Brahmas conquer the waters
BOYS WATER POLO Despite a coaching change, the team has found success in league.
Wing player Matthew Kim rises above the water to find a better scoring opportunity in the victory against Don Lugo, 11-6.
Halfway into the season, the boy’s water polo team has reached highs and lows, but are confident in their chances of making it to the CIFs and finishing the season strong.
They are thriving in the Mt. Baldy League, with a league record of 4-0 and an overall record of 14-7, an improvement from last year’s 2-6 league record.
“In the new league, the teams are a lot more inexperienced, so it is easier for us, but we have to make sure to stay focused in order to not get used to playing bad teams,” senior set player Sebastian Galelli said.
The team easily won against Chino, 18-4, and Ontario, 18-0. They also defeated division opponents Brea Olinda 9-7, recovering from a 6-2 deficit at halftime. One of their biggest challenges of the season was against Don Lugo, but the Brahmas were able to win 11-6.
As a new coach, Gary Cheever had concerns about how the team would do with the absence of former head coach Alexander Matal, but he said the team has adjusted well. Cheever said he is confident in the team this year and their chances of making it to the CIF playoffs, and believes Diamond Bar High School will be a top three seed out of the league.
“The players have made it very exciting to coach here at DBHS. They are all hard working. The transition to play for a new coach is not always the easiest thing for a group of high school athletes to do, but the boys have done a great job so far,” Cheever said via email.
One of the difficulties the Brahmas have faced this season is the injury of one of the team’s goalies, junior Hamlin Wu. Wu suffered from a head injury during practice and is out of the lineup for now, but Cheever hopes that Wu will be able to play again soon.
The players are continuing with their new practice schedule that includes more visits to the weight room. They are focusing on being aware of their surroundings and communication.
“The thing I would say the team is doing well in is improving. Each game and practice everyone seems to grow more. The team has this list of things to accomplish in each game to reach our goal of being league champs and winning CIF,” Mutuc said.
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