Spring Water Polo
Upcoming Contests
| Date | Team | Event | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 03/12 | V Water Polo | Blue/White | |
| 03/16 | V Water Polo | @ Ladue | 06:00pm |
| 03/18 | V Water Polo | Kirkwood | 05:00pm |
| 03/25 | V Water Polo | Parkway Central | 05:00pm |
| 04/03 | V Water Polo | Central Conference T... |
Latest Varsity News
A Brief History
SLUH has featured a Varsity Water Polo team since 1961, compiling an impressive record of 624 wins and 221 losses against 24 other high schools from the St. Louis area and six from the Chicago area. The program has captured thirteen Missouri District Championships, the most in the history of Missouri Water Polo. This year’s team looks to extend SLUH’s streak of three titles in a row.
Postseason Awards
As a postscript to one of the most dominant seasons in the history of Missouri Water Polo, several Jr. Bills were recognized by area coaches. Matt Hohenberger, Michael O’Neill, and Mike Sizemore were All-District Second Team, and Tim Dale, John Heafner, and William Page were All-District First Team. While deserved, the level of recognition is still surprising, as no school had placed even two field players on the All-District First Team in the past eight years. In addition, Michael was selected as the Missouri District Defensive Player of the Year, William was selected as the Missouri District Offensive Player of the Year, and Tim was selected as the Missouri District Player of the Year. The “of the Year” awards have been presented for only four years, but SLUH’s sweep is unprecedented, and Michael and William are the first underclassmen so commended.
State Champs!
The Jr. Bills completed their second consecutive undefeated season by winning the Missouri District Tournament, besting the Red Devils for the third time. SLUH found themselves trailing 2-0 for the first time all year after allowing two early counterattack goals , and Chaminade’s tight defense kept SLUH from generating much offense for the remainder of the first half. But the Red Devils managed even less against the Jr. Bills’ half court defense, led by Michael O’Neill’s three steals and Matt Hohenberger’s nine saves. Tim Dale, John Heafner, Mike Sizemore, and Max Wurm notched goals in the first five minutes of the second half, and William Page’s 6-on-5 goal with under three minutes to play sealed the outcome. Dale earned Player of the Game honors with his three goals and two assists. The state championship is SLUH’s third consecutive and thirteenth overall, most in the history of Missouri Water Polo.
Game Recaps
Recaps of games can be viewed by clicking on the schedule at the right. Box scores and statistics are available at stltoday.com.
Let the Games Begin!
Despite graduating the Missouri Water Polo Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and 1st Team All-District Goaltender, the two-time defending state champions begin the season ranked first in both the coaches' poll and the fans' poll.
Tryouts
Tryouts begin Monday, February 18. For more information, contact Coach Baud at baud@sluh.org.
Tentative Schedule
Please note that the schedule to the right is subject to change.
A Brief History
SLUH has featured a Varsity Water Polo team since 1961, compiling an impressive record of 598 wins and 221 losses against 24 other high schools from the St. Louis area and four from the Chicago area. The program has captured twelve Missouri District Championships, tied for first with Mary Institute - Country Day School for the most in the history of Missouri Water Polo. This year’s team looks to extend SLUH’s streak of two titles in a row.
Postseason Awards
As a postscript to their perfect season, several Jr. Bills were recognized by area coaches. Tim Dale and John Heafner were All-District Honorable Mention, Jake Roeckle was All-District Third Team, Kerry Read was All-District Second Team, and Jason Appelbaum and Jim Heafner were All-District First Team. In addition, Kerry was selected as the Missouri District Defensive Player of the Year, while Jim was selected as the Offensive Player of the Year.
State Champs!
The Jr. Bills capped off their undefeated season by winning the Missouri District Tournament, defeating the Rams for the fourth time this season. Opting for a goal-side press early in the game, SLUH surged to a 7-1 lead through one and a half quarters and maintained the advantage for an 11-6 win. A balanced offensive attack featuring points from nine different players was led by Jim Heafner (4 G), John Heafner (3 G, 1 A), and Tim Dale (1 G, 2 A). The defense was led by defenders Kerry Read, Ray Kreienkamp, and Michael O’Neill and goalie Jason Appelbaum (11 S). The state championship is the second consecutive and the twelfth in the history of the program.
SLUH Earns Top Seed
Area coaches selected the Jr. Bills as the team to beat in the 2007 Missouri District Tournament, beginning May 12 at the Rec Plex in St. Peters. The bracket for the upper tier of the tournament can be viewed at www.mowaterpolo.com
Game Recaps
Recaps of games can be viewed by clicking on the schedule at the right. Box scores and statistics are available at http://mowaterpolo.com/HSPages/2007/VarsitySched/SLUHVSched.html and http://prepsports3.stltoday.com/waterpolo/07/stats/overall230.shtm.
