DA Water Polo is Sinking the Competition

By LUKE CRIHFIELD '09, Contributing Writer

Co-captain of the Boys' Varsity Water Polo team Marker Anderson '08 spoke of a dynasty that would begin this year with an undefeated run to the New England Championships.

The team got off to a hot start, going 4-0 and beating Choate, Hotchkiss, and Andover along the way. The day before its first great challenge, Suffield, Anderson told his teammates a story of a Roman general, and how during a celebratory parade "a slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown, and whispered a warning in his ear: that all glory is fleeting."

Accordingly, the boys traveled down to Suffield and were beaten 148. The next week the team fell again to Exeter, the number one team, 16-6. The fledgling dynasty seemed to be crumbling at their feet, but they found revenge in their second game against Suffield. Deerfield jumped out to an early 6-3 half-time lead, but Suffield's strong swimmers came back and eventually pushed ahead 8-7 going into the final quarter. As Suffield's players tired, Deerfield's depth showed, spurring them on to a 12-9 victory.

"Losing to Suffield Wednesday was a reality call for our team. We came back from the loss and promised ourselves to work harder in practice. Our win yesterday [over Suffield] proves that it has paid off, a testament to Mr. Scandling's leadership," remarked Co-captain Bo Swindell '08.

Head Coach Mark Scandling commented, "Our goal is to play our best game at the most opportune moment. To achieve that end, we will work hard to blend our talent, experience, and commitment."

Mr. Scandling as revamped practice schedules to have each day focus on a different aspect of the game, such as pressure passing, counterattacking, drawing fouls, and shooting. These practices have re-focused players' attention on what Anderson emphasized in his game day speech before the win over Suffield. He advised the players to "take care of the little things and the big things will take care of themselves."

This emphasis on fundamentals began in California, where the team trained at a three day preseason camp taught by former US National Team goalkeeper Jack Bowen. Bowen coaches Menlo School's water polo team, one of the best teams in the nation.

Bowen presented the squad with different aspects of the game to help them excel in every part of the sport. His instruction ranged from the very basics like passing, to the most complex offensive and defensive set-ups. His goal-keeping experience was invaluable to Ben Weinberg '08 and Luke Crihfield '09. Weinberg has had a breakout season this year, and kept the team in the game against Suffield by stopping their strong outside shots.

Two years ago, the lofty goal of a New England Championship did not seem possible. Dante Pearson '08, the only four year member of the program, described Deerfield's predicament in 2005.

"From my freshman year to my sophomore year we lost our entire starting line and started off two years ago with a very young team," Pearson remarked.

However, returners Anderson, Swindell, Dom Kwok '09, Andrew Wood '09, and goalkeeper Weinberg have anchored a starting line now bolstered by Californian newcomers Trevor Gladych '08 and Grant Villenueve '10. Pearson continued, "The depth and passion that the team has now surpasses that of previous years. Being on the bench, I get to see much of what goes on during the games. The dedication to our success comes from every guy on the team. This year will be one to remember for Deerfield water polo."

As published in the October 24, 2007 issue of the Deerfield Scroll, the monthly newspaper of Deerfield Academy.