By 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
Augustana Begins First MAWPC-West Season as Monmouth Departs
The most important water polo region in America—contrary to opinions out West—is located primarily in the middle of the country. If the ill-named Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference-West can find a path to success, then there’s hope for polo to grow out of its small—and still precarious—footprint as a primarily West
On the Record with W&J’s Nikola Malezanov
Few people in America are as involved in water polo as Nikola Malezanov. This summer he coached the U.S. Men’s Cadet National Team at the Darko Cukic Memorial Tournament where Team USA went undefeated, stunning host Serbia as well as Croatia on its way to a first-ever title. Just as
By Cassie Wyckoff Is the New Head Coach at W&J
Two time All-American goalkeeper at Indiana University and recent Stanford Assistant Coach Cassie Wyckoff was named Head Coach of both the men’s and women’s teams at Washington & Jefferson College on Thursday. Wyckoff takes over for interim coach Nikola Malezanov. Former coach Jay O’Neil resigned at the end of the men’s
Washington & Jefferson Reverses Demotion of Water Polo Programs
One day after announcing the demotion of its varsity water polo programs, Washington & Jefferson College has reversed the decision. Citing the lack of a Division III water polo championship, Athletic Director Scott McGuinness announced the “reclassification” of water polo to club status on May 4. Today, President Tori Haring-Smith made a
Washington & Jefferson Water Polo Coach Jay O'Neil Resigns
Jay O’Neil, who coached the Washington & Jefferson varsity water polo teams to some of their greatest successes, resigned on Sunday. He led the women for four seasons, the men for three. In 2015 the men’s team qualified for the CWPA Championships for the first time ever and tied a record
