Varsity Boys Water Polo team started their season with a scrimmage against Reedley High School. They met and practiced over the summer in preparation for their Fall season.
By: Lucas de Lima
Getting off to a fast start, the Varsity Boys Water Polo team started their season with a scrimmage on the very first day of school, August 15th. They traveled north to face Reedley High School, coming home with a 9-8 victory. Although the win was on the first day of school, they have been preparing all summer for their season, which starts now and runs through October and early November.
Photo L.de Lima/Gigantea
The teams first big trip of the summer was up to Oregon, where they scrimmaged against other local Oregon teams and spent three nights.
Samuel Feierbach, ’25, says, “We did good, It was kind of hot and cold how we played, but towards the end we got a little more dialed in. Getting back together with the team from playing with club is always difficult, but we got it figured out and we’re playing pretty hot now.”
Tyson Phillips, ’26, also went to Oregon with the team. He says “the Oregon trip was lots of fun. It was a lot of team bonding.”
Another trip the team took was up to Bass Lake, although this trip was much more recreational than Oregon.
“[Bass Lake] was so much fun, I wish I could go up there every weekend. It was great, [we] rode jet skis. We brought a goal up there, we played, shot around. Just some low-stake stuff, but it was all-around just a fun time.
Photo Courtesy of Feierbach
These team trips help boost team connections and chemistry, which is essential for any team to be successful when it matters most. Phillips says, “the team chemistry is great, everyone gets along very well. We’re always here to help out each other.”
One of the toughest parts of the summer program is Hell Week, also known as SHFT Week. Taking place right before the beginning of the season, the week-long program tests the players and gets them prepared for the hardships of the regular season.
Lincoln Cooper, ’27, says, “Hell week was pretty tough, but we all fought through it together. It’s gonna make us better. The older guys are really trying to push us younger guys to get better because we are the future of the program, and we just want to be at the next level.”
Photo Courtesy of David Ross, ’25
The Rangers took their first win of the season against the Reedley Pirates by a score of 9-8, after being down 6-3 at halftime. Some stand out performers include David Ross, ’25, and Jake Bettencourt, ’25, each scoring 3 goals en route to victory.
You can catch the highlights here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-tz62QpBqy/.
Cooper says, “Our first scrimmage against Reedley went pretty well. There is still a little bit more things that we need to work on. Overall our team did good, we came back and won.”
The Rangers next game is at Tulare Western on August 22nd, at 7:30 PM. Their first East Yosemite League game is on October 1st, at 5:00 PM, away at the Porterville Panthers.
When asked if the future of the Boys Water Polo program was in good hands, Feierbach had this to say: “For sure. With the new coach coming in, Jack Felsted, yes, absolutely. “
Lucas de Lima
Lucas de Lima, '25, is a proud managing editor and sports writer for the Redwood Gigantea. Outside of journalism, he is part of the FBLA and FFA organizations, as well as the tennis program. You can reach him by email at lucas.de3708@vusd.us
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