American Water Polo

K & M Wins Pair

K & M helped themselves tremendously in the standings this past weekend winning a pair of games against LaSalle 14-5 and Franklin & Marshall 12-8. The victories moved the squad into third place in the standings as they head into the championship weekend. The Franklins locked in first place with wins over Lehigh, 15-8 and the Wildcats 13-3, while YOE secured second place by going undefeated against the Patriots 11-9 and the Drexel Dragons 10-10.

With two more games still to be played, many of the final seeds are yet to be determined for the upcoming championship games on March 18 at Villanova.The format may also be revised, depending upon Franklin & Marshall's ability to return from break.

Next competition for the league resumes March 4th at Villanova when the "A" Division teams compete to determine the remaining seeds before their championship on March 17.

Virginia State Water Polo Championship Set for this Weekend

RICHMOND, Va. -- Richmond Water Polo, RWP, will be hosting the second Virginia State Water Polo Championships this coming weekend (Saturday-Sunday, February 25-26) at the Nova Aquatic Center in Richmond, Virginia.  This years event has expanded from six teams to eight teams, to include every water polo team in the state (excluding high schools).

Information on the tournament is available by downloading the PDF flyer by CLICKING HERE.

Peering Into Polo's Past with Don Johnson

EDITOR's NOTE: One of the continuing purposes of the American Water Polo site is to highlight the success of today's players, help build the game for the athletes of tomorrow and recall the past athletes who have stories that remain untold.  Recently, we received a message from Don Johnson who noted, "I was reminiscing with family this morning about playing water polo in Butte Montana in 1962, and then ran across the article by Chuck Hines on the American Water Polo web site. I thought your readers might be interested in the team from Butte Montana that played in the AAU Championships at the Olympic Club in San Francisco in 1962.  Here is the story as I recollect:"
 
My older brother Mel and I played intramural water polo at Butte High School in the early 1960s. Our form of water polo was pretty rough and tumble, and the only rules as I recall were that we couldn't slug someone in the face and couldn't hold someone underwater too long.

A Dutch fellow, Jorres Hildering, was living in Butte at the time, loved water polo and had played in Holland. Jorres became interested in our intramural games and organized two teams in Butte to play under international rules. Mel's and my team played under the Butte Recreation Department at the Butte High 20 yard pool, and the other team played at the local YMCA, also a 20 yard pool. We played each other several times in probably the smallest sports league ever.

One day Jorres announced that Butte had been selected to play in the AAU National Championship tournament in San Francisco. Wow, what a shocker that was, so we combined the two teams and prepared to push off to California.

Somehow we raised some money and eight of us piled into two cars and off we went. One car was a Studebaker Hawk owned by Jorres, and the other was an old Mercury owned by our goalie. I don't remember the names of all of us on that historic team, but here are a few of them: Jorres Hildering  - Player/Coach, Mel Johnson, Allen Bjorkland, Don Johnson and Rob Rawlings.

Our goalie's main skill was that he didn't sink; he couldn't swim but could tread water and hopefully fend off a ball shot his way.

I was the fastest swimmer, and one time during the tournament actually got to the ball first at the mid-pool ball drop.

We played two games at the Olympic Club, one against the Stanford B team and the other against a Southern California team, I think it was from El Segundo. We scored no points in either game; 0, zero, zilch, nada, nothing and I'm not sure we even came close. But we had a blast!!

We stuck around to see the championship game between the Illinois Athletic Club (a rough and tumble bunch of old geezers in their twenties), and Long Beach/New Pike (a bunch of sleek race horses from Southern California). As I recall, the SC kids had it all over the old guys in terms of speed and ball handling, but the old guys were savvy, cunning and brutal in their underwater tactics with the toenails, forearms, knees etc. I don't recall who won, but it was quite a game.

For all of us Butte kids it was quite a trip. The big city, the glamour of the Olympic Club, palm trees, freeways and all, and of course everlasting fame in the annals of water polo and Butte history. 

So there you have it; history recalled.

As an aside, when reading through Mr. Hines article, the name Dave Rivenes rang a bell, and then I noticed that he was from Miles City Montana. I was on the Butte Rec. swim team my junior and senior years, and I believe Mr. Rivenes was involved in Montana swimming at that time as well. It surprised me to read that Montana was so well represented in water polo during those years; I thought Butte had all of that fame locked up with our quest for the national championship.
 
Don Johnson
February 2012

2nd Annual Cutino Cup Moved to May 19-20

MORAGA, Calif. -- American Water Polo announces the Second Annual Peter J. Cutino Cup for Masters level athletes will now be held on Saturday-Sunday, May 19-20.

Originally scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, April 14-15, 2012, the event will still occur in the East Bay area of Northern California at the Soda Aquatic Center at Campolindo High School in Moraga, Calif.,

Hosted by Tri Valley Water Polo, the event will feature five levels of competition for both men's and women's teams as independent competition will occur for athletes in 20 & Over, 30 & Over, 40 & Over, 50 & Over and 55 & Over divisions.  Due to the breadth of the tournament, the host reserves the right to combine age groups if less than three teams enter and will give the option for a team to compete in the next lower age division (although teams will be allowed to make some "roster adjustments" as need).   

