Viking water polo players whoop it up atop the concrete
bank at Muirlands Middle School after practice in
support of the field hockey team, which won its opener
6-0. (Photo by Ed Piper)
Coach Tom Atwell's four senior captains, goalie Matt Allen, Jake LeBeau, Carlos Hernandez, and Henry Smith, form the core of a La Jolla High water polo team that will compete in the Open Division in the CIF playoffs this year.
"Jake and Carlos will form the crux of our scoring," said Atwell, whose varsity squad opens the season Sept. 10.
The water polo team enjoyed some "team-building" by attending the LJHS field hockey opener at the Muirlands field after practice together Sept. 3. They were loud and supportive as their fellow Vikings swamped visiting Clairemont, 6-0. Several players, their hair still wet from afternoon practice, had zinc sunscreen visible on their visages as they yelled and cheered the lopsided victory.
Two sophomores will play key roles, according to the veteran coach: Nico Ivanov and John Murphy, both drivers.
The water poloists carry on a grueling practice schedule. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, they occupy the Coggan Family Center pool at 5:15 a.m. in the morning before school. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they practice at the leisurely hours of 2:30 to 5:00.
Copyright 2014 Ed Piper
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