by Jet Walls

St. John Bosco High School’s water polo team was a force to be reckoned with from their electric start to their historic playoff birth.

The team started the season with high expectations and an intense hunger for success. Starting off incredibly hot with a series of victories, they moved their way up the rankings.

Freshman star Brayden Krakowski had a very successful season as a young leader for his squad, vying to win every game possible with a high-intensity and focused demeanor.

 “I [saw myself evolve] into more of a leader, as that [was] needed to help keep the team locked in for this postseason,” said Brayden.

The team had a big momentum swing when they faced the “Team In Red,” who were ranked number eight in the nation. Bosco refused to be underestimated by their rivals, competing well through all four quarters before going down 8-4.

As a result of their stellar regular season, Bosco Water Polo made a California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) playoff appearance for the first time in eight years.

Senior captain Julian Almanza was extremely happy with his experience with his team this season. Julian had a great time going to work with his Bosco brothers every single day.

He wanted to be a good role model for the underclassmen and help them perform to their very best. Julian is proud of his team’s technical advancement this season.

“I think the freshman on our team have surprised me the most. They’ve been able to keep up with our intense practice schedule and their hard work did translate to the games “ said Julian

Julian and his team gave it there all this season by dialing in every single game and maintaining 100% focus. The team’s motto this year was “control what you can control,” and this motto helped them to always maintain focus when they were hit with any kind of adversity. Bosco was a gritty and fierce team that battled to the very end.

Bosco Water Polo finished out the year with a 16-10 record losing to Capistrano Valley by a score of 18-11 to end their season. While playing in the Trinity League this season Bosco competed with several high class teams and gave them a run for there money, as Bosco shocked the water polo community with their stellar and fierce playing. Bosco Water Polo aims to keep climbing the ranks and developing for an even more remarkable season next year. 

Bosco Water Polo starts in late September next year. Bosco students, staff and alumni are highly encouraged to come out to Bellflower Aquatic Center to support the young men next season in the pool.