Each team is guaranteed a minimum of two games during the two-day event that offers a high quality water polo experience for Masters Water Polo.  Officiating will be coordinated by Jeff Roy.

As the event is intended to honor more than just the name Pete Cutino, but the legacy he created and the vision he left for what water polo can be at all levels of competition, all proceeds from the tournament will remain at the four host sites. 

To achieve this goal, local club teams will help set-up the course and run the desk at each age group pool.  In addition to the learning experience of helping out at an event of this caliber and meeting many great players of the game who will be in attendance, the local clubs will be raising funds for their efforts and assist in growing the sport of water polo in the local area - a region in which Cutino made his name and consistently gave back to the community.

Complete results of the 2011 Cutino Cup are available by clicking here.

About Pete Cutino
A legendary California coach and educator in swimming and water polo for over 40 years, during his 26-year tenure as the head coach of the University of California-Berkeley Cutino won eight NCAA titles and compiled a 519-172-10 career  record to rank among the all-time victory leaders in the history of water polo in the United States.

"The ability to name the Cup after an icon in water polo like Coach Cutino is a way we can honor those who have provided so much to the sport. Pete Cutino is undeniably one of the greatest," states Dan Sharadin, Director of American Water Polo.

Cutino also served as a US National and Olympic Team Coach as well as a member of the FINA Technical Water Polo Committee and the chair of the Men's International Olympic Committee.

"Pete was an instrumental part of so many lives," according to University of California head men's water polo coach Kirk Everist. "Those of us lucky enough to have been able to call him "Coach" know that our lives where forever impacted by his presence, his teachings and his never ending pursuit to bring out the best in all of us. Remembering his legacy with Masters competition is a perfect tribute."

A member of six Hall of Fames, Cutino's legacy is also remembered by the San Francisco Olympic Club which in 1999 established the Peter J. Cutino Award, the Heisman Award equivalent presented to the top male and female collegiate water polo players each year.

In September of 2004, Peter J. Cutino Sr. passed away, a loss felt by all the athletes, coaches and fellow aquatic enthusiasts who came into contact with him over his years on deck.

"Pete made all of us love the sport of Water Polo and because of that many of his "boys" still love to play the game and the Peter J. Cutino Cup will be a fitting way to honor Pete's sizable impact on each and every one of us," adds Everist.

To Register for the Cutino Cup
Payment & Fees: $450 per team by March 15 or $525 late entry fee by March 31.

Paypal to CCUMastersPolo@gmail.com or make checks payable to Tri Valley Water Polo.  Additional information, registration forms and address information for the tournament are available on the Cutino Cup website at http://www.CutinoCup.com. 

All athletes on a team will need to be registered as a member of American Water Polo to compete.  To minimize costs to the athletes, a discounted membership fee is available for current USA Water Polo athletes.

For additional information on the Masters Cup Series and the benefits of American Water Polo membership, access the AWP website at: http://www.americanwaterpolo.org or contact Dan Sharadin at 610-277-6787 or office@americanwaterpolo.org

About American Water Polo
Located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, American Water Polo (AWP) is among the leaders in a new generation of scholastic and Masters sports organizations whose purpose is to provide opportunities for athletes of all ages to enjoy the sport of water polo.

More than just an administrative service, AWP's mission is to provide opportunities for individuals of all ages to be involved in the sport of water polo and to provide its members with the highest degree of customer satisfaction at an affordable price.

Focused on giving unrivaled service to its members, American Water Polo offers insurance coverage and competitive opportunities for teams at an affordable rate by operating leagues and competitions, as well as providing assistance for individual teams to do so independent of the national office.

Maryland to Host "Save our Sports" Comedy Event

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- The University of Maryland's Water Polo Team, will host the "Save Our Sports" Live Comedy Event and Fundraiser, which is designed to raise community awareness and funds to save university sports programs scheduled to be eliminated this year.

On November 22, 2011, University of Maryland President, Wallace D. Loh, announced that the university will cut eight of the university sports programs by June 30, 2012. The student outcry to the announcement has been tremendous. Popular Twitter and Facebook campaigns have been organized against the cancellation of these sports programs. These efforts have been led by student athletes, specifically the UMD Water Polo Team, whose athletic program (including student scholarships) is among those threatened.

In a recent interview, Water Polo Coach Carl Salyer said, "Our commitment to the program is unwavering. We are determined to alter the course that has been set for us by the University, but we cannot do it alone. With you help, we can save the program."

On the evening of March 1, 2012, the UMD Water Polo team, in association with Against Tha Grain Entertainment, will host "Save Our Sports," starring funny man, Nema Williams of Comedy Central's Comic Groove and HBO's Bad Boys of Comedy. Also slated to performing is Alex Scott, a rising star of standup, whose credits include HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Comic View, and The Kevin Nealon Show.

