By Ian Cook

Although they weren’t able to get the outcome they wanted, the Water Polo team has worked extremely hard in order to build up their program over this past season and have set the program up for future success for many seasons to come.

The Braves Varsity water polo Team, led by Coach Powers, concluded their 2020-2021 Season with an overall record of 9-17 and an 0-5 record in Trinity League play. Due to COVID-19 Bosco water polo didn’t get to play many games last year.

“We played six games last year, and although we didn’t have the best season it was just a  blessing to be able to go out and have fun with my brothers,” said Joshua Jason, a senior set and three. 

The Braves have had a very diverse team consisting of a fair number of players ranging from Seniors all the to Freshmen.

 “What made our team so special this year is that we had a mix of players from a variety of different grade levels which is going to help out our team in the long run so that we can know what to expect for seasons to come,” said Matthew Casas, a junior utility. 

Playing top competition in the state gave the Braves great experience even finishing with a sub .500 record, and although the Braves were not satisfied with their performance this season, they were glad they could play against these elite teams that ended up becoming key factors into their development.  

“We played a lot of good teams this year, and playing in the Trinity League is tough, Orange Lutheran, JSerra, and Mater Dei are all ranked Top 10 in the State, but iron sharpens iron,” said Anthony Best, a senior two. 

The Braves have been able to use this season as an opportunity to show everyone what their program is made of regardless of the outcome of their matches. 

“Being able to come into this program as a freshmen and having the Seniors and other guys that have been a part of this program for years has been very satisfying and will definitely be a reason why we will keep improving year after year,” said freshmen Jacob Brice Huxen. 

This year the Braves were victorious against Buena, Millikan, Edison, Crean Lutheran, Woodbridge, Warren, Sage Hill, Cerritos and John Burroughs High School. During the season, the team stood out in a few  particular matches with dominating wins against Cerritos and Sage Hill. 

With a disappointing end to the season, this has not stopped the Braves from accomplishing their main goals as a program. 

“Although the end goal is to win matches and become champions, our main priority as a program is becoming brothers with one another so that we can continue to build relationships beyond Bosco Water Polo,” said Kaimana Storch, a senior set. 

With plenty of room to improve, the St. John Bosco Varsity Water Polo Team hopes to steadily grow as a program during the offseason which ultimately will lead to desired success in the future.