The water polo team participated in their first series of games at the Philmore Cup from August 29-30, facing Calvert Hall College High School, Mount Saint Joseph High School, and Gilman School. Despite a difficult start, the team remains optimistic and focused on its long-term goals.
The Fords fell in their season-opening match against Calvert Hall, 8-12, then bounced back to win against Mount Joseph 14-5, before closing with a 5-8 loss to Gillman School. Still, the team is not deterred.
“We haven’t played much yet, so these first few games were tough,” Sixth Former Sam Putter said. “We played a bit sloppily, and we’re still learning how to strategize and play together. We’re looking to come out on top this Friday against Gonzaga High School.”
After losing nearly ten seniors last year, the team is rebuilding. The starting lineup now consists of Sixth Formers Matthew Cerniglia, Sam Putter, Connor Kirby, and Ryan Hayne, alongside Fifth Formers Thomas Springer, Henry McDade, and goalie Mookie Dumbar, only three of whom started last year.
“Our practices are one hour shorter than they were last year, so practices have been even more intense.”
Thomas Springer ’27
Kirby, despite this being his first year on the team, has made an early impact.
“He brings a different skillset, being very physical and quick. He won almost every faceoff this weekend,” Putter said.
The team is also bolstered by a strong Third Form class, many of whom also play in local club teams, with players like Tristan Doener getting significant playing time.
The team began preseason training two weeks before the Philmore Cup, practicing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“It’s been very difficult, as water polo is a very demanding sport,” Fifth Former Thomas Springer said. “Our practices are one hour shorter than they were last year, so practices have been even more intense.”
The team was joined by a returning coach, Bobby Halligan.
“He’s been a great addition. He has a lot of game knowledge, and he’s been able to give us individualized advice in real time,” Springer said.
The team has embodied a supportive environment and mindset.
“I hope that we just train hard every day, improving our skills, and let our work show off with game results.”
Thomas Springer ’27
“We really want to keep the team happy. That means taking accountability for our own actions, supporting and uplifting each other, and helping each other improve,” Springer said. “An environment where players get mad at each other and yell at each other is very hurtful.”
The team also looks to take the season one day at a time.
“We had doubts going into the season, unsure of how good we’d be. Which games we’d win and which games we’d lose and such, but that isn’t the right mindset to have,” said Springer. “I hope that we just train hard every day, improving our skills, and let our work show off with game results.”
The team’s goals are front and center, written on the locker room whiteboard: sweep the Inter-Ac, win Easterns for the third year in a row, make flight 1 at the Beast of the East tournament, and win EA Day.
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