Illinois Water Polo mourns the passing of Rob Lindgren
Rob Lindgren, a force in District 214 high school aquatics for more than two decades, died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday, July 15. He had been battling pancreatic cancer since last November. In addition to positions as coach, teacher, official, club supervisor, Rob also spearheaded the Illinois Water Polo High School Boys and Girls Summer Leagues. Twenty two different clubs, several with multiple teams, currently participate in the league started by Rob which ends its regular season this week. This league has been instrumental to the growth of high school water polo in Illinois since its inception. In the recent years, Rob took the league from a more recreational set up to one with a championship tournament, awards for the winners, high level games, and the crowning of an Illinois High School Summer League Champion. He also kept a recreational set up for teams just starting out, allowing all teams, no matter their level of play or experience, an opportunity to play water polo throughout the summer. His efforts in this league were tireless.
This past June, while battling cancer, Rob renewed Illinois Water Polo’s commitment to coaching education by organizing a coaching clinic and social at Arlington Park (Arlington Heights, IL). Over twenty five coaches attended the event which saw presentations from several top level area high school and club coaches as well as 2016 Olympian, Brett Bonanni. Following the clinic, live racing was enjoyed and lunch was provided by Illinois Water Polo.
Following in Rob’s footsteps, Illinois Water Polo will continue both the high school summer league and the coaching clinics. Illinois Water Polo would also like to thank Rob one last time for his incredible efforts in helping provide direction and growth of the sport of water polo in the state of Illinois at the player, coach, club, and high school level.
Two recent articles about Rob’s passing can be found at:
Aquatics community mourns Lindgren’s loss
Area Aquatic Pioneer Rob Lindgren Dies
There is also a go fund me page.
Illinois Water Polo will also accept donations in honor of Rob Lindgren which will be earmarked for the next coaching clinic, an event that Rob was already working on despite his last clinic being held just a month ago! Donations by check made out to Illinois Water Polo can be mailed to:
Kyle Perry, Illinois Water Polo President
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday, July 23rd at 10am at St. Edna Catholic Church (2525 N Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004).
IWP Clinic and Summer Kick Off at Arlington Park Race Track
Clinic and afternoon social is complementary with you team’s entry into the summer league.
2018 All State Teams
Illinois Water Polo 2018 All-Sectional Teams Announced
The Illinois Water Polo 2017 All-Sectional Teams by Sectional –
Chicago (St. Ignatius College Prep) Boys
Chicago (St. Ignatius College Prep) Girls
Glenview (Glenbrook South) Boys
Glenview (Glenbrook South) Girls
Frankfort (Lincoln-Way East) Boys
2018 WSWPC Water Polo Clinic
The 2018 WSWPC Water Polo Clinic has been announced and will take place on May 26th, 2018 at Naperville North High School.
For more information visit our calendar event or the website for the event.
Stevenson Water Polo and Stevenson High School will be offering a WATER POLO COACHES “Lunch and Learn” this year at the IHSA State Tournament.
Illinois Water Polo morns the loss of Billy Dolehide and Mark Rebora
Billy Dolehide
Long time player and official, Billy Dolehide tragically passed away last week. Billy played water polo at Br. Rice and then the University of Illinois. He also played with various parks in the Chicago Park District league, most recently Fernwood. As a masters athlete, he competed with the Apostles, the Outlaws, Riverside-Brookfield, and just about any other team that needed a guy! On the deck, Billy was an Illinois High School Association official for seventeen years. He also officiated many years prior to the sport of water polo being sanctioned by the IHSA in 2002. As an IHSA official, Billy worked eight state tournaments. Billy is survived by his loving wife, Terri Dolehide, and his three children, Shannon, Logan, and Morgan. If you would like to support the Dolehide family, you can visit their gofund me page at: https://www.gofundme.com/dolehide-family-fund or purchase a t-shirt from which all proceeds will be donated directly to the family at: https://teespring.com/honoring-bill-dolehide#pid=46&cid=2739&sid=front
Bill Dolehide (left) was “always smiling and being nice to people,” according to his wife, Terri. (Terri Dolehide)
Mark Rebora
On March 17th, long time boys’ water polo coach at Glenbrook North, Mark Rebora, suffered a heart attack while out for a morning bike ride and passed away.
