Last week’s news about a move by Washington & Jefferson men’s water polo team from the staid Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) to the mighty Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) struck like a thunderbolt. How can a DIII program at a small, highly-selective private college in Pennsylvania stay afloat against
While Its Women Compete for Championships, MPSF Loads Up on Men’s Water Polo
Slipped into the hoopla surrounding the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) women’s water polo championship, won Sunday 11-9 by #2 Stanford over #1 USC, was an announcement notable for its potential ripple effect on often overlooked polo programs. [Stanford Claims Its First MPSF Crown Since 2014] In a statement last
A Perpetual Winner in the Water, Vavic Loses Varsity Blues Court Battle
In a surprising though not unexpected decision handed down last Friday, Jovan Vavic, the winningest water polo coach in NCAA history, was convicted by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani of accepting bribes in conjunction with the massive college admissions fraud case commonly known as “Varsity Blues.” Sentencing for Vavic, now
Being John Vargas
In the movie “Being John Malkovich,” the titular character’s mind is inhabited by a rag-tag bunch of friends and lovers to hilarious effect. One takeaway is that Malkovich, playing a satirical version of himself, is unknowable because his mind and actions are always being directed by others. This cannot be
With Huge Win over Stanford, Cal Moves Up in CWPA Women’s Water Polo Poll
Prognostications are easy. Look at some facts, pick a side and explain why. That’s how I felt so confident that Stanford and USC were head (and shoulders!) above the rest of the polo pack early in this women’s water polo season. [CWPA Top 25 Women’s Varsity Water Polo: There’s USC,
Where’s Marko? Why are an Olympian and his Brother Left Off USC’s Roster?
In recent weeks, USC men’s basketball has climbed as high as fifth in national polls—the program’s highest ranking since being ranked #5 in 1974. Amid the hoopla around a program that has never won an NCAA title, a bit of perspective. What if Trojan Head Coach Andy Enfield, without prior
Here We Go Again: 2022 NCAA Women’s Water Polo Preseason Poll
As the calendar shifts to mid-January, it’s time for women’s water polo to take precedence over the men, specifically NCAA intercollegiate competition. The folks who publish the Collegiate Water Polo Association varsity polls are ahead of the game; last Wednesday they published their 2022 preseason women’s poll. [CWPA 2022 Women’s
By Michael Randazzo Analysis/Commentary/Olympics/USA Men/USA Water Polo/USA Women/Varsity Men/Varsity WomenTop Five Stories from 2021: No 1—Hard Truths Require Tough Water Polo Leadership
Editor’s Note: The end is already here for the 2021 water polo season. TWp looks back on the five biggest story lines of the year. Today we focus on what challenges from the previous year will carry on into 2022. This year will be pivotal for American water polo for
Top Five Stories from 2021: No 3—Water Polo Award Winners
Editor’s Note: The end is near for the 2021 water polo season. TWp is looking back on the five biggest story lines of the year. Today we focus on the various best of year selections by the ACWPC, FINA, Swimming World, The Olympic Club and TotalWaterPolo (you know, the other
Top Five Stories from 2021: No 5—Water Polo is Back!
Editor’s Note: The end is near! 2021 is almost in the books, so TWp is looking back on the five biggest story lines of the year. Today we focus on the joy of playing; after a rough start due to COVID-19 bans and outbreaks, the NCAA men played an abbreviated
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