By Chris Hagan
Review Staff Writer
It’s difficult to rank improvement and personal achievement when scores are the only thing judged.
That’s the tough position the boys varsity water polo team is in. They’re the David in a region full of Goliath-type teams.
Why?
Nearly 75-percent of Coach John Jess? team was wet behind the ears when it came to water polo. Thirteen athletes had never played the game before, five had only had one season of experience and he only has one senior on his roster.
Jess had to not only delve into technique but basic positioning and rules. But as his team has moved through a tough, rocky season of losses, what has come forth has been a competitive nature that will hope to prove successful in 2016.
‘We started this year with 18 guys that were still pretty new, so we treated this year as a building year for them,? Jess said. ‘We’re getting some experience, we’re learning, and we’re starting to grow as a team.?
Their team is highlighted by an impressive duo whom, according to Jess, have risen to the competitive occasion throughout the season. Junior Michael Lowry volunteered to be goalkeeper and has been advancing as a player ever since. Sophomore Evan Lindquist is the team’s leading scorer. His background in lacrosse helped him pick up the game quicker and being a southpaw, adds to their offense.
‘What makes him unique is that he’s a lefty too where most kids are dominant with their right hand; it gives him a different advantage in the pool,? Jess said.
According to Jess, the team has won three of their 13 games but says it’s an impressive number given the new athletes on his roster. Next year, they’ll be able to focus more on technique and offensive strategy which, coupled with their competitiveness, will give them an edge next year.
‘Some of the difficulties we’ve run into is that the teams we’re playing against are mostly juniors and seniors with four years experience under their belt,? he said. ‘I’ve been pretty proud of these guys for being competitive against guys that have more experience than they do.?