Boys’ waterpolo: New faces look to be important part of the equation

A common saying in water polo is that the key to being a good water polo player is anticipation. After graduating four key seniors last year many players anticipated a collapse. Fortunately for the team, a load of new talent has arrived this year, including a transfer student from Bellarmine, and prospects for success this year are looking more favorable.

“The team looks a lot different than last year,” said senior goalie Gavin Peake. “But the talent level is similar.”

Key additions to the squad include senior 2-meter man Yeon-Ho Kim, a transfer from Bellarmine, sophomore 2-meter man Neal Siganporia and freshman driver Steven Cho. Key returners include Peake, senior driver Tim Rollinson and juniors driver Tyler Borch and 2-meter defender Nic Doyen.

“[Kim] is definitely a huge addition since he has been playing for such a good team for the past three years,” said coach Christian Bonner.

The team has been practicing twice a day since the the beginning of school in preparation for the season. Now in his third year, Bonner lists games against Lynbrook, Harker and Wilcox as key games during the season.

The team practices in the morning before school and after school. This rigorous workout schedule has not only improved the fitness of the squad it has also improved the chemistry.

“We all work really well as a team,” said junior winger Eric Wang.

The season began with a 18-9 win against Cupertino at home on Sept. 16. Wang and Siganporia led the scoring with four goals each. Kim was not allowed to play due to CCS transfer rules. Kim will likely make his Saratoga High debut on Sept. 22 against Wilcox.

“It was a big confidence booster to come out so strong in our first game,” said Wang.

The Falcons traveled to Harker on Sept. 21 for the second match of the season but due to printing deadlines The Falcon could not report the results.