AquaTexans Selected to ODP National Teams
We learned today that Kendall Strauss and Tristan Chamas were both selected to represent the Southwest Zone at USA Water Polo’s Olympic Development Program National Championships in March. Kendall and Tristan were recent participants in the program’s West Region Championships in Utah, after which ODP coaches selected their final rosters plus alternates for the zone’s national championship teams.
The National Championship for boys takes place in Northern California March 4-6. The girls reconvene there March 18-20.
Tristan will play for the boys’ Development team (born 2008 and younger) while Kendall is on the girls’ Youth team (born 2004). Aaron Gordon was scheduled to play in Utah for the boys Cadets but was forced to cancel because of exposure to Covid. You can find all the roster selections here.
Huge congratulations to all three of them for their hard work, and best of luck in California! #TexasWaterpoloRising
Dare to Dream
Rosters and schedules have been finalized (thanks to everyone for updating their Covid-19 waiver) for this weekend’s Dare to Dream tourney. Our 12u team has its first game at the very civilized time of 11:00 AM on Saturday. But you can find all the games, AquaTex and Longhorn, on the event page. For this tournament AquaTex athletes are expected to be ready to warm up 30 minutes prior to the game (not 29!). For those playing for Longhorn 10u teams you’ll be coached by Coaches Tom and Sydney, and I’ll be hovering around those teams as well. Stoked!
To our newer families don’t be shy about using the GroupMe to communicate during the tournament.
Weekly Training Schedule
Though our 12u athletes will mostly be in Houston this weekend the training schedule at Micki remains the same: Saturday and Sunday at 10 AM; Masters at 11:30 AM; Swim2Score at 10:30 AM.
Parent Meeting
A reminder that on Thursday, January 13 at 7:30 PM we will have a parent meeting via Zoom for all AquaTex Waterpolo families. We’ll send an invite to you via email and/or GroupMe. Plans are to cover the coming spring season (more below), partnering with Longhorn, Junior Olympics, goals for the club, and much more. We have many new families (happily) so please to take the time to join in and learn more about what we’re trying to do, and share any questions or issues you’d like. Contact Coach James if you have anything you’d like covered during the meeting.
Roster Call
South Texas Championships
Now that Joe Linehan is running things in the Alamo Heights area we can expect to have many more chances to compete somewhere relatively close to us for not-so-much money. Here’s the next one: a one-day Winter championship tournament for all ages on January 30. Our high school athletes have very few chances remaining to compete prior to the prep season. This is a good one, and each team gets two games within a few hours, so no extended stay in the bleachers (unless you play for multiple rosters!).
Our plans are to field teams for every age group, 18u down. Don’t miss this opportunity for some (inexpensive) game experience prior to the spring high school and 14u seasons.
Other Stuff
- A reminder to renew your USA Water Polo membership for 2022 if you haven’t already. A current membership is required to practice and compete for AquaTex or any other club.
- You must update your Covid-19 waiver to be eligible with USA Water Polo. Take a few moments to jump through that required hoop.
See you on the deck.
