Water Polo Team Triumphs in Hawaii

The Coronado Aquatics Club polo team nabbed the championship trophy in the 18-Under Men’s division of the Hawaiian Invitational Water Polo Tournament Sunday, with an impressive 6-5 victory over the the Los Angeles Water Polo Club.

The game was played at the Duke Kahanamoku Aquatics Complex at the University of Hawaii in Honolulu. Joe Rodgers, a senior at Coronado High School, earned the game's MVP award.

“The boys came to Hawaii to build camaraderie and engage in team building and they played well,” said head coach Randy Burgess.

The 16-under boys team came in seventh place in their division, defeating the L.A. Club in their final game.

Since its inception in 1968, the Hawaiian Invitational Water Polo Tournament has grown to become among the most prestigious tournaments in the U.S. It attracts over 100 teams from around the world. Teams from New Zealand, Italy, England, Australia, Brazil and Canada have participated.

A highlight for the CAC players was a team trip to Waimea Bay on Oahu’s North Shore. The tranquil bay that is noted as a big-wave surf spot during the winter, provided a great location for a run-swim-run competition that included swimming with a large green sea turtle. The boys also enjoyed visiting Makapuu Beach Park and Sandy Beach, both famed bodysurfing locations.

Coronado Aquatics Club is a U.S. Water Polo affiliated club staffed by five professional coaches. Former members include many college water polo players, including players who have earned spots on the national and Olympic teams; an unprecedented four players from Coronado are currently on the national team.