. ing home court advantage. Your Airplanes: Just another opportunity to Chili’s (restaurant): I don’t think I’ve ever been crowd, your turf, your time! bump my head on the ceiling or storage to a Chili’s, but their commercials have a catchy Airplanes: Best way to travel… overhead (I’m 6’3”). jingle. except for the delays and sitting with someone Jonah Hill: Luckiest man alive because he gets Buzzfeed: A good website for high-quality who annoys you. to hang out with Channing Tatum and Leon- procrastination. I probably looked at Buzzfeed Jonah Hill: One word, Superbad. Two words, ardo Di Caprio. He also seems like a nice guy. a little more than I should have during hilarious. midterm week. Buzzfeed: Sadly my main source of news. But Chili’s (restaurant): One of my family’s also a great way to procrastinate when there’s favorite places to eat. Can’t go wrong with baby Chris Richardson–UC-Davis Men’s homework waiting. back baby back ribs! Water Polo Home Games: One of my favorite parts of being a student- athlete. They definitely give you

TWITTY Tony Azevedo - @WaterPoloTony - Mourning everyone involved in the SB shooting especially ex polo player BANTER #VeronicaWeiss! Ex camper great girl/player! @USAWP @ The latest in the Waterpolo_World world of Twitter - @maggiesteffens - It was such an honor to be nominated for Cutino award! Congrats to @annidries on winning from USA Water Polo & representing such an elite group! #leaveaLegacy Athletes. Be sure to Kaleigh Gilchrist - @KGilchrist15 - China on Saturday... time to get in as many surfs as possible! follow them and Betsey Armstrong - @BetsArmstrong1 Beginning to think this follow us @USAWP. attempt to give up coffee is a horrible, horrible idea...need coffee now

6 USA Water Polo Tournaments Benefitting USA Water Polo National Teams

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Use your USAWP badge or membership card to open an Join our team and start saving today! account with us and we’ll match your www.seaairfcu.org | 1-888-732-2471 initial deposit up to $50.00! Federally insured 800 Seal Beach Blvd., Bldg 12 | Seal Beach, CA 90740 by NCUA WATER POLO TIMES News Briefs USA WATER POLO Stephanie London Krogius Santa Ana YMCA/ Promoted to Chief Segerstrom High School Advancement Officer; Named Official Training Additional Staff Changes Center of Men’s Senior Announced National Team Stephanie London Kro- The Santa Ana Family YMCA has partnered with the Santa Ana Unified gius has been promoted School District and USA Water Polo to make the pool at the Santa Ana to Chief Advancement Family YMCA and Segerstrom High School the official training site of the Officer, USA Water Polo USA Water Polo Men’s National Team. This partnership will run through CEO Christopher Ramsey 2016 and the Summer in , Brazil. “I want announced on March 19. to thank the Santa Ana Unified School District and the YMCA of Orange Krogius, who joined USA County for offering a fantastic training location for our Men’s National Water Polo as Director Team,” said USA Water Polo Men’s National Team Head Coach Dejan of Advancement in the Udovicic. “I look forward to calling the pool at the Santa Ana YMCA and fall of 2012, has made an Segerstrom High School home for the next two years as we prepare for the immediate impact on the 2016 Olympic Games.” philanthropic efforts of the organization, increas- ing the number of annual fund contributions and major gifts by more than 50 percent. “Stephanie has, in a short time, helped Stephanie London Krogius us expand and refine our fundraising efforts,” said Ramsey. “She is a terrific representative for Olympic sport and a great advocate for our athletes, coaches, and officials.” Krogius joined USA Water Polo with more than 15 years of experience in the industry as a professional athlete, collegiate coach, marketer, event manager, and fundraiser. Her career began as a professional player on the WTA tour. After two years on tour, Stephanie transitioned to collegiate coaching (USC and University of Arizona). Interested in moving to the administrative side of sports, Stephanie accepted a position as National Manager for IMG. Since then she has worked with a host of Leaders from USA Water Polo, the Santa Ana Unified School District, and entities in the industry, including the UC Irvine Athletic Department, the the YMCA of Orange County posed for a picture with athletes from the Segerstrom High School water polo programs after announcing the school’s United States and Orange County Community Tennis Associations, and pool as official training site for the Men’s Senior National Team. most recently Quiksilver, Inc. ‘The Santa Ana Unified School District and the Santa Ana YMCA will be In other hires and promotions, Layla Behzadian was promoted to Mem- tremendous partners for us,” said Christopher Ramsey, USA Water Polo bership and Events Manager; Annalece Montgomery was hired as Mar- Chief Executive Officer. “They not only have excellent facilities, but they keting Coordinator; Yiyon Lee was hired as Receptionist/Administrative understand what’s necessary to support winning programs. For our part, Assistant, and Jake Mater was hired as Video Producer. we are delighted to be in a campus environment where the energy of the Behzadian joined USA Water Polo in November of 2012 as the Mem- student body will create a very positive vibe. With our women training bership Events Coordinator and has been an integral part of the Sport at Los Alamitos and our men at Segerstrom HS/Santa Ana YMCA, we Development Team at USA Water Polo. Montgomery spent time as an believe we have secured the necessary stability to make our best showing intern at USA Water Polo before being hired full-time to supplement the at the 2016 Olympic Games.” “The Santa Ana Unified School District is organization’s marketing efforts. Lee also spent time as an intern at USA thrilled about the partnership with the USA Men’s Water Polo Olympic Water Polo, assisting in a variety of areas before joining in a permanent Team and the YMCA and the educational and social opportunities that it capacity. Last but not least, Mater joins USA Water Polo to head up the will provide our students,” said Rick Miller, Ph.D., Superintendent of the ever-expanding video production efforts, coming aboard after time spent Santa Ana Unified School District. with Boost Marketing in Wheaton, IL. ‘This is an impressive quartet of talent in our organization who are tak- ing on pivotal roles in the day-to-day success of USA Water Polo,” said Ramsey. “I’m excited to see Layla continue her growth in the sport devel- opment department and welcome Annalece, Yiyon, and Jake to the team in a full-time capacity.”

8 News Briefs WATER POLO TIMES

Prewitt was the assistant principal USA Water Polo Mourns the at DeAnza Academy of Technology and Arts, a position he held for Loss of Veronika Weiss and the past three years. Before that he taught social studies at Foot- Chris Prewitt hill Technology High School and Veronika Weiss, a long- coached the girls water polo team time USA Water Polo at Buena High School. member, athlete with “I am heartbroken,” Arriaga said. LA Water Polo, and “The entire Ventura Unified School member of the Westlake District shares my sentiment.” Village High School Arriaga said guidance counselors water polo team, passed will be on campus Monday to help away as a result of the take care of the staff members and shootings in Santa Bar- students. The same counseling Chris Prewitt bara in May. Below is services were offered to Buena and an excerpt from the Los Foothill high schools. Angeles Times. “His impact is everlasting,” she said. On the water polo team at Westlake High Prewitt played for the Buena High water polo team when he was a School, which she student there. He continued his water polo career at Ventura College. graduated from, the Veronkia Weiss (left) competed for the Westlake “He had this ability to bring out the best in his teammates,” said coach always put her Village High School water polo team. She passed Larry Baratte, former water polo coach at Ventura College. as the defense player away in the shootings in Santa Barbara, CA this past May. (photo courtesy LA Water Polo) Baratte said Prewitt was an “inspiration” to all the people against the top scorer around him. on the opposing team. “He was an individual that just glowed with this extreme positive (Weiss’ father) said she always organized events for her circle of energy,” Baratte said. friends. He described her friends as nerds and serious students. They would study every Friday night and it was not unusual for her to spend Excerpted from the Ventura County Star. Sundays working on her advanced math work. “She loved it,” he said. He described her as being gregarious. She liked to laugh a lot, he said. She was loud and “she made everybody else laugh.” USA Men and Women ‘She was happy all the time,” he added. She graduated high school with a 4.3 GPA. Take Gold in China The USA Men picked up Gold at the FINA Intercontinental Tournament He said she would sometimes visit him at his office in Newbury Park. held earlier this spring in China. The USA Men qualified for the FINA She would just come over spontaneously and bring him lunch and they would eat together. “Who does that? How many high school kids are World League Super Final with their first-place finish as they topped thoughtful like that and want to spend time with their parents?” Brazil 11-7 in the final. The team went undefeated in the week of action, earning two wins over Brazil and China and one victory over Japan. He said he doesn’t know what happened Friday night but he does know that Veronika would have put herself in harm’s way to help her The USA Women earned their eighth FINA World League Super Final friends or even the young man who shot her. “She always reacted to crown in early June in Kunshan, China. The USA Women topped Italy a situation quickly. She always wanted to help. She was very coura- 10-8 in the championship game that capped an undefeated week. After geous.” topping Russia in a shootout to open the tourney, Team USA beat every opponent by at least two goals. The women earned victories over Russia, “She will be an inspiration to me every day of my life,” he said. Canada, Spain, Brazil, Australia, and Italy. “There was never a day I wasn’t proud of her. Never a single day.” Also hurt in the attack was University of the Pacific men’s water polo player Nick Pasichuke. He is recovering from injuries. In April, water polo player and coach Chris Prewitt passed away after being hit by a car while jogging. A silver medalist at the 1997 Deaflym- pics, Prewitt was anssistant principal at DeAnza Academy of Technology and Arts. “The loss of Chris Prewitt is a loss to the entire community,” said Trudy Tuttle Arriaga, superintendent of the Ventura Unified School District. Arriaga said Prewitt was “the most positive, genuinely happy” person. “He had a unique way of spreading his love of life,” she said. The USA Women’s Senior National Team picked up another gold medal at the FINA World League Super Final this past June in China.