Mark, a 1978 Loyola Academy Alum, taught Physical Education at Glenbrook North in addition to coaching football, wrestling, and water polo. He had been the water polo coach at Glenbrook North since 2000. Rebora was an active athlete himself and was named to Loyola Academy’s Athletic Hall of Fame for his achievement as a wrestler in 2003. Mark is survived by his wife Christine and his son’s Cole and Caid.
A celebration of Mark’s life has been planned for April 15th, 2018. Details can be found here – Rebora – Celebration of Life
More information on Mark’s life is available at https://www.journal-
The Rebora Memorial fund has been established to benefit student athletes at Glenbrook North High School: https://gbnbooster.org/
Apostles go 4-0 to win the Two Daves Water Polo Tournament.
Despite some weather related issues, nine men’s teams and two women’s teams participated in the 18th annual ‘Officials’ Water Polo Tournament, dedicated in memory of Dave Madej and Dave Perry this past weekend. The Apostles went 4-0 to earn the tournament title defeating Illinois State University, Hippos, Team Chicago, and, finally, Windy City Water Polo in the championship game. This marks the second straight year that the Apostles have won this event. One the women’s side, Carthage College and Wildcats split their two games, each winning one.
Final Results:
Saturday, February 10
Wildcats 10 Carthage 7
Apostles 21 Hippos 6
GB Gators 5 Harper College 10
Outlaws 11 Windy City Water Polo 20
Carthage 9 Wildcats 7
Team Chicago 11 Harper College 6
Beached Whales 18 Outlaws 9
ISU 8 Hippos 10
GB Gators 8 Team Chicago 7
Beached Whales 10 Windy City Water Polo 14
Sunday, February 11
Apostles 17 ISU 3
Outlaws 19 Gators 11
Whales 15 Harper 10
Windy City Water Polo 12 Team Chicago 11
ISU 11 Gators 9
Hippos 4 Harper 13
Apostles 16 Team Chicago 3
ISU 9 Outlaws 13
Beached Whales 12 Hippos 11
Apostles 15 Windy City Water Polo 2
Final Standings:
1. Apostles 4-0
2. Windy City Water Polo 3-1
3. Team Chicago 1-3
4. Beached Whales 3-1
5. Hippos 2-2
6. Harper College 2-2
7. Outlaws 2-2
8. ISU 1-3
9. Gators 1-3
2018 Illinois Water Polo Meeting Schedule
Illinois Water Polo has announced its 2018 meeting schedule. All meetings are held at Fenwick High School (505 Washington Blvd. Oak Park, IL 60302). Five meetings will be held throughout the year on the following dates:
All interested in Illinois water polo are encouraged to attend.
Pre-Season Water Polo Coaching Clinic
Club of Chicago goes undefeated to win the 2017 Dave Perry Classic
The Club of Chicago team went 4-0 to win the 2017 Dave Perry Classic held at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL. The team defeated the Chicago Park District 15-5, Windy City Water Polo 11-10, the Apostles 10-6, and Team Chicago 17-8. The Apostles and Windy City both finished with 3-1 records. Additionally, $500 were raised to help fund Illinois Water Polo’s Dave Perry College Scholarship. For more information on the scholarship, check out the scholarship page.
Final results and tournament scores:
Club of Chicago 4-0
Apostles 3-1
Windy City Water Polo 3-1
Glenbrook Gators 2-2
Harper 2-2
Outlaws 2-2
Squirrels & Bears 2-2
Team Chicago 2-2
Beached Whales 1-3
Chicago Park District 1-3
Hippos 0-4
Alumni Water Polo Camp returns to Illinois
Windy City Water Polo and Alumni Water Polo are proud to announce the return of the Alumni Water Polo camp to Illinois this November. This two day camp will be held on Saturday, November 4 and Sunday, November 5 at Fenwick High School (505 Washington Blvd. Oak Park, IL 60302). This year’s camp is open to all players, boys and girls, 13 years of age and older. More information can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/
Mid West Zone Identification Tournament
Mid West Zone Identification Tournament
October 6-8, 2017
Stevenson High School
Chicago, Illinois
USA Water Polo and the Mid West Zone are proud to announce our 2nd annual zone tournament. This tournament provides high-level competition for male athletes in the zone as well as exposure to the National Team Coaches. There will be 2 divisions for the tournament listed below.
