By An announcement is still forthcoming from Monmouth (IL) College about sponsoring varsity water polo in 2013-2014. The squad their men defeated, Washington University from St. Louis, to win 2012’s DIII club championships does not yet appear to be on the same trajectory.
Long a destination for Missouri’s high school water polo talent the men’s team has sustained success on the Division III club level for several years, most recently with a national championship in 2011. But both Coach Nathan Todd and Captain Tim Greer are unaware of any effort by the school’s athletic department to sponsor varsity water polo. They admit that Monmouth’s promotion could start that conversation.
“This change in status for their team is the first step in our club’s potential change to varsity status. We know that we can compete at their level, so we feel that if Monmouth has the talent to go varsity, we do too,” Greer wrote in an email.
Overall development of the sport in the region is also important to the Bears. “I am very happy for Monmouth’s entry into the varsity scene…Their move shows me that water polo in the Midwest is moving in a positive direction,” said Todd.
But funding remains a concern, as Greer related. “A team from the Midwest does not have the luxury of playing close teams and would have to travel to the east coast or west coast for most varsity competition. This may provide Monmouth College some problems in their infancy as a varsity team. However, I hope that they do not let these difficulties deter them from keeping their varsity status.”
Though Monmouth’s ascendance is good news overall, and offers hope to similar small-school club programs, it is also cause for disappointment for 2012 Outstanding Coach award winner, Todd.
“[Now] we cannot play them in an official game, which is unfortunate, since I would like a rematch.”
