With a strong group of returning varsity players and an entirely new junior varsity (JV) team, boys’ water polo is optimistic about progressing to the top of the PAL Ocean Division this year.
“Last year, we had a really strong team. However, we definitely have an even stronger team this year. The team is a lot younger [as compared to last year] which helps us because we have the upper hand to continue learning and growing together,” sophomore Adrian Gong said.
Gong, one of Burlingame’s most impactful players, has made it his mission to teach the team technical skills he learned from playing for Stanford Water Polo Club. Gong’s contribution and leadership have united the JV and varsity teams together over the summer, and his efforts will continue throughout the fall season. He often helps organize practice agendas under head coach Ernesto Nuñez, and assistant coaches Zane Allred and Gizel Ortiz.
Furthermore, the JV team, made up of mostly freshmen who play water polo for Burlingame Aquatic Club, is coordinated and experienced. Freshman Colby Dang, noted as one of the top goalies in the Bay Area, blocked all attempted goals by Aragon High School during a scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 24.
“[Although] the distribution between our players on JV and varsity could be better, I’m glad the JV team has water polo figured out. They know how to play and aren’t new to the sport. I always see determination from them to play their best,” Gong added.
Optimistic all around, the boys’ water polo team hopes to qualify for the Central Coast Section (CCS) playoffs this year, and perhaps move up a league to the top-tier Bay Division for next seaon.
The Panthers lost a close scrimmage against Aragon High School, but the program’s strong teamwork and cohesive chemistry were on full display.
“The most important thing in water polo is being able to play with each other and really work together as one, Gong said. “It’s a team sport. The efforts I’ve been seeing from the boys are really collaborative and I think we do a great job of communicating. We’re all excited for what the season will bring us because it’s looking good so far.”