John Wesley North High School - Aurora Yearbook (Riverside, CA)

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w ATER POLO Problems Flood JV Polo P he final outcome of the season was triumph, claimed Coach Anderson regarding the jv and frosh soph water polo teams. These athletes had to overcome many obstacles, but they did it, and they did it well. The obstacles included limited instruction, absence of experience, and the lack of necessary pool time. For the most part, the two teams consist- ed of rookies with a few returning mem- bers who started for the jv squad. These players were also responsible for teach- ing the first year players the complex game of water polo, since the teams had no designated coach. We all had to help each other and use our previous exper- ience, commented second-year player Charles Bufalino. Due to varsity ' s extensive practices, the jv and frosh soph teams had to work around the varsity schedule, leading to short practices at odd hours. We had to work out sixth period and come back at 4:15, stated Jason Bushong. Still, the jv water polo team managed to capture second place in the Ivy League, while frosh soph finished fourth. We had to work really hard because of all the problems, but we pulled through! con- cluded David Smith. While looking for an open team member, Jeff Slater prepares to pass the ball. The pass was com- pleted, resulting in a goal and North ' s win over Moreno Valley. 82 sports .4 h % — i- lB

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-t= Polo Drowns League QWh.1t does experience + enthusi- . asm =? A. IVY LEAGUE CHAMPIONS. For the first time in twelve years, first place in the Ivy League was clinched by North ' s varsity water polo team. The honor was achieved with a combination of experienced, well trained players and very enthusiastic, innovative coaches. The heart of the team was seven seniors, who along with Coach Anderson, had been practicing and playing — winning and losing together since their ' baby years ' as freshman. We ' ve been together so long, I know exactly what everyone is going to do during any situation in the pool, observed Marc Kardos. Complimenting the seniors were four hard-working underclassmen, plus a brand new addition: former All Ameri- can, Cal Lowell. Coach Lowell contribut- ed the finishing touches to the winning team, with his new approaches to coach- ing. Andy Marshall said, Cal had a lot of great ideas-new drills, new plays. He was a tremendous asset to the team. Along with the Ivy League title, a great deal of personal recognition was bes- towed upon the players. Every member of North ' s team was chosen for an All Ivy League team or an honorable men- tion. The first team consisted of Marc Kardos, Mike Weddington, Dan Tardie, and Mike Davis. Kardos, honored as Player of the Year, was also selected as a member of All-CIF second team. We ' ve worked hard for a long time, concluded Dan Tardie. We ' ve earned this title! VARSITY WATER POLO, FRONT ROW: Leslie Hazelrigg, Melissa Rider, Susan Hwang, Mike Da- vis, Matt Estes, Steve Wong, Stephen Anderson, Jack Mares; TOP ROW: Coach Anderson, Marc Kardos, Andy Marshall, David Hall, Coach Lowell, Mike Weddington, Dan Tardie, Justin Radeka, Asst. Coach Fred Kardos. Using his brute strength, Mike Weddington slams the ball into the goal Dan Tardie and Mike Davis stand ready to back-up Weddington and secure the score. varsity water polo 81

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jv water 9-3 polo Canyon Frosh Soph Tournament North North 10 2 3 1 Canyon Rowland North North North North 6 19 9 11 9 2 7 5 Palm Springs Montclair Burbank Gahr North North North North North North North North 4 11 9 5 2 3 10 9 15 8 7 10 lb 12 4 2 Gahr-frosh San Bernardino San Gorgonio Canyon Indio Indio-frosh Perris Moreno Valley second in Ivy Practicing his lob shot, Jeff Kaste aims for the high left corner of the goal Practice games were neces- sary to establish team communication and unity. jv water polo 83