By Jeffery Laux
Keep your business and fitness underwater in the spectacular sport of water polo. This game consists of two teams of seven in a wide swimming pool, paddling their way to victory. The aim of the game is to score a goal by throwing or dribbling the ball between the goalposts and under the crossbar of the defenders’ goal. Basically, it’s swimming with soccer incorporated, with a bit more upper body strength needed to win.
Apopka high school has always been a good team, looking to improve each and every year. Last year the boys’ team went 7-5, while the girls finished right at .500 at 6-6. The Darters play in a tough district of opponents containing powerhouses such as Dr. Phillips and West Orange. No matter the trials and tribulations of each season, the team is expected to put up big numbers on their arch-rival the Wekiva Mustangs each and every year.
A new coach has taken the helm as the assistant coach at Apopka. Mr. Anderson, a defensive line coach for the dominant school football team, has replaced Mr. Fowler after he decided to transfer to Windermere to coach the brand new Wolverines. Head Coach Russell has uplifted spirits about the team’s chances this upcoming season, as there are many young players that have untapped potential.
Both varsity water polo teams have many newcomers and many returners, which reinforces the thoughts of a brand new season with brand new opportunities. The boys’ team has returners with the likes of Caleb Mahanna, Jay Parsons, Nick Carey, Matthew Murphy, Jeffery Laux, and Derrick Washington. On the other hand, the girls’ team has returners such as Anyka Wilkin, Madison Haid, Julianna Christianson, and Brandi Barnwell. Star-studded wing player Caleb Mahanna has participated in club water polo all summer long to prepare for this upcoming season. “Hard work produces the best results and I’m aiming for the highest ceiling our team can reach this season.” Coaches across the league have their eyes set upon Anyka Wilkin, a phenomenal woman player whose strengths embody aggression, passion, and determination. Her quickness and awareness of the open field of players make her one of the top women players in the district.
Coach Russell has tapped leaders Caleb Mahanna, Jay Parsons, Brandi Barnwell, and Anyka Wilkin. He is hoping that these players implement a new mindset in a team depleted of an identity after 6 starters graduated in 2017. Only one starter returns in the lineup: Jay Parsons, who has played since his freshman year of high school and will maintain the key position of holding defense. Mahanna wants to bring a new pace to each practice by contributing more time to technique training and scrimmages.
The 2017-2018 schedule offers insight into what is to come from the Darters. Their first games consist of top-tier teams such as Olympia and Dr. Phillips, which will truly show the coaches where this team stands at the beginning of the season. As the season progresses, the Darters take on teams such as Edgewater, Ocoee, and Colonial, which will show the true colors of this team and will also show how far this team can make it in districts, if they do make it once again.