usawaterpolo.org 9 ReCaps USA WATER POLO FIRST FISHER CUP TITLE FOR BRUIN A new champion was crowned at the Fisher Cup at UC-San Diego in 2014 when Bruin defeated The Olympic Club 6-5. The victory marked the first-ever Fisher Cup title for Bruin. Anthony Daboub and Gordon Marshall each scored two goals to lead the Bruin attack while Garrett Danner went the distance in net for the victory. Balazs Erdelyi led the Olympic Club with two goals. all photos courtesy Kel Casey 2014 Fisher Cup Final “We’ve been in tight games before, it was fun, the players Standings are really good, it was really 1 . Bruin good water polo, and I’m just 2 . The Olympic Club glad that we came out on top,” 3 . Stanford Daboub said. 4 . New York Athletic Club In the third-place game, 5 . CORE Stanford battled back late in 6 . Newport the match to topple defending 7 . International Blue champion New York Athletic 8 . Bruin B Club 13-12. For fifth place 9 . Santa Barbara Water Polo Club CORE topped Newport 13-7 10 . UCSD while the seventh-place game 11 . USA B ended with a shootout and In- 12 . Waves ternational Blue edging Bruin 13 . Davis B 13-12. 14 . Mexico In ninth place it was Santa Barbara Water Polo Club defeating UCSD 11-6; USA B topped Waves 15 . International Red 13-9 for 11th place. Rounding out the competition, Davis defeated Mexico 7-4 for 13th place and 16 . Carlsbad International Red bettered Carlsbad 11-7 for 15th place.

10 ReCaps

WATER POLO POWER SERBIA SWEEPS USA MEN IN NOR CAL Fresh off a Gold Medal at the first-ever FINA Intercontinental Tourna- Check out a day in the life from the USA-Serbia series on page 26 ment, the USA Men’s National Team traveled from Shanghai, China to northern California for a four-game series with Serbia. The defending USA-Serbia Results Olympic Bronze Medalists brought their “A” squad to meet the up-and- coming United States team in a series that also featured four different June 4 - Serbia 13 USA 6 - University of the Pacific venues for the matches. Capacity crowds filled the seats at nearly every June 5 - Serbia 4 USA 3 (2 quarters official) - venue on the tour including the University of the Pacific, University of University of California, Davis California, Davis, University of California, Berkeley, and Stanford Uni- June 7 - Serbia 18 USA 15 - University of California, Berkeley versity. Team USA would fall in each of the matches but gained valuable June 8 - Serbia 16 USA 11 - Stanford University experience from a week of training and competing against the world’s best. The squad also had the opportunity to call up several young athletes for their first opportunities with the Senior National Team. USA Men’s Senior National Team For complete recaps of each match, be sure to visit the Men’s Senior Na- Roster - 2014 Serbia Series tional Team page on USAWaterPolo.org. A special thank you to our hosts (Hometown/School/USAWP Club) at each venue and the fans for supporting Team USA. A portion of ticket proceeds from each match went to Serbian flood relief. A donation link McQuin Baron - (North Tustin, CA/Mater Dei HS/United) can also be found at USAWaterPolo.org. Conner Cleary - Defender (Goleta, CA/Stanford/Stanford) Watch a replay of every USA-Serbia Nolan McConnell - Attacker (L) (Laguna Beach, CA/Long Beach State/SET) - Center (Stockton, CA/Pacific/Sac Polo) match by visiting YouTube.com/USAWP Jackson Kimbell - Defender (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/Newport WPC) - Attacker (Santee, CA/Stanford/Stanford) - Attacker (Huntington Beach, CA/Stanford/Stanford) - Attacker (Villa Park, CA/UCLA/NYAC) Michael Rosenthal - Attacker (Miami, FL/USC/NYAC) - Center (Newport Beach, CA/California/NYAC)^ Jon Sibley - Goalkeeper (Lafayette, CA/California/Lamorinda) Danny McClintick - Attacker (Agoura Hills, CA/UCLA/Bruin) Anthony Daboub - Defender (Newport Beach, CA/UCLA/Bruin) Nick Bell - Attacker (Upland, CA/USC/Foothill)* Nick Bisconti - Center (Atherton, CA/Menlo School (HS)/Stanford)* Nic Carniglia - Defender (Lodi, CA/California/Davis WPC)* Ben Stevenson - Attacker (Reno, NV/Pacific/Team Vegas/Henderson)*

^2012 Olympian *First Senior National Team Event all photos courtesy Kelley L. Cox

usawaterpolo.org 11 ReCaps USA WATER POLO

USA WATER POLO ODP NATIONAL TEAM SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED: The 2014 USA Water Polo Olympic Development Program Pipeline up the Men’s and Women’s Youth, Cadet, and Developmental National Teams have been announced. The athletes, selected at the conclusion of Teams. Specific tournament and travel rosters will be selected from these the recently completed National Training & Selection Camps, will make group as warranted for various competitions.

Women’s Youth National Team Women’s Cadet National Team Last Name First Name Zone Pos Grade Club Team Last Name First Name Zone Pos Grade Club Team Brooks Mary CEN A 12 Santa Barbara Butler Madisonne CEN C-L 10 Stockton WP Gudmundsson Dagmar CEN U 11 SET Martin McKenna CEN C 10 American River Garabet Sabrina CST A 9 Foothill Golding Caitlin CEN G 10 SOAK Grab Devin CST A 12 Rose Bowl Snyder Sarah CEN A 10 Clovis Longan Amanda CST G 11 SB Holcomb Devin CST D 10 Foothill Van Brande Helena CST G 12 South Coast Espinoza Nicole CST D 10 Rose Bowl Eichelberger Emilia HAW G 10 Hawaiian Islands Bogle Georgia CST A 9 Rose Bowl Dudley Katie MW C 12 Moose Water Polo Hurst Jenna CST A 10 Rose Bowl Liebowitz Alexis PAC A 9 680 Hauschild Paige CST A 9 Santa Barbara Seidemann Natalie PAC C 12 Diablo Furano Ally NE A 9 Greenwich Aquatics Jensen Annika PAC D 12 Diablo O’Reilly Madison NE A-L 9 Greenwich Aquatics Klass Kat PAC U 11 680 Johnston MJ PAC A/U 9 680 Drivers Berggren Madison PNW A 11 Tualatin Hills WPC Ponce Alana PNW A 9 Seattle Water Polo Avalos Kacey SPA A 12 SoCal Shabb Hannah PNW A/U 10 Seattle Water Polo Borkovec Cara SPA A 12 SET Blake Abaigeal SPA C 10 SOCAL Daboub Brianna SPA A 12 Regency Thawley Grace SPA C-L 8 SOCAL Sanchez Maddie SPA A 12 Elite Reyes Christina SPA C 9 Elite WP Tyler Kelsey SPA A 10 Xtreme Water Polo Parker Holly SPA G 10 SET Wan Haley SPA A 12 SoCal Jones Morgan SPA G 10 Elite Angermund Alexis SPA C 12 HB Clyde Savannah SPA G 10 SET McCutcheon Amber SPA C 10 SET Damato Madalyn SPA D 10 SET Blubaugh SPA D 12 Regency Constandse Kayla SPA D 10 United Raney Jordan SPA D 12 HB Lynton Delayne SPA D 10 Elite Whitelegge Rachel SPA D 11 Newport Ayala Valerie SPA A 8 SOCAL Fischer Aria SPA U 9 SET Baldridge Bella SPA A-L 9 SET Manzella Cana SPA U 11 SoCal Cousineau Alaina SPA A 10 SET Kapana Carlee SPA G 11 Newport Prentice Tara SPA A/D 10 Elite Fischer Makenzie SPA U 11 SET Salvini Mia SPA A 10 SET Musselman Maddie SPA A 10 CDM Selin Natalie SPA A 10 SET Stefan Sophia CST A 11 Rose Bowl Woodruff Callie SW C 9 Viper Pigeon Head Coach: Marcelo Leonardi, Assistant Coach: Ethan Damato Head Coach: Natalie Benson, Assistant Coach: Chris Lee Assistant Coach: Coralie Simmons, Team Manager: Jen Gudmundsson Assistant Coach: Kristin McKown, Team Manager: Linda Wright

