TEAM INFORMATION SHEET - MEN'S WATER POLO

Updated for the 2011 Fall Season

There'll be a player and parent kick-off meeting in August,8th 2011.  Please contact Coach Justin Thoresen at justinthor11@yahoo.com, for details on team information.

Note:  Physicals and Athlete Insurance must be registered with the Athletic Office prior to participation in practice.

Start Date: August_8th , 2011


End Date: November 13th , 2011

Team banquet is usually a week or two after the season is over.

Season: FALL
Gender: Men
Levels: Varsity and JV (including 9th grade)

Contact:  Justin Thoresen

E-mail: justinthor11@yahoo.com

Athletic Dept. Web Site



Practice Location: Huron Ratatorium (pool).

Who provides transportation to & from practice? Parents


Time of Practice?

Pre-Season: (All players - Varsity and JV):
August 11th- until school starts Mon-Thurs 6-8am and 5:00-7:30pm, Friday 6:00-8:30pm, exception for game days, holidays and other team activities.

When school starts:
Varsity: Mon & Wed 6:00-7:00AM, Mon-Thurs 4:30-7:30PM (4:30-5:30 Strength & Conditioning), exception for game days
JV: Mon-Thurs 4:30-7:00PM (4:30-5:30 Strength & Conditioning), exception for game days.
Friday: 5:30-8:00PM

Game and Tournament calendar will be posted on highschoolsports.net when ready for publication.

Summary:

Both Varsity and JV teams compete in approximately 4-6 regular season weekend invitational tournaments, where each team plays up to 3-4 games on a weekend. (Each game lasts about 1 hour.) Typically, these tournaments are on Friday night, and most of the day Saturday.

There are one or two games during the week against individual schools, game times usually JV 6:30pm, and Varsity 7:30pm. Buses provided transportation to midweek away games that are in the suburban or Lansing areas.

JV competition season is officially over in late October. There are no state playoff competitions for JV.  But, coach may still schedule JV games past that time, depending on interest.

Varsity playoffs start in late October, with the first round of District matches. The Varsity season may extend as far as mid-November if the team advances through Regional and State competitions.  Some JV's are moved up to Varsity for the Varsity playoff season.  All JV's are invited to continue to practice throughout this time.

Studies vs Sports:

NOTE: The water polo schedule is challanging. And, it's essential that all players realize that they are students, first, before they are water polo players.

To ensure that players keep up on their studies, a "Study Table" is in effect, when players are with the team, before and after all practices, and throughout all weekend tournaments, including travel.

Players are expected to bring schoolwork with them at all times and actively engage their studies for ALL downtime.


Other Details:

Water polo is a "no-cut" sport.  Everyone gets playing time.

Typically how many does the coach keep?
Varsity: 15-16 Players
JV: Everyone else


Tryout Criteria:
No experience is necessary. But, in order to compete in a contest, the ability to stay above water (drowning is not an alternative!), with the exception of the shallow-end goalkeeper position, is required.

Coaches will work with all levels of athlete. And, even beginning non-swimmers can develop into strong swimmers and water polo athletes.

For experienced or club swimmers, Water Polo at Huron can develop the swimming endurance, aerobic capability and muscle strength that can't be obtained through club swimming.  There are many top swimmers in the state who play water polo.  And, the Top 10 swimming teams are dominated by schools that play Water Polo.

The strength and swim conditioning from a good polo season at Huron will prepare swimmers for the rigors of the high school swim season.

The potential for a water polo player at Huron is endless.  We currently have a former player who plays water polo professionally and is on the US National Team. It all depends on a player's participation, focus and work ethic.

Ultimately, water polo is a Team Sport which requires a high level of thinking and teammate awareness, in and out of the pool.  And, it's this willingness to work together as teammates that brings the most satisfaction, regardless of the outcome of the competition.  Being teammates on Huron Water Polo can result in lifelong friendships.


Does this sport collect dues or fees? Yes, plus fundraisers.

If “yes”, approximately how much and for what purpose?
$185. Suit, T-shirt, Team Meals, Gifts, Etc.

Message from the Coaches

Water Polo is a team sport. And, each season, the success of the program is dependent upon teamwork. Whether an incoming freshman with no experience, or a returning All-State athlete, players should be dedicated to each other, to the program and to Huron High School, which provides us with a team and facility. This dedication is demonstrated through hard work at practice and contests, striving for success in the classroom, and the development of friendships with teammates. Players should pay attention to each other on the pool deck and in the water. It's mostly important for the newest players to know that the experienced players are paying attention to them. We try to be the best players we can be. But, it's even more important that we are the best of friends we can be.