Boys 18 and Under: 12 teams including “free agent” team of athletes not associated with a club
Identification of male athletes born in 2000-2002
Boys 14 and under : 12 teams including “free agent”( team of athletes not associated with a club) This will also serve as the qualifier for Champions Cub
Identification of male athletes born in 2003 or younger
Coaches Clinic Integrated into the weekend with National Team Coaches in attendance
Space is Limited for these tournaments. Please contact Tim Daniel to secure a spot for your team or Free Agents.
Cost per team: $500
Cost for free agents: $100
Tim Daniel – tdaniel@usawaterpolo.org P: 847-208-3428
Register for Jane’s Warrior 5K Run and Walk TODAY
In 2014, the Sandburg community and the swimming and water polo community lost a true champion in Coach Jane Caliendo. Register today to support the Jane Caliendo Memorial Foundation to continue Jane’s legacy with scholarships to graduating students from St. Michael’s School and Sandburg High School.
More information is available on their Facebook page, and the web page www.janeswarriors.com
Men’s & Women’s Water Polo Experience Significant Growth in Number of High School Athletes from 2012-to-2017: Collegiate Water Polo Association
Read the Full Story at: http://www.collegiatewaterpolo.org/news/2017-18/081117HighSchoolSportsGrowth
National State Challenge Comes to Chicago on July 13-16
BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — There will be plenty lot of people taking to the pool in July in the Windy City as the American Water Polo National State Challenge comes to Chicago, Ill. on Thursday–Sunday, July 13-16, at Fenwick High School and Portage Park. Membership Director of American Water Polo Damon Newman offered these words about the host city. “We are excited to host the 2017 National State Challenge in Chicago. Chicago is a world class city with a deep history of water polo excellence.” Established in 2008, the tournament takes to the road to be hosted for the first time in the Midwest after a three-year stint in Upper Dublin, Pennsylvania. One of the premier events of the year for both men and women, as many college coaches and scouts will be attending the tournament. This year’s 18U men’s and women’s teams in addition to competing for attention will also be vying for the $1,000 prize for the winners after their five-game tournament. The home state will be heavily featured as in both the men’s, women’s and the U14 coed division are all boasting several teams from not just the state but the city as well. Windy City Water Polo has teamed up with Athletico Physical Therapy and American Water Polo to bring the event to the Midwest. Newman again lauded the host locations.
“We are thrilled to have the tournament played at the Chicago Parks Portage Park Pool, an institution of outdoor water polo in this great city. Perennial water polo powerhouse Fenwick High School will host games in their all deep facility.” The schedule for the tournament is available at http://www.americanwaterpolo.org/nsc-general-info
Lively Water Bottle Official Sponsor of IWP
Thank You 2017 All-State Banquet Sponsors!
Illinois Water Polo would like to thank the 2017 All-State Banquet Sponsors for their generosity and their continued support of IWP’s mission. This year’s Gold Sponsor were Stevenson High School and the Martino Family. Silver Sponsors included Chicago Apostles, John’s Hot Dogs, Lakeview Environmental, Homewood-Flossmoor Swim Club, Forest Park National Bank, Northern Illinois Polo Club, and Lyons Aquatics. Bronze Sponsors were Fenwick High School and Windy City Water Polo. We’d also like to thank our in-kind supporters, Classic Design Awards, Inc., Liberty Creative Solutions, and Lively Bottles.
Interesting in helping Illinois Water Polo continue to provide direction and growth of the sport of water polo in the state of Illinois at the player, coach, club, and high school level? Donations are welcome throughout the year, and ads for the All-State banquet ad-book as well as All-State Banquet sponsorship opportunities will be available in early 2018. Visit our fundraising page (http://illinoiswaterpolo.net/about-iwp/fundraising/) for more information on how to help.
2017 All State Teams
2017 All-Sectional Teams Announced
Congrats to all the players and coaches selected to the 2017 All-Sectional Teams!
Illinois Water Polo High School All-Star Games
The Illinois Water Polo High School All-Star Games will be held on June 4th. The Girl’s Game will start at 12:30 PM followed by the Boy’s Game at 1:45 PM. All playes names to the 2017 All-State Team are encouraged to participate.
Following the Boy’s Game a reception will be held for all athletes and families.
Looking for a camp this summer?
There are several camps being hosted here in Illinois this summer.
Please check our Events Page to see some of the offerings.
Illinois Water Polo will continue to post new camp opportunities as we become aware of them. If you’re looking for a team to play with this summer, Illinois Water Polo has a list of club teams near you: http://illinoiswaterpolo.