12 ReCaps

USA WATER POLO ODP NATIONAL TEAM SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED: Women’s Developmental National Team Men’s Youth National Team Last Name First Name Zone Pos Grade Club Team Last Name First Name Zone Pos Grade Club Team Carlson Hayden CST A 8 Rose Bowl Carniglia Nicholas CEN A 12 Lodi Fraipont Genevieve CST A 7 Rose Bowl Parrish Blake CST D 11 Santa Barabara Hurst Sydney CST U 8 Rose Bowl Raede Raphael CST C 10 Premier Legaspi Amanda CST U 8 Foothill Club Mactavish Duncan CST C 10 Palos Verdes McCullough Kathryn CST A 8 Rose Bowl Maier Matt CST D 10 Foothill Williams Rylee CST A 8 Foothill Stewart Austin CST A 11 Foothill Wahl Borden NE A 8 Greenwich Aquatics Wilson Ryan CST A 11 LAWPC Banks Zoe PAC G 8 Stanford Hooper Johnny CST A 11 Premier Broad Carson PAC A 8 680 Snyder Warren CST D 12 Premier Davis Madison PAC G 7 680 Farrar Spencer CST A 11 LAWPC Drake Katrina PAC A 8 Diablo Staresinic Max NEZ U 11 Pittsburgh Halvorson Drew PAC D 8 680 Bouscaren Travis NEZ U 12 Crimson Johnson Ava PAC C 8 Diablo Bunn Nicholas NEZ A 11 Tiger Aquatics WP Roemer Jewel PAC C 6 Diablo Bisconti Nick PAC C 11 Stanford Savar Skylar PAC D 8 680 Kessler David PAC D 11 Lamorinda Tehaney Grace PAC C 8 680 Gordon Conrad PNW G 10 Rain city Trujillo Jolie PAC C 8 680 Stanchi Marco PNW C 11 Rain Larkin Laura PSW A 8 Del Mar Hoerman Bryce PSW D 12 Del Mar Luy Ashley SE A 8 Storm Water Polo Club Goldenberg Eric SE A 11 SFWPC Harbilas Chloe SPA A 8 CDM Schmidt Andres SE D 10 Plantation WPC Kresich Nicole SPA A 8 United Van De Velde Jonathan SPA G 11 United Lynch Jessica SPA A 8 Socal Wolf Alex SPA G 11 HBWPC Rozolis-Hill Julia SPA C 8 Laguna Beach Lott Adam SPA C 10 Socal Stamen Madison SPA A 8 Socal Sanders Jake SPA D 12 United Tharp Erin SPA G 8 CDM Slobodien Samuel SPA D 11 OC Walsh Thea SPA G 8 Laguna Beach Stein Grant SPA A 12 CHAWP Wijnbelt Noelle SPA U 8 Socal Inoue Kent SPA A 12 United Castillo Jordan SW D 8 W Houston Water Polo Wojciechowski Ethan SPA A 9 Vanguard Head Coach: Adam Roth, Assistant Coach: Todd Halvorson Williams Bennett SPA A 10 OCWPC Team Manager: Lori Verdegaal Silvers Nick SPA A 11 United Asic Marko SPA A 11 OCWPC Ritter Lucas SPA A 11 Elite Pyrch Austin SW G 11 Thunder WPC Simenc Timothy SW A 11 St. Mark’s WPC Head Coach: Alex Rodriguez, Assistant Coach: Ivan Ivovic Assistant Coach: Brian Flacks, Team Manager: Mark St. John

usawaterpolo.org 13 ReCaps USA WATER POLO

Men’s Cadet National Team Men’s Developmental National Team Last Name First Name Zone Pos Grade Club Team Last Name First Name Zone Pos Grade Club Team Orrick Josh CEN C 9 Davis Hepp Henry Coastal C 8 Santa Barbara Wright Cameron CEN A 9 Davis Donahue William Coastal D 8 Foothill Milicivic Luka CST C 10 Rose Bowl Arias Aaron Coastal D 8 LAWPC Ehrhardt Jake CST D 8 Santa Barbara Krutonog Samuel Coastal G 8 Premier Travisano Chase CST L 9 Foothill Behm Calvin NEZ C 8 Pittsburgh Schridde Miles CST L 9 Rose Bowl Lewis John NEZ A 8 Chelsea Piers WP Lewis Ethan HAW G 10 Hawaiian Island Chambliss Mason Pacific D 7 680 Bittick Josh HAW L 10 Lejardin Hanson Spencer Pacific A 8 SHAQ Cole Adam MTN A 9 Colorado WP Stone Jake Pacific A 7 Lamorinda Creed Duncan PAC G 8 Lamorinda Rethans Anthony Pacific G 8 Golden State WP Woodhead Dylan PAC D 10 SHAQ Roland Daniel Pacific G 8 SHAQ Stevens Cole PAC A 10 CC United Molina Joseph Sopac C 8 SOCAL Abramson Tyler PAC L 9 Lamorinda Zaan Garrett Sopac C 8 Vanguard Gordon Jake PNW A 8 Rain City Loth Warren Sopac C 7 Vanguard Nelson Spencer PSW C 9 Del Mar Westerman Jackson Sopac C 8 Newport Beach LaGrange Zach PSW D 10 SD Shores Simpson Quinn Sopac D 8 Vanguard Elig Evan PSW A 10 SD Shores Tucker Andrew Sopac D 8 Vanguard Blyashov Dennis PSW A 9 Del Mar Reagan Cameron Sopac D 7 Vanguard Milton Cooper PSW A 10 Del Mar Seybold Jackson Sopac A 8 Regency Thorne Gabriel SPA G 10 Elite Cavano Jacob Sopac A 8 Vanguard Saunders Patrick SPA G 9 Vanguard Kacura Matthew Sopac A 8 Vanguard Benson Wyatt SPA C 8 Vanguard Watson Jacob Sopac A 8 Vanguard Rawlings Hudson SPA C 10 Elite Minsterman Ian Sopac A 7 Newport Beach Osbourne Quinten SPA C 9 Vanguard Hanson Kai Sopac A 8 Irvine Kahuna Duncan Sean SPA C 10 Regency Reid Jack Sopac A 7 Newport Beach Dompke Jason SPA D 9 Vanguard Haddad Cooper Sopac A 6 Vanguard Lule Elias SPA D 10 Vanguard Grew Jason Sopac A 8 Newport Beach Johnson Kyle SPA D 11 Elite Tran Matthew Sopac G 8 North Irvine Robert Matthew SPA A 9 Vanguard Head Coach: Bryan Lynton, Assistant Coach: Brian Anderson Molthen Ash SPA L 8 Vanguard Assistant Coach: Miguel Figueras, Team Manager: Dave Merryman Head Coach: , Assistant Coach: Zac Koerner Assistant Coach: Drew Clute, Team Manager: Tim Daniel

14 ReCaps

RIVERSIDE HOSTS FIRST EVER FINA INTERCONTINENTAL TOURNAMENT;

