Written By: Olivia Di Guglielmo, Staff Writer
2023 was a successful year for Poly’s Boys Water Polo at Poly. The team advanced all the way to the quarter-finals in division two. After taking the title of undefeated Ivy League champs, the boys began their journey to the quarter-finals by first defeating Chino Hills on Poly’s pool deck. The first round of CIF was won by the Bears 15 to 12 with a match that emphasized the hardworking demeanor of the team. Chino Hills put up a long fight against Poly and made our team work hard for their victory. The large number of goals held by each side showcases how well the fight was fought for each school.
Moving forward to the second round of CIF raised the level of intensity as well as nerves for the team. The game was played once again on Poly’s pool deck which guaranteed a large crowd in the stands and a home advantage for the players. As Capistrano Valley’s team filled in through the gates of the pool deck, Poly’s team gathered in a team discussion to bring their focus together as one. After warming up, the players were introduced and the national anthem was played. Just like round one, the game was a close one. With the final score of Poly at 12 and Capo Valley with 10 goals, the atmosphere on Poly’s deck was intense. The boys were beyond excited to be moving on to the quarter-finals, which would be the third round of CIF.
On November 4th the team loaded onto a bus with breakfast burritos in their stomachs and an optimistic attitude. The 3rd round was played against the number one ranked team San Marcos at Dos Pueblos High School in Santa Barbara. After arriving on campus, Head Coach Grisham led the boys off to the side to give them another motivational speech. Gathering their thoughts together once again, the team headed onto the pool deck where they began their usual warm-up. Every round of CIF increasingly filled the audience, team, and coaches with more nerves for the game. At round three, one could imagine all the conflicting emotions moving throughout the pool deck. From the start, the game was an intriguing one to watch. The score was close and it was clear that both teams were in the match. At the end of the first quarter, the score was tied at 2-2. Coach Grisham took a timeout during the second period with the score at 2-4, Poly being down. After losing their once so positive attitude, co-captain Miguel Buan (12) put his thoughts into words, hoping to raise the teams’ spirit. Although his efforts were sincere, Poly ended up losing to San Marcos with 5-8 in the final.
Poly’s Boys Water Polo had a great 2023 season and two players on the team even broke individual records. Senior Rafael Martinez broke the old record for Poly of 162 goals. Ayden Moreland, also a senior, broke the old record for assists of 62, now set at 74. The athletes on the team worked consistently and were dedicated to their sport from the beginning to the end of their season. Without the effort put into the team by the players as well as the coaches, it would have been impossible to get to the quarter-finals so successfully. The 2023 season was a good one for the boys, and the coaches and returning players are eager for the next!