The events will be held at the University of Maryland Comcast Center Pavilion, on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for all students with valid student ID and $20 for general admission and can be purchased at http://www.umterps.com.

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Three-way Race

All three of the top teams went undefeated this weekend to remain at the top of the standings. Asphalt Green easily dispatched Villanova 18-6 and Delaware 18-1 as they dominated both teams. The Kingfish Vets did likewise beating the Patriots in a physical game 16-7 and the NJ Masters 14-9. Greater Philly did not have such an easy day as they barely squeaked by a much improved Harrisburg HAWCS squad 14-13.

The wins for each program keep the race alive and builds suspense towards which team will have the chance to face Asphalt Green in the finals.

The next competition will include both "A" and "B" Division games on February 26th at Villanova University. Admission is free.

Gonzaga College High School Seeks Assistant Coach

Gonzaga College High School's water polo team is in search of a new assistant coach for their boys' team for the upcoming 2012 Fall high school season.

Gonzaga is a Jesuit high school with 950 male students. The school is located in the shadow of the Nation's Capitol and boasts of a water polo team of sixty male athletes of varying levels and abilities spread over 4 teams (Varsity, JV A, B & C).

Gonzaga is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo League and competes against fellow member teams such as Greenwich, Naval Academy Aquatic Club, and Landon High School among others. The team was founded ten years ago and continues to grow and compete on the East Coast with the ultimate goal every season of trying to win Prep Eastern's as well as our league championship.

The season starts on August 13th and runs through November 11^th 2012. Practices are from 3:30-6:00 PM Monday through Friday and are held at Takoma Aquatic Center in DC. The team attends tournaments most weekends during the season. While most tournaments are in Annapolis, we may travel to Baltimore, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to play. In addition, coaching and directing the spring team could be available.

Attendance at all practices and tournaments would be required. As assistant coach, you would help run practice, direct the team and coach one of the teams during games. Playing and coaching experience at high school, club, or collegiate level is highly recommended.

Questions or inquiries can be directed to Joe Viola, jviola@gonzaga.org or c/703-899-5986.

Asphalt Green #1

Asphalt Green proved clearly why they are the team to beat as they handily downed Greater Philly. The game began close with teams knotted 5-5 at the half, but turned into a lopsided contest in the second half with Aspalt Green opening up a four goal lead and never looking back' outscoring Greater Philly 12-3 in the final half. They went on to easily beat New Jersey Masters in their second game 22-8 to remain undefeated. Greater Philly also bested the NJ Masters 12-6 to remain in contention for the championship.

Pennridge High School (Pa.) Seeks Women's Head Coach

Pennridge High School in Pennsylvania seeks a head women's water polo coach with an anticipated start date of August 13, 2012.  Coach the girls' varsity and JV water polo team. Must possess current Act 34, 151 and Act 114 FBI clearances. EOE.

Compensation for this position is set by the EDR Contract as amended annually.  Last year, this position was paid approximately $2,070.

Letters of application and questions should be directed to:

Interested parties are also invited to contact Ken Vincent (Boys if they have questions about the Pennridge High School Water Polo Program at 484-223-7243 or kvincent@pennridge.org

Kingfish Vets Redeemed

Kingfish Vets Redeem Themselves

The "A" Division witnessed the Kingfish Vets going undefeated this weekend with victories over Villanova 15-7 and Princeton 18-6. The wins help the Vets remain in the running for the championship as they move into first place based on total points. Technically they share the lead with Asphalt Green and Greater Philly, two teams that are undefeated with fewer contests played.

In the "B" Division the race is wide open with four teams tied for first place in total points. At the present time the Villanova Wildcats, Patriots, Lehigh, and Greater Philly Franklins all share top billing with six points, although the Franklins are currently undefeated having played fewer games.

Next competition takes place this Saturday, February 11^th, with games in both divisions. Key match-ups will feature two undefeated teams in the "A" Division squaring off at 11:30, as Greater Philly takes on Asphalt Green, while in the "B" Division two first place teams also meet with the Franklins taking on the Patriots at 2:50 PM. Admission is free for all spectators.

Greater Philly and Asphalt Green Dominate

In the first action for the Main LIne League "A" Division, Greater Philly and Asphalt Green go undefeated, while the Kingfish Vets split to remain in the hunt for the championship. Asphalt Green started off strong with a victory over the Vets 16-9. They may have caught Kingfish a little winded due to the new format requiring consecutive games for some teams, which saw the Vets taking on Asphalt Green after just finishing a tough game against Harrisburg. Asphalt Green went on to win handily over the Harrisburg HAWCS 23-8 in their second game.

Greater Philly opened their season with a win over Villanova 15-6, followed by a 9-4 victory over a much improved Patriots squad.

The next competition takes place at Villanova on Saturday, February 4th, with games in both the "A" and "B" Divisions.