The Wake

Have you ever heard of a game that is played like soccer, positioned like basketball and the intensity of rugby? That is exactly how Water Polo President Chris Redman explained the game as we sat in the lobby at the Rec Center, overlooking the pool. “I still think this campus is my favorite place to compete,” Redman says.

The game is played with seven players in the pool at one time, one goalie and six field players. The goalie is not allowed on the other half on the pool. The position of the six field players is dependent on the play — similar to basketball.

The ball is similar to the size of a volleyball but has rubber grips so it is easier for team members to hold on to. A major rule is that the ball can only be handled by one hand at a time. If a player is caught using both hands, the referee will call a turnover, giving the ball to the other team.

The game is full contact and can become very competitive, which presents the rugby aspect. What goes on under the water, which neither the referee nor the spectators can see, is fair game. The game is played like soccer in that you try to score as many goals as possible, each goal being worth one point.

The U of M’s water polo team, that started their season toward the end of Sept., are undefeated with a 8-0 record after beating schools like Iowa State, Kansas University, Mankato State and Marquette.

“We have the strongest start by far this season,” Redman says, “ but Marquette is our big rival.”

It’s a good thing we have a nice swimming stadium because the U of M recently hosted the Division-I championships, and the team justified their 8-0 record. During their tournament over the weekend of Oct. 28 and 29, the team took first and received their bid for nationals.

During the tournament, the U played Mankato in their first game and won because Mankato had to forfeit for not being able to provide a full team. Their second game was against Iowa State. In their last game, the U beat Marquette with a score of 16-9 to win the tournament! The University of Minnesota’s team is looking forward to a trip to Miami, Ohio for nationals at the end of Nov.

“One of our main goals, since we’ve had such a great start, is to make it to nationals and place well,” Redman says.

The U of M water polo team has never qualified for nationals before. The team will compete against 16 other Division-I schools. Macalester College, who plays in Division-III, has also qualified for nationals. This year will mark the first time in history that Minnesota will send two water polo teams to nationals.

In recent years, the sport of water polo has become more popular, particularly at the U of M. According to Redman, participation on the water polo team has doubled since last year.

Although the sport is growing in popularity throughout the Midwest, it is still not as popular as it is in on the West Coast, particularly California. Most Californian colleges, not only have extraordinary club teams but also have varsity teams who hold national ranking across the board. They also have women teams, which is something that the U of M lacks.

“Eventually we would love to be able to start a women’s team, but we just don’t have enough female players right now,” Redman says.

The unique team thing about the U of M’s water polo team is that they are co-ed and although the U competes in the men’s division — girls are allowed to play.

The U of M water polo team has nationals on their mind, and they are already preparing for the competition. “Especially when we’ve been playing so well, you get pumped up to defeat another team,” Redman says. Whether the team wins or loses, they are ultimately concerned about playing well together as a team — which is always a good feeling, according to Redman.