By Lauren Scholz Australia Takes Gold photos courtesy Mark Felix and Carlos Delgado Team USA stood out as a solid, young, and diverse squad at the 2014 FINA Women’s Intercontinental Water Polo Tournament hosted at the Riverside Aquatics Complex from May 19 through 25. With two high school players on the roster, Team USA proved that age doesn’t mean anything but power to this team. In its first game versus Japan, Team USA came out with in- tensity. Kami Craig and Priscilla Orozco helped score goals in the first quarter to set the tone. In the third quarter USA expanded its lead with goals from Kaleigh Gilchrist, Maddie Musselman, and Colleen O’Donnell. USA took the win with a 14-5 victory. USA obtained their second win over Kazakhstan. Within the first three minutes of the first quarter, USA had a 3-0 lead. Throughout USA played unselfishly and communicated -ef fectively resulting in 10 players scoring goals. USA not only took a 16-5 win, but also readied toface rival Canada in a tie for first place the next day. The Australia Women’s National Team outlasted Team USA to win gold at the first ever FINA Intercontinental Tournament. Rivalry was indeed in the water on Thursday, May 22. USA and Canada squared off in an exciting, back-and-forth christ tied the game with two goals. The third quarter featured multiple match. Canada took a 2-0 lead after the first quarter, but that didn’t stop goals for each team. By the end of the fourth quarter, USA had risen above USA from responding. In the fourth quarter, Kaleigh Gilchrist and Pris- China, winning 14-10. USA’s goalie, EB Keeve, was a big factor on defense cilla Orozco answered Canada with two straight goals to tie the game 8-8. with 10 saves. With less than three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter both USA Sunday showcased the tournament’s final game—USA versus Australia for and Canada scored to a shootout—and Team USA came out on top the Gold Medal. In the first quarter, Australia had taken a 3-1 lead. Col- with a 12-11 victory. leen O’Donnell was the first to score for USA. And this low-scoring match In Friday’s match, USA trounced Venezuela for a 17-1 victory. USA boasted would continue in this vein. With two minutes left in the third quarter, 11 different goal scorers, and four players scored multiple goals. The two USA’s Jillian Kraus tied the game at 5-5. But late in the fourth quarter Aus- youngest girls on USA’s team—Makenzie Fischer and Madeline Mussel- tralia scored twice and won the game 7-5 and with it, the gold medal. Since man —are both still in high school and both scored to help the team win both Australia and USA finished in the final four, each qualified for the its fourth consecutive match. FINA World League Super Final. In the last game of the night on Saturday, USA took on China, which came Watch all the USA matches from Riverside out strong in the first quarter with a 2-0 lead. But then USA’s Kaleigh Gil- by visiting YouTube.com/USAWP usawaterpolo.org 15 ReCaps USA WATER POLO Olympic Club Takes Top Billing At Masters National Championship The 2014 Masters National Championship returned to Irvine, CA, this past June at the William Woollett Aquatic Center. Teams in 12 age divi- sions captured Gold Medals, led by Olympic Club of San Francisco with four of its teams winning it all. See below for medal finishers in each age division. For complete results, visit USAWaterPolo.org Men’s 20+ Men’s 40+ Women’s 50+ 1. Olympic Club A 1. Sunset 1. Fighting Flamingos 2. International Red 2. Darkside 2. Soda Moms 3. Alumni WPC 3. Olympic Club 3. Calgary Women’s 20+ Women’s 40+ 1. Bruin 1. Grayhairs Men’s 55+ WOMEN’S 20+ BRUIN WOMEN’S 2. OC Riptide 2. Sunset 1. Santa Barbara 3. Olympic Club 3. OMBAC 2. Sharks 3. KAOS Centurions Men’s 30+ Men’s 45+ 1. Olympic Club 1. Bruin Men’s 60+ 2. Bay Area Masters 2. Sunset 1. Old Mission Bay 2. Sunset 3. Bay Area Masters 2. Santa Barbara Masters Women’s 30+ Men’s 50+ 3. KAOS Aquarians 1. Olympic Club 1. Olympic Club 2. OC Riptide 2. Santa Barbara Men’s 65+ 3. Central Heat 3. KAOS 1. Ancient Mariners 2. H2O Oldies MEN’S 30+ OLYMPIC CLUB OLYMPIC 30+ MEN’S 2014 MASTERS2014 CHAMPIONSHIP NATIONAL RESULTS MEN’S 20+ OLYMPIC CLUB A CLUB 20+ OLYMPIC MEN’S WOMEN’S 30+ OLYMPIC CLUB OLYMPIC 30+ WOMEN’S

16 ReCaps Check out highlights from the 2014 Masters National Championships by visiting YouTube.com/USAWP all photos courtesy Jonathan Moore MEN’S 40+ SUNSETMEN’S WOMEN’S 50+ FIGHTING FLAMINGOS FIGHTING 50+ WOMEN’S WOMEN’S 40+ GRAYHAIRS WOMEN’S MEN’S 55+ SANTA BARBARA SANTA 55+ MEN’S MEN’S 45+ BRUIN MEN’S MEN’S 60+ OLD MISSION BAY OLD MISSION 60+ MEN’S MEN’S 50+ OLYMPIC CLUB OLYMPIC 50+ MEN’S MEN’S 65+ ANCIENT MARINERS ANCIENT 65+ MEN’S

usawaterpolo.org 17 Session One: July 25th Session Two: July 30th USA Water Polo

Schedule of Events: Junior Olympics 12:00 p.m. JO Expo Opens- Free for all to attend Ticket Sales, Program Sales, Merchandise and Sponsor Tables EXPO 12:00-1:00 p.m. The College Quest- Captain U DoubleTree by Hilton - San Jose 1:00-3:30 p.m. College Coach Meet & Greet- 2050 Gateway Place Various Collegiate Coaches San Jose, CA 925112 1:15-2:15 p.m. Triple Impact Competitor “Elevating your game"- PCA Please join us! 4:00 p.m. JO EXPO Closes For more information, visit: 4:00-6:00 p.m. Coaches Meeting www.usawaterpolo.org I AM WATER POLO Two-sport Olympian. Pro triathlete. Sports broadcaster. Teacher. Julie Ertel is water polo.

Water Polo provides skills and experiences that last a lifetime, preparation for achieving your dreams... whatever they may be.

Are you water polo? Join the Cap Campaign. Learn more at: iamwaterpolo.org

Image by Larsen&Talbert Photographed at MiLK Studios-LA Things To Know Before You Go: 2014 Edition The 2014 Junior Olympics return to Northern California this summer and the San Jose/Palo Alto area. Last year SkipShot magazine gave you some important tips for competing in the world’s largest water polo tournament. We brought them back this year with some help from 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist . In advance of the competition once again here 10 Things to Bring 2. Sunscreen: Not a single pool at Junior are some fun tips to remember—things to Olympics is indoors. Combine that with mid- bring, places to eat, sights to see, and more. 1. Identification: Sure everybody back home summer sun, and that’s a recipe for sunburn. We’ll leave the Xs and Os to your coaches. knows you’re Steve, and you always wear #7, Make sure you load up on sunscreen and reap- Good luck out there! and you love Cheetos, but at JOs we’ll need ply it throughout the day. Once in the morning you to prove it. Make sure you have proper won’t cut it over a full day of matches. identification (see box on right) Five of the Best Places to Get a Burrito Five Tips For JOs From breakfast burritos to California burritos, we all have our favorites. So whether you prefer authentic Mexican burritos or one from a fast-food joint, burrito From Olympic connoisseurs know the right places to find the perfect one to feed your precise burrito Gold Medalist need. Which is why we have the list of the area’s best places just for you! Jessica Steffens Before Jessica Steffens was winning an Olympic Gold Medal with the USA Women’s National Team she was USA Water Polo club athlete competing in three Junior Olympics. Here are some of her tips for suceeding in the JOs. Good Luck! 1. Protect yourself! If you have a mouth guard, wear it. Once I started using a mouth guard, my confidence skyrocketed because I was no longer distracted by physical games. And wear sunscreen; JOs is about outlasting your opponents, so don’t be the 1. Iguana’s (Downtown San Jose) The food is handcrafted with love and care teammate who complains when someone touches your sunburned skin—embarrassing! every day. And it’s home to the Burritozilla featured on Travel Channel’s Man v. Food Have pride in your sport by coming prepared and protected to play. Nation. The five-pound, 18-inch monstrosity will certainly fill you—and your friends! 2. Bring snacks and hydrate! Give yourself the best opportunity to succeed by 2. La Victoria Taqueria, a.k.a. LaVics (San Jose) Since it’s close to San Jose giving your body the water and healthy food it needs to perform. Keeping pistachios State University, it’s open until 2 a.m. The pride-and-joy of this place is the orange and bars on hand at all times prevents the hunger bug from distracting you during the sauce. It’s often imitated but never duplicated—and perfect for meat lovers and tournament. It also protects you from reaching for an unhealthy snack that will zap your vegans, so go ahead and smother that burrito in it. And don’t bother asking for the energy—we don’t need that! To hydrate, make a team-reusable water bottle you can fill at top-secret orange sauce recipe. the drinking fountains. Reduce, reuse and recycle—water is important to our sport, so do 3. Adelita’s Taqueria (San Jose, Cambrian Park) Looking for authentic your part to conserve it. Mexican burritos? Look no further! Adelita’s is the top stop for authentic burritos 3. Mentally prepare! If you’re not thinking about your team’s strategy before and with extensive vegan and vegetarian options. The salsa verde is highly rated, and the during games, you won’t be prepared for the twists and turns of the sport. You owe it to atmosphere isn’t overbearing (i.e., you can sit and enjoy your burritos in peace). your team to have your head in the game—be there. #mentaltoughness 4. The Treehouse (Stanford) This place lives off variety. From Indian to Thai to 4. Represent your team well! Have pride in your team and remember that at JOs Mexican, this joint has the burrito to fit your cravings. Kale & Sweet Potato Burrito? someone is always watching. Wear your with pride, play with pride, and show Got it. Chana Masal Burrito? You know it. Starvin’ Student Burrito? So cheap and so your teammates and opponents you respect the game and the sport. #waterpolo good! Oh and they have the Morning Glory Breakfast Burrito, too. Drooling yet? 5. Compete as a team! No one player can win a game at JOs; this tournament is 5. Beckman Bistro (Stanford Campus) A little hidden gem. If you’re feeling about playing as a team. You may never get the chance to play with these teammates extra hungry, go ahead and order your burrito “mojado style,” which basically means again, so make sure to play tough together and laugh together. Enjoy the moment! #team your burrito and chips will be drenched in cheese and salsa and come with a fine dollop of guacamole and sour cream.

