Following the completion of the new David A. Segal Aquatic Center, aquatic director Jason Gall reintroduced Water Polo back into the cycle of Jesuit Dallas sports. After a brief absence, water polo will begin its season this spring 2022. The team will look to complete a successful first season back at Jesuit.
What is Water Polo?
Water Polo is a team sport with fourteen players in the pool at all times, seven on each team. It is played in 4 quarters, similar to other sports such as football and basketball. The two teams attempt to score goals by throwing the ball in the other team’s net. Typically, a Water Polo match is played in a pool deeper than players can stand in, forcing them to tread water.
In Water Polo, the ball is kept the ball above water at all times. There is a shot clock, giving the team on offense 30 seconds to attempt a shot on the opposing net. If the team shooting the ball recovers it, they receive a reset of 20 seconds on the clock. A major rule is not being inside the 2-meter line. If a player on offense crosses past the 2-meter line and receives the ball they will lose possession, but if they have the ball and cross over that is legal.
The Summer
During summer break, Coach Gall introduced a Water Polo camp to students interested in playing the sport. These practices consisted of working out the basics of water polo and letting students get a feel for the motions. When the break ended, the players vastly improved as scrimmages took on a larger role in practice.
The School Year Begins
As the school year began, weights were an addition to the training regimen. Players worked out in the Dell twice a week, which eventually became 3 times, in the morning as strength training in order to prepare for the upcoming spring season, but that was not all. Pool practices ran Monday-Thursday from 3:45-5:15 P.M., in addition to the morning weight training.
The Upcoming Season
The Rangers look towards a great start to the season with their first games coming up in late February. Be on the lookout for the release of the game schedule and come out to support the boys in the first water polo season back at Jesuit.
Stay tuned to The Roundup for new updates for your favorite water polo team!