Let the Games Begin
At long last, the water polo season begins this week with the MICDS Invitational. The four teams involved in the round-robin event are all ranked among the top ten in the first coaches' poll (http://mowaterpolo.com/highschool.html).
It Starts ...
Tryouts begin February 19 at 4:30 PM. Games begin March 12.
A Brief History
SLUH has featured a Varsity Water Polo team since 1961, compiling an impressive record of 573 wins and 221 losses against 24 other high schools in the St. Louis area. The program has been especially dominant over the past twenty years, capturing eight state titles and never finishing lower than third in the Missouri District Tournament. Water polo is a spring sport for the first time in the 2006-2007 school year, and this year's team looks to defend its championship won in the fall of 2005.
Other Team News
Perfect!
The 2008 SLUH JV Water Polo team capped off a perfect 16-0 season with a fantastic 10-2 victory over longtime rival DeSmet, in the Championship Game of the Suburban Central Conference Tournament.
DeSmet Jamboree Cancelled
The DeSmet JV Invite, schedule for May 1-3, has been cancelled due to loss of pool access. Unfortunately, these games will not be made up.
Monday Practice - 4/28/08
JV & Varsity athletes will split up to practice by position for Monday's practice. The schedule is as follows below. JV athletes who are in the 2nd group should plan to practice until around 6:30.
Practice on Friday, April 25
The team will meet in room 215c at SLUH for practice on Friday. Parents should pick their sons up from SLUH, not Forest Park CC on that day. The team will be done around 5 pm. Please email Coach Penilla with any questions.
SLUH 'B' Captures 5th in DeSmet Invite
Congratulations to JV regulars Dan Goeddel, Rob Golterman, and Daniel Pike (sophomores), and freshman John Lewis on their 5th place finish at the highly-competitive DeSmet Invitational over the weekend. All 4 were contributors to the team's stellar effort.
DeSmet Invitational
SLUH will field 2 teams in the upcoming DeSmet Invitational, to be held at Lindbergh HS and the Rec-Plex over 3 days. These teams will be primarily comprised of varsity players, though a select number of JV athletes will play on the SLUH 'B' team. Those athletes have been notified of this already. Please see the Varsity page for the complete schedule, or visit mowaterpolo.com.
Varsity News: Jr. Bills Repeat at Midwest Classic
Here is an article from the Daily Herald about the SLUH Varsity Water Polo team's 2nd consecutive title at the Midwest Classic, held in Schaumburg, IL.
A Spectator's Guide to Water Polo
I recently found this guide for observing water polo games (thanks to Coach Milford over at CCP for point it out on his blog). It is extremely comprehensive and, though a little long (55 pgs), it is pretty easy and is great for anyone beginning to watch games or for someone who has been watching for years trying to understand all the details of the game.
Game Recaps
Recaps of all completed games can be viewed by clicking the opponent name on the schedule at the right. Box scores, scoring summaries, and area leader statistics are available at on the MO Water Polo website linked below.
Blue / White Game Set for Thursday
The annual Blue / White Game will be held on Thursday, March 6 beginning at 4 pm. Two games will be played with teams comprised of all grade levels.
Plans for Tuesday & Wednesday
Practice for Tuesday, March 4 is cancelled due to inclement weather.
Schedule Changes
This year's schedule is EVER CHANGING due to different reasons. Please be patient while all changes get sorted out. The latest information can be obtained at the MO Water Polo website.
Tryouts Set to Begin February 18th
The 2008 campaign officially gets underway on Monday, February 18th at 3pm at Forest Park CC. Please note that this date is 1 week earlier than the other spring sports. Regular practice time begins Tuesday, 2/19. Practices will run from 3:20 until 4:45. Parents should expect their son's to be ready no earlier than 5pm.
JV Team History
SLUH has featured a Junior Varsity Water Polo team since 1963, compiling a staggering record of 512 wins and 117 losses, good for a .813 winning percentage. Over the past six seasons, SLUH has lost a total of one game at the JV level, including last year's unblemished 20-0 record. Coach John Penilla (SLUH '99) returns for his 2nd year as Head Coach.
JV Finishes Season as Champions
The JV water polo team finished off a great inaugural spring-season campaign by winning the Suburban Central Conference Championship against DeSmet 12-7.
Blue Captures Inaugural Jamboree Championship; White finishes 6th
The SLUH JV team split into two teams and had a successful weekend at the inaugural DeSmet Jesuit Jamboree at the outdoor pool in Maplewood.
Final Stats Leaders
The following are the final leaders for statistics compiled this year. Statistics for all players will be provided at the banquet on 5/24.
A Brief History
SLUH has featured a Junior Varsity Water Polo team since 1963, compiling an impressive record of 492 wins and 117 losses. Over the past five seasons, SLUH has lost a total of one game at the JV level. The 2007 season will be the first for new coach John Penilla, SLUH '99.