20 3. Your Manners: Just like our friends at 7. Camera/Pictures: In the event you don’t the Positive Coaching Alliance say, “Honor take every photo on your phone, bring a cam- Important—photo the game and your opponents.” This means era. Either way don’t forget to document your everyone—athletes, coaches, , and team taking part in Junior Olympics. When ID required for all spectators—respecting each other. posting photos to Twitter and Instagram, participants 4. Water/Snacks: You’ll want to stay hydrated make sure you tag @USAWP so we can share throughout Jos, and you’re bound to get your images. hungry. Don’t forget your water bottle…and to 8. GPS/Navigation: You don’t get to be the The following photo IDs will keep it filled. Bring healthy snacks when you’re world’s largest water polo tournament without be accepted: in game mode (save grandma’s snicker doodles using a lot of pools. So know your 880 from for post- competition). your 101 and bring a GPS Navigation device to * USAWP Membership ID card— 5. Rally Gear/Club T-Shirts: Nothing says we make sure your team doesn’t get lost. with current photo of athlete mean business like matching T-shirts. While 9. “Thank You” to Coaching Staff: Your (temporary cards accepted) not a requirement, team T-shirts are a great coaches worked hard to get you ready for way to support your squad and your club. Junior Olympics. From the first day of practice * Driver’s license Many bring a variety of age groups to JOs. to qualification, they’ve been there every step Done with your 16U game? Put on your club of the way. Win or lose, it’s a nice idea to say * School ID w/photo T-shirt and cheer on the 14U squad. thank you when the games are over. * Color copy of passport photo 6. Music/Headphones/Books/Magazines: 10. Your Best: You and your team worked Help pass the down time between games with hard to get to the Junior Olympics—now show page—original document not some music and reading. This can also come in everyone what you’re made of. Now’s the time required handy on your way to and from the pool—just to be at your best and see if you can’t end up on take care that your electronics and books don’t that podium stand. No matter what happened * U.S. Immigration documents get too close to the water. last summer, everyone here has a shot to be the best, so make the most of it. Junior Olympics Schedule and Results: http://usawaterpolo.org/junior-olympics/ JO Expo Information: http://www.usawaterpolo.org/junior-olympics/jo-expo.html Five Things to Do When You Don’t Have a Game The Junior Olympics will certainly keep you busy but in case there is some downtime for you or your family attending the world’s largest water polo tournament, some of these activities might be of interest. 1. Visit Stanford Campus This beautiful campus will play host to many championship games and it features the Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, Cantor Arts Center, Stanford Shopping Center, and the Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve. Also USA Water Polo’s National Teams carry many current and alumni players such as Tony Azevedo and Lolo Silver. So don’t forget to take a peek at the Aquatic Complex! 2. Great America Park Bring the whole family and teammates for roller coasters, live entertainment, and dining. The Knott’s Berry Farm-owned theme park is off the 101 North heading toward San Francisco. 3. Hiking For some fun outdoor exercise, San Jose offers many trails for all kinds of hikers. Almaden Quicksilver County Park sports stellar views of the San Jose area on fine trails—plus there’s free parking and clean restrooms with plenty of sun and foliage. 4. Museum of American Heritage Some of its permanent exhibits include Early 20th Century Kitchen, 1920’s General Store, The Marshall Mathews Garage, Print Shop, and The Ruth Bell Memorial Garden. This Palo Alto institution’s mission is to show the evolution, influence, and relevance of historic innovations to technology, as well as to our past and present societies. For more information visit MOAH.org. 5. SAP Center San Jose’s ultimate entertainment spot. From sporting events such as Sharks and Sabercats arena his arena holds many big to live concerts, it has something for everybody. Check the events schedule at sapcenteratsanjose.com/events before you come to town.

usawaterpolo.org 21 In His Own Words: Water Polo Standout Ian Supra’s Battle With Cancer By Ian Supra Earlier this year USA Water Polo to play water polo with him. I had no idea what that put us in the state finals and made us member and Dr. Phillips High it was, only hearing a mention of it during capable to advance to the final four. Think of School (Florida) star Ian Supra swim season in the fall. But I decided to give it it: My very first year I was on one of the best was diagnosed with a serious form a try since one of my best friends was doing it. teams in the state and got to play alongside All-Americans Jack Orchard—who now plays Once I got to the pool I noticed a few familiar of cancer. Facing immediate treat- for the Naval Academy—and Ryan Staton. I faces from swim season, a few of whom were ment and mounting medical bills, was so inspired by how great they were. But neighbors, and a few friends from middle the water polo community rallied to they were just two of more than a dozen other school. But the most amazing part of practice assistant the young athlete known teammates who pushed me to endure the that day was the hype among the others to toughest drills and train as hard as I could. as SupraMan. In just a couple of finally play water polo after a long, grueling Luckily my hard work paid off. I was named months nearly $100,000 was raised swim season. It was as if water polo was the Rookie of the Year and even scored 36 goals. for his support. Here’s Supra in reward for surviving swim season—and I soon I was completely in love with the sport after his own words on his journey from realized how true that is. Scoring goals was my award and getting to be a part of such an everyday high school water polo much more exciting than swimming laps until amazing team. But if I was going to continue player to cancer fighter—and the your limbs fall off! amazing outpouring that’s come to play, I didn’t want to settle for 36 goals—I But I quickly learned water polo is not all fun wanted to score four times that number and his way. and games from my coach Leo Ramirez. We be the best in the state (the country, for that Water polo is absolutely the greatest sport. I put in loads of work. My very first day I was matter). I decided to play all throughout the remember the first time I played. I had just introduced to the dirty dozen—a treacherous summer and even attend a water polo camp at been cut from my high school team, drill that involves numerous lunges, push-ups, the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. so my best friend Nik Lachinski convinced me get-outs, and sprints. But it’s those drills Water polo had become my life—and little did I know swimming was about to become my other life. In the last three years I’ve gone from Rookie of the Year to All-American and from amateur swimmer to finishing as high as third in the state finals. I hold three school records for swimming. I’m a four-year varsity letter holder for both sports. I was team captain for both sports, and we made it to the state finals for both sports the last three years. And this year, my senior year, was going to be the one that would see us win the water polo state championship. I had worked so hard the previous three years for this moment. My club team, YCF, had just won the Lake Brantley Tournament a week before the high school sea- son was set to begin. My teammates and I were

