On October 18, boys varsity water polo crushed their opponent Las Lomas with a final score of 9-3. The Cougars hosted the match and had an abundance of support from fans and fellow athletes. It was also senior night, meaning there was a special atmosphere of appreciation for the team and the seniors’ dedication to the sport.
Senior utility Dante Vattuone took advantage of the opportunity to play with his senior teammates: “We’ve been working hard together for the past four years, so there was definitely a little extra weight on this game.” With new players and coaches in the program, this season has definitely been a journey for everyone on the team. Even so, the seniors have encouraged a mentality of resiliency and determination that still allowed them to take home significant wins.
Senior goalie Joey Cecchin said, “It’s kind of surreal being in the senior position.” He “wasn’t very open with the seniors as an underclassman,” but has made it a priority to make the team feel inclusive–- in and out of the pool. As a goalie, Cecchin plays a major role in directing the defensive strategy. Being able to mentor his teammates from the goalie position improved the team’s overall cohesion, ultimately translating into success on the offensive side as well.
Cecchin also said it was “really exciting to have a perfect roster of seniors.” Starting six seniors in the field made the win feel extra special and symbolic of their leadership on the team. Even so, Cecchin is “confident that the underclassmen will carry [the] legacy on.” With five freshmen on varsity, the Campo water polo community is more than enthused to see what they accomplish.
Junior Hayden O’Hare expressed his gratitude for the seniors: “I’m really going to miss them…they’re a big part of this team.” Senior leadership has been crucial in fostering skills and confidence in younger players. Next year, it will be the junior class acting as role models and helping the underclassmen navigate the ups and downs of the season.
Both Cecchin and Vattuone are grateful to have walked away from the game with a win. With the amount of supporters who came out, the achievement was especially rewarding. It will be a positive memory for the seniors to reflect on as their time spent in the program comes to a close.
