(ROCKWALL ISD-February 4, 2013) After an outstanding season in 2012 for the Heath boys and Rockwall girls in which they finished 5th in regionals (one win from qualifying for state), one can only imagine what the new water polo season will bring when it begins on February 25.
“We had the best overall season for both schools last year,” said assistant coach and club president Jim Hummingbird. “When you look at how young our teams are, how can you not be excited for this new year?”
The Rockwall Lady Jackets will be returning three players who were voted 1st team all region in 2012: sophomores Jordan Hummingbird and Raena Eldridge, and junior Summer Scown. The Rockwall boys will have some added depth with the addition of freshmen Alex Rodriguez and Mitchell Eldridge. Last year’s back up goalie Brock Snyder (senior) will see full time duty as a starter this year.
The Heath Hawks boys surprised everyone but themselves with a 5th place finish in regions last year. Eliseo Villarreal (sophmore) was voted 2nd team all region in 2012 and will be back to try to get them into the state tournament. He will have some help with swimming standout Jared Butler (junior). The Lady Hawks will try to put a team into competition with Lauren LaRosa (sister to last year’s boys starting goalie, Chase LaRosa) leading the recruiting efforts.
The high school season begins with the first practice from 6:30 to 8 a.m. Monday, February 25. The teams practice Monday through Friday on school days up through the regional tournament on April 19 and 20. Should a team place in the top 4 at the regional tournament, their season would be extended as they will have qualified for the state tournament on May 3 and 4 to be held in Southlake this year.
Cost to enroll in this program is $150 per athlete with a $25 per sibling discount. Enrollment information can be found on the Rockwall ISD Aquatics website under teams or rockwallwaterpolo.com. For questions, please e-mail club president Jim Hummingbird at jimh@rockwallwaterpolo.com or head coach Andres Rodriguez at andres@rockwallwaterpolo.com.
Submitted by Jim Hummingbird.
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