2017 IWP All-State Banquet Sponsorship Information
Please download this year’s 2017 Illinois Water Polo All-State Banquet Sponsorship form [link]. This is a great way to honor those that make an All-Sectional Team, All-State Team, are named Player of the Year, earn the Senior Scholastic Award, earn the Phil Stelnicki Award, or are inducted into the IWP Hall of Fame. In addition, this is a great chance to purchase an ad for the ad-book to promote one’s business. Deadline for ads in the ad-book is Monday, May 22, 2017.
Thanks for your support!
Dave Perry Scholarship Fundraiser May 6th @ Fenwick High School
British designer India Hicks’ line of affordable luxury jewelry, handbags, beauty and accessories products will be on display during Saturday, May 6th’s water polo matches at Fenwick High School.
20% of all sales donated to the Dave Perry College Scholarship
Immediately following the Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference Championship 5pm boys’ water polo game, friends, coaches, officials are all invited to celebrate the end of the IHSA Water Polo regular season at O’Sullivan’s Public House (7244 Madison St., Forest Park, IL 60130). There will be IWP representatives collecting any donations for the Dave Perry College Scholarship. This scholarship is the only of its kind in Illinois and is intended to assist those aspiring boy and girl water polo athletes to pursue their dreams in college while honoring the long and storied legacy of Coach Perry. For more information on the scholarship, please visit: http://
IWP By-Laws Meeting Sunday April 30th, 7 pm
Illinois Water Polo is looking for all interested players, coaches, fans, and officials of water polo to consider becoming involved in IWP as the organization looks to restructure the by-laws so as to better help grow and develop water polo in Illinois. Our next meeting is Sunday, April 30th at 7pm in the Fenwick library. We will be creating a team to investigate the by-laws and make needed changes to ensure that Illinois Water Polo is set up in the best way to continue to provide direction and growth of the sport of water polo in the state of Illinois at the player, coach, club, and high school level. Any interested players, coaches, fans, and officials of water polo are encouraged to attend this Sunday’s meeting.
2017 All State Banquet Finalized
The 2017 All State Banquet will be on Tuesday May 30th at Diplomat Banquets.
Please visit the IWP All State Banquet Page or download the flyer here.
If you have any questions please contact Sally Stelnicki, josephstelnicki@sbcglobal.net.
IWP’s Dave Perry College Scholarship Awareness Week
This week, Illinois Water Polo and the Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference are trying to raise awareness for the Illinois Water Polo Dave Perry College Scholarship. This scholarship is for athletes graduating from high school and planning on participating in Division I water polo in college. This is the only scholarship of its kind in Illinois. Since 2013, eight student athletes from eight different high schools (who all went to eight different colleges and universities to study and play water polo) have been awarded the $1500 scholarship. This year, IWP will again be providing two $1500 scholarships. Illinois Water Polo is proud to sponsor this scholarship as a way to help Illinois athletes achieve their dreams of playing water polo in college as well as honoring the legacy of Dave Perry.
Click here to download this year’s flyer for the Dave Perry Scholarship Awareness Week.
Illinois Coaches and Official Honored by USA Water Polo
Apostles win the 2017 Officials Training Tournament
The Chicago Apostles went 3-0-1 to capture the men’s tournament title at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, IL this past weekend. In the opening round, the Apostles defeated both the Glenbrook Gators and the Hippos (Madison, WI). In the Championship round, the Apo read more
17th ANNUAL ‘OFFICIALS’ WATER POLO TOURNAMENT
The schedule for the 17th Annual Officials Training Tournament has been announced. Teams from around the Chicago-land area will complete in this training opportunity for IHSA Officials at Fenwick Highschool.
Officials Uniform Information
Recommended retails for the 2017 IHSA Officials uniform have been added to the Officials page. http://illinoiswaterpolo.net/officials/
Four Illinois Girls’ Club Teams Participate in Florida Tournament
Four Illinois girls’ 18 and under teams, Lyons, NIPCS, TOPS, and West Suburban competed against eleven teams from Florida and one team from Michigan in the 2017 SEP Winter Open Championship Tournament held January 13-15 in Altemonte Springs, Florida. Each team played 4 games, and all Illinois teams played competitively in this USA Water Polo event.
IHSA Officials Classroom Clinics Dates Set
The IHSA 2017 Classroom Clinics dates and Tournament have been set.
