ESHS Boys Varsity http://www.elsegundousd.com/eshs/teachers/harris/2005/Aug7.html

2005 El Segundo Boys' Water Polo Team Has Educational Summer

By George Harris, Jr. August 7, 2005

Experience, education and endurance were the goals of the 2005 El Segundo High School Boys' Summer Water Polo team. Thirty-eight summer league games later the Eagles (playing under the U.S.A. Water Polo banner of Gundo Aquatics) satisfied their coach's wish by improving in all three areas.

All of this was accomplished under adverse conditions since a very necessary reparation was made to the Plunge closing down the practice facility for five weeks. Many thanks to the Recreation Department for finishing the necessary work on time and always keeping us posted on their progress. The Aquatics Program (both Boy's and Girl's) was able to practice at home the final week of the summer campaign and it was most appreciated.

Thanks to Water Polo Coach and friend Jon Reichardt we were able to use the Mustang pool three times a week from 6:00-8:00 a.m. for those five down weeks.

In the Boys' case a very special thanks to Michelle Green for organizing all the early morning transportation for those Frosh/Soph and Varsity players too young to drive as well as organizing drivers for the two Frosh/Soph Summer Leagues at Chadwick and Peninsula High School's.

As has been a tradition the past 6 summers the Varsity level Eagles played in five weekend tournaments in June and July far from the friendly confines of the South Bay and some future Division VI opponents. Four of the five tourney sites were in the "hotbed" of Southern Water Polo; Orange County (an area chalked full of Division I and II Teams). Between two Tournaments hosted by Villa Park (A C.I.F Division II Finalist), University High School and Costa Mesa High School the Eagles were able to play 20 games against top Orange County and San Diego County teams. El Segundo also participated in the La Cañada Summer League and had the experience of learning first hand from the Division III Title favorite Spartans as well as a very strong Crescenta Valley team.

All that summer experience seemed to pay off as El Segundo came back to the South Bay on Thursday nights to play in the Mira Costa Eight Team South Bay Summer League. After a fairly one-sided win over Beverly Hills and a strong effort in downing Chadwick the Eagles played in three sudden death (or victory as it now called) games against Palos Verdes, Peninsula and Mira Costa. Gundo won the first two thanks to some heroics by Senior Helaman Valdez and Junior Jeff Volosin but the true highlight of the summer came in the League Championship game against also unbeaten Mira Costa. Although the two teams traded goal for goal (quarter per quarter) in regulation the Mustangs finally pulled it out in sudden victory 5-4. It proved, though, that the Eagles could more than hold their own against the perennial Division III power.

It also marked the first time in 38 games the projected top eight fall players were able to play together. Back from his starting catcher's job on this year's C.I.F. Championship team Senior Mitch Krug returned to the pool after close to 8 months on the diamond. He made his defensive presence immediately felt and looks ready for a breakout season. Fellow Senior 2004 All-C.I.F. First Team Player David Kohler played his best game of the summer with stellar

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defense and hit a key outside goal.

Senior Nick Bartels (who never missed a workout or a game) and Junior Alex Heck (led the team in assists) improved tremendously at the 2-meter position. Speedy Junior Josh Combs (All-C.I.F. Second Team last fall) was the team's leading scorer during the summer, scoring most his canvas-slappers on fast breaks or 1-on-1 drives. Junior Jeff Volosin was the team's second leading scorer and turned into a real counter-attack artist. Senior Helaman Valdez used his quickness to lead the team in steals and All-C.I.F. Third Team Sophomore goalie Matt Kubeck continued to amaze as he truly proved to be "defensive backbone" of the Gundo squad.

The summer season probably proved most valuable to the team members who had very little or no experience participating at the Varsity level. Sophomore Matt Pittluck played almost every possible position and will be a key Utility performer, as did fellow Sophomore Jacob Mark. Junior Jon McKay was the backup goalie to Kubeck and is an extremely knowledgeable water polo player. Juniors Kyle Nelson, Tyler Contarsy and Joey Gumina got quite an introduction this past six weeks by playing for the first time at the Varsity level and all improved their three "E's" (Experience, Education and Endurance).

The Frosh/Soph program participated in 2 summer leagues and played 11 games as well practiced twice a week. The young Eagles were led by Woody Lindsey and Danny Rajaniemi. Eighteen players (seven Freshman) comprised this enthusiastic squad.

After a three-week-plus break the El Segundo Boy's Program will return to Uhro Saari Plunge on Wednesday, August 24th at 7:00 a.m. to begin 9 days of double-day training. Sandwiched in between the first day of practice and the start of the school year (Sept.7th) will be what is affectionately known as "Midnight Madness" on Sunday, August 28th starting at 10:00 p.m. Since the pre-season has already started the starting time is earlier. There will be several surprises in store so if you are an Eagle Aquatics fan this will be the place to be, especially if you are an insomniac

The defending Ocean League Champions and C.I.F. Finalists will face easily the toughest non-league schedule in school history as they have to battle Division I Crespi, Division VI Champion (and heavy favorite to do a "4-peat") Bonita and Division VI semi-finalist Chadwick on the road while hosting Division III Crescenta Valley (featuring its strongest team in five years) and closing out the season at the Plunge against pre-season C.I.F. Division III favorite La Cañada.

In the Ocean League El Segundo will receive stiff competition from C.I.F. Quarterfinalist Santa Monica as they return their two-meter ace Adam Cline who scored 119 goals in 2004. He was virtually unstoppable in Samohi's three C.I.F. games scoring 19 goals. Needless to say the Eagles will need to improve the same way they did last year if they wish to defend their Ocean League Title and go deep into the C.I.F. Division VI playoffs.

Thanks again to all the Gundo parents and supporters for all your help this past summer and we hope to see you at "The Madness" on the 28th at 10:00 p.m.

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