The Los Osos Water Polo program has an impressive history of California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section (CIF-SS) playoff wins and many other successes.
Our boys’ season has begun, and they’re on their journey to making history for the program and school once again.
The varsity team is currently at a record of 7-5 in non-league games, against very competitive teams.
Their most impressive win was against Poly High School in Riverside. In Division 1 / 2, Poly is ranked 15 and is coming off a 31-6 record from last season.
Senior Aidan Mattera has been on the varsity team for two years and is just as determined as everyone else to be victorious.
Mattera said, “We have been doing lots of six-on-five and driving drills, swimming a lot to stay in shape, and pressure passing so in games our passes are not sloppy.”
These measures the team is taking are helping them be on track for a successful record in the league, and make the CIF-SS playoffs.
But something that makes our water polo team so special is their team chemistry and bond.
This bond has been created with the aid of their captain, Mike Hale. Hale is a senior at Los Osos and has been a part of the water polo program all four years, three of those being on varsity. He also plays outside of Osos for a local club team and is constantly working to be the best.
Hale said, “To keep the team motivated throughout the season you need to stay positive and make sure the effort is being pushed harder every day. Instead of yelling and bringing them down I keep everything positive and use constructive criticism when I need to be more instructive. As a group of boys, of course, things get out of hand, but I try to limit how much we mess with each other. Leading by example is my main way to get to the team.”
With a good leader with good intentions, there’s no doubt our team will be successful.
But on any journey to victory, there will always be obstacles faced. However, this team won’t back down and is ready for any challenges.
In sports, the ability to face a challenge is one of the most valuable skills in a team. Senior Mason Stephens was asked how the team comes upon challenges like game losses, or team disagreements.
Stephens said, “We talk it out as a team and address the problem.”
Our team has the talent, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that can guarantee we will see a successful league season.
Like most sports at Los Osos, water polo is in the baseline league competing against Etiwanda, Rancho Cucamonga, Chino Hills, Damien, and Upland.
These schools are all ranked highly in the California division also, with very triumphant histories. To qualify for CIF-SS playoffs, you must place in the top three spots in the league.
But with the willpower, and bond of our boys’ water polo team, it’s no doubt they’re in the running for that coveted spot.