22 psyched from our win and proud ments and torture yet. I’ll have time to call ourselves champions. This to enjoy my water polo banquet, threw gasoline on the flame in our senior walkout, and graduation. I hearts to become state champs. can’t wait to treat myself for putting Everything was perfect; I had my up with hell. best friends playing with me. Nik Now as I look back on my life, I realize Lachinski in goal and Evan Staton that everything I’ve ever done and in the field with me. But then one thing everyone I’ve ever met all was for a reason. I stopped me from my dream of winning a am just now learning why certain things have state championship--cancer. happened—like why I have cancer. On January 29, I was diagnosed with Stage IV I, Ian Supra, have cancer so I can inspire oth- I never could have imagined how supportive esophageal and liver cancer. I couldn’t believe ers going through the same thing—or just any USA Water Polo could be. I’ve received it; I didn’t want to accept it. I was going to obstacle in general—so that they know they personal emails from legendary Olympians have to miss my senior year of water polo and are not alone and there is someone out there such as Tony Azevedo, , and the opportunity to win a state championship. I rooting for them. I’ve learned that you must . Just having living legends was absolutely dejected. live your life full of love and no regrets; life is reaching out like that is epic to me! I dream too short too worry. And as I look back upon How do I have cancer? How could this happen that one day I can be as good as them. Water my senior year, I realize I never would have to me? Am I going to be okay? These thoughts polo has reached out not just on a national taken any of it back. Although I didn’t win flooded my brain. The moment I heard the scale, but also in special ways inside the state the state championship, it’s okay. words “You have cancer” my life seemed to of Florida. Rival teams have shown their My boys finished third in stop—but in those moments I thought of what compassion through donations, letters, gifts, states and I still man- lay ahead for me. Four rounds of chemo, bald- and unending encouragement. But some of aged to play in a few ness, and lots of vomiting. the most supportive people from the water games in between polo community, whom I mentioned only Needless to say I wasn’t excited about the next my treatment briefly before are my coaches Leo Ramirez, few months. But I received a very unexpected schedule—the Jeff Passwater, Natalie Nickson, and Apryle outpouring of love and compassion. most memora- Nickson. They pushed me so hard these past ble being the Within just a few days Team Supra had already four years; I used to question why I go through final match raised several thousand dollars by selling hell during my workouts. I finally learned why. of my high “Supra Strong” wristbands, having bake sales All this time I’ve been preparing and training school career. at school, and through donations. I was so to battle cancer. Without my coaches I would Luckily it touched by this overwhelming support. have never had the courage or strength to ended with a fight so hard. They’ve taught me to never give There are a lot of emotions you experience win over our up and always take on my obstacles with 110 when you have cancer; luckily for me I’ve rival school percent effort. My coaches and teammates managed to experience happiness. The love in the district have become family to me, and I love them to from my family and friends has provided me championship death—and I will play and be an advocate for with more than just happiness though; it has match. I even scored water polo until the day I die. given me the will to fight this unforgiving, two goals! (Not trying insidious disease and stay positive throughout So here I sit, writing these words after four to brag or anything—but the whole ride. rounds of chemo, baldness, and losing they were some pretty Some people in particular I have to thank from vomiting. But it was all worth it. There sweet shots.) has been a massive reduction in the size of publicly for their love, support and compas- Getting cancer also has brought me closer to the tumors. After having five larger spots on sion. My lifelong best friend and brother Rico my friends and family and it’s been part of my liver, presence in my lymph nodes, and a Sisinni; my girlfriend Tina Ashour; another uniting an entire community—an experience horrible looking esophagus, I’m down to no one of my best friends Mateo Mayorga; my sec- I’ll remember forever. ond mothers Carmen Bruner, Ilia Sisinni and presence in the lymph nodes, some residual Athena Staton; my teacher Heather Rodriguez; cancer in my liver, and an almost microscopic Hopefully the next time I write something my teammates, and of course my amazing spot left in my esophagus. I can assure you I like this it will be to tell you how I’m pursuing parents Chris and Jackie Supra. There are so couldn’t contain my happiness when I found my dream of playing collegiate water polo many more people to thank—the list is longer out that yet again my hard work is paying off and how it’s given me the strength to beat than I have room for here. So thank you to and that the Big Man Upstairs has my back. something that had all statistics and odds all who are Team Supra supporters, my other I’m scheduled to begin my fifth and final against me—cancer. brothers and sisters (best friends), and the round of chemotherapy on June 4. This gives entire USA Water Polo community. me time to enjoy my longest break from treat-

usawaterpolo.org 23 BY LAUREN SCHOLZ KEN SMITH: 40 YEARS OF TRAINING HARD,

HAVINGMany coaches strive for theFUN balance between hard& and soft—trainingWINNING hard while having Duke CHAMPIONSHIP University is known for being the most talkative team in the NCAA, and fun. Coach Ken Smith of Punahou High School in Honolulu, Hawaii is knocking that one out Smith was inspired by an article on the subject: “Will They Ever Shut Up?” That helped him of the park with his girls varsity team. Smith has been coaching the team since 1996 with a launch his team’s own brand of good communication during practice so it would manifest in the mantra of “train hard, but have fun.” Smith speaks the truth about water polo. He’s led his girls game. To start they agreed on a vocabulary so there’s no confusion by the choice of words used team to an undefeated season and its seventh straight title at the Stanford Carr Development/ during a game. Also, after practice and games Smith reflects with his players regarding if they HHSAA Girls Water Polo State Championships. talked enough during that game or practice, and other ways they can communicate better with Smith is no stranger to Punahou as he is also the longtime coach of the boy’s water polo one another. team. Earlier this year Smith was treated to a surprise party honoring his 40 years coaching at “It is difficult to put into words how much Ken Smith has meant to both the Punahou the school. While his boy’s teams have had their share of success, as of late the girl’s program program and to me personally. His passion to teach, willingness to learn new things, innate has been nearly unstoppable. It all comes from the Smith style of coaching. ability to make water polo fun and challenging, and balanced coaching philosophy of mind, body, Another key to successful water polo is to know and focus on FUNdamentals, Coach Smith and spirit have fostered many talented water polo players and, more importantly, countless says, so they’ll keep coming back for more. For Saturday practices, the girls run on the beach, great people,” said Maureen Cole, University of Hawaii Women’s Water Polo Head Coach. swim in the ocean, and take boards out for a paddle. To work on hand-eye coordination, Smith A UCLA alumnus, Smith takes inspiration from basketball again by looking toward John not only teaches juggling, but also he invited his coach friend to a practice so the girls Wooden, the school’s legendary coach. When asked about his number one goal for his girls’ could learn combinations between swim sets. team and if it was continuing to win championships, his response was “to quote John Wooden, Coach Smith has no secret to coaching; instead he says, “I want to be a teacher of ‘Success is a journey, not a destination.’ My main goal is to focus on the process.” He also said water polo. Instead of yelling, using profanity, or criticizing, I use the four steps to teaching: that for each game or tournament, the team creates goals such as being the best passing team explanation, demonstration, trying, and repetition.” He strives to teach his core values, among or the best defensive team of night, or being the team with the best communication. Notions them: fundamentals, discipline, and the mindset of “how unselfish can you be?” like these are used as motivation for the team and also to reinforce their core value of “how Smith knows fundamentals must be mastered before moving on to anything else. unselfish can you be?” And to him, discipline comes in different forms. There is discipline outside the pool (e.g., Smith adds that his girls are the products of a broader culture at the high school that’s school, homework, personal lives) and then there is having discipline in the pool. encouraged them to be motivated, smart, and enjoy school and The question of “how unselfish can you be?” is a lingering thought in the girls’ minds their sport. before, during, and after practice. Unselfishness is the pool is manifested in different ways, he Brandon Brooks, UCLA Women’s Water Polo head coach and a Punahou alumni, has this says. One way is by diverting attention from a mistake. With this idea of unselfishness, Smith to say: “Ken Smith is great because he has constantly been willing to mix creative training and ends his practices by asking his players to think about how they helped one another that day. innovative tactics with timeless leadership principles and enthusiasm. He is a great leader and And values carry over—from practice to outside the pool to championship games. teacher and makes getting better fun while challenging teams to be their best. He remains a For a successful team, Coach Smith focuses on giving the girls responsibility and the mentor and friend to me to this day.” power of making their own decisions in game situations. During practice they work on their Coming off an undefeated season and seven championship seasons under his belt, there’s fundamentals along with plays, but he teaches them how to think for themselves and take much to look forward to regarding Smith and his team. charge in the pool. During the games, the girls communicate with each other in making those decisions.

photos courtesy Punahou School

Ken Smith (center) crouches down to deliver The Punahou HS girls celebrate another state championship. instruction to his athletes. 24 CALENDAR 2014 OF EVENTS

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Visit USAWaterPolo.org for complete schedule information with the USA Men’s National Team vs Serbia University of California, Berkeley– June 7, 2014

11:00AM 2:15PM 1:00 PM

4:45PM 3:12PM 3:00PM 3:30PM

11:00am: All is quiet at the Spieker 3:00pm: Team USA and Serbia line 4:15pm: Despite keeping things Aquatics Complex on the campus of up, awaiting the introduction of each close late in the game, Serbia pulls out the University of California, Berkeley. team and the national anthems of their an 18-15 victory over the United States. The course is set for the third match in respective countries. a four-game series with the USA Men’s 4:45pm: After the game, members National Team and Serbia. 3:12pm: The game is underway and of the Men’s National Team get the in a high-scoring match, Team USA’s opportunity to meet with fans, sign 1:00pm: Prior to the start of the McQuin Baron makes a save early on to autographs, take photos, and meet match, USAWP Chief Advancement help the USA defense. with family members. Office Stephanie Krogius holds a barbecue reception with USA Water 3:30pm: After two quarters of play, 5:10pm: Team USA heads back to Polo supporters and members of the Team USA Head Coach Dejan Udovicic the hotel to prepare for its final match Men’s National Team. and Assistant Coach Jack Kocur talk of the series the next afternoon at strategy with the team at halftime. Team Stanford University. 2:15pm: Fans start lining up outside USA battles back from an early deficit to the pool gates waiting for their oppor- keep the match close in the second half. tunity to watch Team USA in action.

26

The Water

Polo Scene The USA Women’s National Team took a selfie at the opening ceremony for the FINA Intercontinental Tournament in Riverside, CA.

The 14U girls of the Newport Beach Water Polo Club Attendees from the USA Water Polo Coach/Referee School held in took home gold at the recent Riverside Bash. Washington. The schools are taking place all across the United States.

