By Kara Patman
Staff Writer
Many Mira Costa students struggle everyday with after-school activities as well as waking up early for a zero period class. As zero period students walk into the classroom, the water polo team is just climbing out of the pool.
This year, there are 18 boys on the varsity water polo team. Each morning, they report to the Costa pool to start their one- hour workout by 6 a.m.. They also practice for two more hours after school.
“Morning practice teaches discipline,” team captain senior Drew Rogerson said. “Getting in the routine of waking up before school to swim makes us mentally and physically tougher.”
The morning practices are focused on conditioning, consisting largely of leg workouts and swimming laps. The team members wear weights while treading water to strengthen their legs. In the afternoon, the boys focus on strategy and fundamentals in game-type situations.
“Morning practice is more of a challenge because of all the swimming,” Rogerson said. “Afternoon practice is based on passing, shooting, scrimmaging and game situations to make sure you are prepared for every game.”
Coach Jon Reichardt estimates that approximately 90% of the team also plays on a club water polo team. Some players struggle to balance the sport with full days of school and additional homework.
“My personal challenge is zero period.” junior Chase Williams said. “I don’t have a break in my day from 5:30 until snack time, and I am always rushing to class.”
The Mustangs defeated Palos Verdes High School, 7-5, on Tuesday. The boys’ next series of games is today at a tournament in Coronado at the America’s Finest City Invitational.
“Last year in California Interscholastic Federation [CIF], we lost far into the tournament,” Reichardt said. “This year, I’m training my athletes as hard as they can go up until the final day of the season.”
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