Four time Olympic medalist recently met Grumpy Cat who was not impressed with Heather’s hardware.

Members of the Costa Mesa Aquatics Club found some love for water polo on a recent trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

The Otter Bay Water Polo Foundation recently held their first ocean water polo game in Monterey, CA.

photos courtesy of CMAC, Heather Petri, Jim Cullingham, , JP MacDonell, Jen Gudmundsson, Monterey Herald usawaterpolo.org 27 STICKY WHEN WET

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SHOOTING BY ANGELA KRAUS FOR COLLEGE CONSIDERING COLLEGE WATER POLO 2.0 Are you thinking about playing water polo in college? all intercollegiate college sports are governed by the NCAA. Take a look at Navigating the maze of college entrance requirements can the section entitled Student-Athlete Experience to get an overview of the be daunting by itself; overlaying the athletic recruiting eligibility requirements and the process. Lists of all the collegiate men’s process can make it appear overwhelming. But it doesn’t and women’s water polo programs available at schools throughout the have to be that way. United States are on the NCAA website: Over three years ago—in its continuing commitment to provide valuable • Just enter http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_ services to its members—USA Water Polo launched Shooting for College, EMS/NCAA_EMS.html# in the search box of your a column offering advice to demystify the process for students and their computer’s Internet browser. families, hopefully helping to relieve the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies this exciting time in the lives of student-athletes. Building • Click on Sports in the toolbar at the top. on the interest generated by those articles, USAWP has also reached out • When the virtual notebook containing a list of to its membership by sponsoring and hosting live presentations, The Path NCAA Sports appears, “turn” the pages to Fall to College Water Polo, conducted by the author of this column and vari- ous college coaches, in several USAWP zones. These presentations have Sports for men’s water polo and Spring Sports for focused on the academic and athletic preparation needed to become a vi- women’s water polo. able prospective student-athlete and have been enthusiastically received. • Click on your choice—Division I, II, or III—and a Stay tuned for announcements about one in your area. list of programs will pop up. In the meantime, a new group of readers is cycling through the college ap- plication process, and it’s time to update some of the information first pre- sented several years ago. Based upon the many emails and phone calls received from readers, we are delighted this column has become a valuable resource throughout your college- preparation and athletic-recruiting process. Feel free to write if you have any questions. FINDING COLLEGE WATER POLO PROGRAMS Did you know that there are actually lots of schools where you can play collegiate water polo—not just the ones you always hear about (e.g., Stanford, Cal, UCLA, and USC)? Did you know that you don’t have to be an all-CIF championship player or varsity starter to par- ticipate in college sports? But you do have to be academically and athletically prepared to com- pete at the collegiate level. And remember to keep in mind: If playing intercollegiate sports isn’t your goal, have you considered playing club or intramural sports? Begin your collegiate water polo career at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) website (www.eligibilitycenter.org);

30 FROM THE DECK

You’ll be amazed that there are currently 44 collegiate men’s water polo once you’re on a school’s website, search it for majors offered. Compare the programs—22 in Division I programs, seven in Division II, and starting in results of both methods for a comprehensive list of everything available. Fall 2014, 15 in Division III. There are even more women’s programs—62 ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY featuring water polo at the collegiate level: 33 in Division I, 12 in Division II, and starting in Fall 2014, 17 in Division III. You can click on any school To learn about a school’s academic profile, navigate to school’s home page listed and be linked directly to the school’s website for more information to learn about the school—take a virtual tour and look at the admissions about the school and specific programs, including available majors. pages. Be sure to visit the current (or most recently available) freshman academic profile to see where you might slot into the academic community You can also find the list, including coaches’ names and contact informa- based on your grades and standardized test scores. Many colleges, par- tion, on the USA Water Polo website. Visit http://usawaterpolo.org, click ticularly highly selective schools, require athletes to meet their minimum on the community tab, then select College Directory from the dropdown thresholds for admission; those thresholds are usually much higher than menu—or just visit this link http://usawaterpolo.org/community/college- the minimums required for NCAA eligibility and such schools do not directory.html. “dip” for athletes. There are two primary ways to determine if a school offers a desired major The NCAA website advises: “any college-bound student athlete should and water polo program. The broadest search can be performed via the prepare for the academic side of college as though the athletics experience College Search function on the College Board website (https://bigfuture. did not exist.” The message here is to build a solid high school academic collegeboard.org/college-search). This is the same website used to register record—take the most challenging courses you can manage, study hard, for SAT tests. If you haven’t already registered, just complete the online prepare for your standardized tests, and do your best in the classroom. registration and record your login information for future use. Once on Remember, athletics can help open doors, but it doesn’t replace classroom the site, input your search criteria—in this case, major and sport (men’s success or women’s water polo)—and any other desired criteria selected from the toolbar on the left side of the page. Then save your selections, select print QUESTIONS? results at the top right of the page, and see what comes up. Call or write Angela Kraus (Zepfel) at (949) 644-7064 or The broadest form of the search will yield intercollegiate and club pro- [email protected]. grams at two- and four-year public and private schools, so you can narrow it further from there if you like. As noted previously, another approach is

REFerendum WITH JIM CULLINGHAM Greetings all, Referees are instructed to pay particular atten- Referees are instructed to pay particular atten- We have received a tion to this application on the perimeter, given tion to these fouls in the back court, as that’s number of inquiries that how the perimeter is officiated can affect where most of these “tactical fouls” take place. regarding the “New the tone and demeanor of the entire game. Plus, it’s a general guideline that once a team Rules” implemented Another “new” instruction to referees pertains reaches its “front court,” the transition has this year by FINA that have been adopted by to fouls committed by the defense against a finished. Of course any two-hand fouls or hard USA Water Polo as well. team in transition (i.e., counter attack). fouls to slow the offense, regardless of position, will result in Exclusion Fouls. I would like to take this opportunity to address Simply stated, any foul committed by the de- These are just two examples and an attempt to a couple of those concerns. fense with the sole intent of stalling or imped- explain the philosophy and application of these ing the flow of the offensive team on the move First is the instruction to referees that any foul rule interpretations. committed by a defender with the use of two toward its attacking goal shall be addressed hands should be applied as an Exclusion Foul as an Exclusion Foul rather than an Ordinary It may help to remember that all of the “new” rather than an Ordinary Foul. The intent is to Foul. These fouls are often commonly referred rule changes and interpretations are designed promote movement and offense and punish to as “Tactical Fouls” on the part of the defense to promote offense and movement and to make any action taken with the use of two hands to allow it to recover and slow the movement of the game less violent. Player safety is always on the part of a defender to interfere with that the offensive team in Transition. our top priority. movement by whistling an Exclusion Foul. Referees are instructed that once a Transition Have a great summer of competition and This is not necessarily a “New Rule” but rather is pending, the first whistle (i.e., foul) that sim- as always, if you have any questions or con- a reinforcement to referees that they are to ply establishes possession should be addressed cerns about the game in general, refereeing, reward any positive action on the part of the as an Ordinary Foul. or rule interpretation, please contact us at offense. These Exclusion Fouls will include, but However, once a team is in possession and on [email protected]. not be limited to, the use of two hands to grab the move toward its offensive goal, any subse- Thank you again for your time. or hold an offensive player about to receive a quent foul that prohibits or impedes the free pass and the use of two hands to hold or im- movement of the offense shall be whistled as an Jim Cullingham pede the free movement of an opponent. Exclusion Foul. This can apply to a defensive player who chooses to stay back and foul the As always, any over-aggressive sinking foul goalie of the team in transition once possession committed by the defense will result in an Ex- has been established. clusion Foul being whistled as well.

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“Simply the Best in meeting your aquatic equipment needs” LOB SHOTS USA WATER POLO Despite First State Tournament Defeat Fenwick Boys Remain Standard For Excellence By Aaron Brown @illpolo illpolo.com Something odd happened in Illinois on May goal, which is to win the state championship. The level of play and the increasing number 24, 2014. For the first time since the Illinois Everything we do regarding water polo has of high-quality teams in Illinois continues to High School Association sanctioned water polo that focus in mind. Whether we’re swimming, grow. But make no mistake, Fenwick is still the as a sport in 2002, the Fenwick boys team lost treading, passing, shooting, backpedaling, team to beat—and next year could mark the a state tournament game, an 11-10 overtime game-planning, watching film, doing dryland, beginning of a new era of success for the Friars. thriller, to Loyola in the event’s title match. everyone has their focus on that ultimate goal. Fenwick had won 10 of the last 12 state ”We don’t want to be a pretty good water polo Fenwick Girls Battle championships heading into the 2014 team; we want to be the best water polo team.” competition, which included a run of eight Aside from all of the hard work, the Friars also Back To Win State Title straight titles between 2004 and 2011—and have something special that lends to By Aaron Brown @illpolo illpolo.com was only hindered by sectional final losses their success. to St. Patrick in 2003 and Lyons Township in The top-ranked Fenwick girls’ team 2012. Before the IHSA came around, the Friars “The kids love water polo,” stated Perry. “They’ll overcame a halftime deficit in three also won an additional eight titles, totaling 18 get in on off days or stay late after practice straight state tournament games to win water polo championships since water polo has because of their goals—but it’s also because the program’s ninth state title in 2014. existed in Illinois. they love playing this game.” In the quarterfinal round, the Friars trailed While Fenwick continues to set the standard for So Fenwick losing at the state tournament has a third-ranked Naperville North 6-5 at the half water polo in the state of Illinois, another team certain buzz to it in the water polo community following a 3-0 Huskies’ run in the second with a rich history in the sport has emerged to of Illinois, as teams begin to circle the wagons— quarter. The momentum with their opponents, win a state title for the first time in more than and now some wondering if perhaps they too veterans Colleen Barron and Janie Angelini three decades. Loyola Academy, which finished can knock off the legendary squad. stepped up, each senior scoring two goals in third in 2011 and placed second in 2012, Well, they might want to think again. during a 4-0 run to give Fenwick a 9-6 lead. finally reached the winner’s circle in 2014 by They would hold on to claim an 11-8 victory. The Friars return the majority of their starting outlasting the Friars in this year’s title game. lineup in 2015, thus making them the clear In the semifinals, Fenwick had to deal with “We’ve been playing water polo at Loyola for a favorite to reclaim the state title. rival Mother McAuley, the team that eliminated long time,” said head coach Dan Hengelmann. Danny Farmer scored more than 100 goals in the Friars from the state tournament in 2013. “We won Catholic League titles in 1966 and 2014 and should dominate opponents as he Fenwick never held the lead in the first half and 1978 and won the state championship in 1978. continues to grow. Andrew Bertschy, Bailey trailed 6-5 at the break for the second straight I felt it important to teach the kids about our Wendt, DJ Perez, Ryan Masi, and goalie Mike game. Nevertheless, the Friars went on a 5-0 strong tradition.” Hill were all key contributors as Fenwick got run and held the fourth-ranked Mighty Macs close to a second straight title in 2014— and Additionally the Ramblers have been one of scoreless for more than 10 minutes in the they all return the fold for head coach Kyle Fenwick’s biggest threats over the last few second half to earn a 12-8 win and a berth in Perry. seasons, as they beat the Friars in the Metro the state title game. Catholic Athletic Conference Tournament Even after losing the majority of their starting The championship match pitted Fenwick against in both 2013 and 2014. Did that play a role in lineup from their 2013 title-winning campaign, defending title-holders, second-ranked St. helping the team overcome a Friars program the Friars fell just one goal short of winning the Ignatius. While the Friars had just beaten the that had taken 32 straight state tournament title again with nearly an entire new group of Wolfpack two weeks earlier to win the Catholic games? starters. League title, a defensive-minded St. Ignatius “Winning the Catholic League Tournament the took a 2-1 lead into halftime in the squad’s latest So how does Fenwick do it? How does it manage last two years and playing in the state title game encounter. And for the third-straight game, to continue playing at such a high level? in 2012 definitely gave us the experience and Fenwick head coach Jack Wagner’s midgame “The expectations are high every year,” said confidence we needed to be able to compete for adjustments paid huge dividends as the Friars Perry. “Each year, the group comes in with a a state title,” replied Hengelmann. went on a 5-0 run, held the Wolfpack scoreless photo courtesy Aaron Brown So does Fenwick have any plans to combat the until the last two minutes of the fourth period, variety of challengers they will most likely face? and walked away with a 6-3 victory—and the state title. “We’ll be doing most of the same stuff that we always do,” responded Perry. “Our goals will Barron, named Illinois High School Player of remain unchanged. We’re aiming high. Outside the Year in late May, led the Friars with 13 goals of that, I’ve encouraged the kids to swim and in the three-game event. Angelini emerged to play water polo this summer. We had a fun score eight times in her last hurrah as a high freshman-sophomore group that won the school player. Meanwhile sophomore Catie Catholic League Championship in overtime Wallace netted five goals and seniors Alexa over Loyola last season, so I’m looking forward Ovalle, Bridget Carey and Lexi Buglio (goalie) to seeing how that group develops over the put on an impressive defensive display in the second halves of all three contests to help the Fenwick fell to Loyola in the 2014 Illinois state next few years.” championship match. Friars reclaim a title they last won in 2012.

34 LOB SHOTS Redemption For Stanford Cardinal As NCAA Title Returns To The Farm By John Reger, NCAA.com photo courtesy Stanford Athletics For a team that only lost once all season and outscored their opponents 440 to 90, Stanford has had its share of adversity. But overcoming challenges has become a point of pride for the team and they did it again May 11, winning the NCAA championship by defeating No. 2 UCLA 9-5. The No. 1 ranked Cardinal (34-1) were down 5-3 at halftime, but scored six goals in the second half, including three goals in 1:23. “The story with this team is they have been unified all season,” coach John Tanner said. “We’ve been down a lot in games and the faith they have in one another and that is really unusual and inspiring.” It was the team’s fourth championship and third in four years. The team is the only one that has made the NCAA’s every year since 2001. Ironically the only team to beat them was UCLA Feb. 23 and it was that loss that was the turning point of the season. For the third time in four years the Stanford women won an NCAA Championship. “I really have to thank them,” Tanner said. “I think that really pulled us even closer as a team.” happened we knew we were going to do it. We knew we had the bench The members had a meeting and everyone talked about how the loss and the speed to win this.” affected them. They tied the game up at five after three periods and then rattled off four “I don’t think there was one thing we pointed to,” Senior Annika Dries goals in the final period. said, who scored three goals in the championship game. “We heard from It was a much different game than last year’s championship where everyone from player 1 to 21.” they lost a heartbreaker to Southern California in overtime. Dries Coach John Tanner talked about the team’s transformation after that loss. remembered that loss all summer and used it as motivation. “They are reminded why they are doing this,” Tanner said. “I think they “It stuck with me, for sure,” Dries said. “It wasn’t something that I wanted had that as a reminder, but I think the affinity they have for one another to bring that to the team, but personally it was in the back of my mind.” pushed them far more. They fight to take blame in our video session. I Dries also remembered something Goalie Gabby Stone said going into haven’t ever been around like that.” the championship game. It would have been easy for Stanford to fall apart in the championship “She said players make plays,” Dries said. “She’s been such a rock for this game. UCLA scored two of the first three goals and had a 5-3 lead at team. As a goalkeeper getting those goals scored on you can be a big blow, halftime. but she stuck with it. She has been so resilient the entire year.” Coincidentally, it was the same lead the Bruins had at the half of the It was not a surprise to see his team come back so strongly in the second MSPF championship game and Stanford came back and won 6-5. half. “Coach asked us last night ‘What’s going to happen if we are down three?’ “When things are going badly that’s when they are at their best,” Tanner and we knew we were to going to come back,” Senior Kaley Dodson said. “It’s what we show when our backs are against the wall.” said, who along with Ashley Grossman scored two goals. “So when it High School State Championship Results High schools around the country held their water polo championships this spring. Here’s a look at the recent winners. If we missed any state championships or made an error, please let us know by emailing [email protected]. Congratulations to all the champions! FLORIDA MICHIGAN Girls: Ransom Everglades 6 - Gulliver 5 Girls: Okemos 12 - Ann Arbor Huron 1 Boys: Gulliver 13 - St. Thomas Aquinas 10 TENNESSEE HAWAII St. George 15 - St. Benedict 10 Girls: Punahou 5 - Iolani 3 TEXAS ILLINOIS Girls: Sterling 10 - Cy Creek 7 Girls: Fenwick 6 - St. Ignatius 3 Boys: St. Mark’s 12 - Clear Creek 5 Boys Loyola 11 - Fenwick 10 (OT) WASHINGTON Girls: Gig Harbor 15 - Curtis 8 St. George­—2014 Tennessee HS State Champions.

usawaterpolo.org 35 In order to get into the magazine, we need high-quality digital photos (jpegs of 300 dpi or better) so that your brilliance is brought to life on our glossy pages. So send in your masterpieces. Email all photos to: [email protected]. There is no assurance that your photos will run in USA Skip Shot Magazine. Editorial decisions are made by the maga- zine staff. Once we receive your photos, they become property of USA Water Polo and may be used for print or publication.

Welcome to Skip Shot Magazine’s Hot Shots page, featuring shots from your fingertips. The person who submits each issue’s best HOT SHOT will receive a free Mikasa men’s or women’s . For more information on Mikasa visit www.MikasaSports.com. This issue’s winner is Randy Struk >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

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