New Officials are encouraged to attend the first clinic on Sunday Jan 29th, and required to attend the Officials Training Tournament, Feb 10th – 12th.
Anyone who is eligible for promotion should continue to take the steps needed to move to the next level. An Information letter about promotion comes in your IHSA packet or you can find out more on the IHSA web site in the officials center .
IHSA Classroom Clinics :
This is a hands on tournament very important to the training process and is mandatory for all first year officials. New officials with questions can contact Perry, pkorbakis@aol.com.
Club of Chicago wins the 2016 Dave Perry Classic
Club of Chicago went 4-0 to win the 2016 Dave Perry Classic, defeating the Glenbrook Gators, Windy City Water Polo, the Chicago Park District and, in the Championship Game, the Apostles. The Apostles with a 3-1 record finished second. Windy City (pictured below) finis read more
2016 Dave Perry Classic Schedule Announced
The 2016 Dave Perry Schedule has been announced and can be viewed here!
USA Water Polo’s Midwest ODP Tryouts Locations Announced
Conant High School will serve as the host pool for USA Water Polo’s Midwest boys’ ODP tryouts on Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20. Link: https://webpoint.usawaterpolo.com/wp15/Events2/ViewEvt.wp?EventID=16953&isPopUp=true Lyons Tonwship Sou read more
Alumni Water Polo Camp hosted by the Windy City at Fenwick High School 11/5-11/6
Saturday and Sunday, November 5th and 6th @ Fenwick High School, 505 Washington Blvd., Oak Park, IL 60302 * Saturday, November 5th 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm * Sunday, November 6th 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – 2 x three hours (6 hours total) * Camp is for High Sch read more
ODP Boys Midwest Tournament Schedule Announced!
Midwest Zone Boys Tournament at Stevenson High School schedule has been announced and is available here.
All Illinois coaches are encouraged to attend the coaching clinic at Stevenson High School on Saturday, October 8 10:30-1:30pm
ODP Boys Midwest Tournament
Event Website: https://webpoint.
Thank You Martino Family!
Thank you to Rocco and Roxanne Martino for being the 2016 Illinois Water Polo All-State Banquet Printing Sponsor. We greatly appreciate their generosity and wish their son, Thomas Martino (Fenwick ’16), good luck as he heads off to the University of Notre Dame this fall.
USA Water Polo Referee Certification School
The Midwest Zone will sponsor a Referee Certification School in conjunction with the Midwest Zone Junior Olympic Qualifying Tournaments. If you have ever had an interest in officiating or wanted to learn more about how officials are trained, here is an great opportunity. Players, parents, officials, fans, USWP members and USWP non-members are all welcome. Details and registration info are listed below.
USA Water Polo Referee Certification School
Hosted by the Midwest Zone
Earn Extra $$ Working in the Sport You Love!!
WHAT: USAWP Referee School
WHEN: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT, Saturday June 11, 2016
WHERE: Hoffman Estates High School
1100 W Higgins Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
COST: $5 for USAWP Members and $10 for Non-Members
(There will also be optional supplemental training available on Sunday, June 12 at Adlai Stevenson High School from 9 am – 1 PM CT)
PRE-REGISTATION REQUIRED!!! SEE LINK BELOW!!!
The school will highlight current USA Water Polo Rules and interpretations, including modifications for younger age divisions, “You Make The Call” Exercises, and presentations by your local referee leadership in regard to training and evaluation opportunities in your zone. We will also discuss the responsibility and accountability associated with being a Certified USA Water Polo Referee.
To register copy this link into your browser:
https://webpoint.usawaterpolo.
Upcoming Illinois Water Polo Meeting on June 6th, 2016
The next Illinois Water Polo meeting will take place on Monday June 6th, 2016 at 7 pm in the Fenwick High School Library.
Boys 2016 All State Team
Boys 2016 All State Team FIRST TEAM Name YR. # School Shane Hughes SR 13 St. Ignatius Andrew Shashin JR 21 Stevenson Nick Walker SR 6 Naperville Central Sam Szcepaniak SR 3 Lyons Kent Emden FR 1 Naperville Central Henry Yavitt JR 13 New Trier George Lundgren SR 9 Lyons read more
Girls 2016 All State Team
Girls 2016 All State Teams FIRST TEAM Name YR. # School Catie Wallace SR 16 Fenwick Allison Travetto SR 8 Stevenson Kaela Codo SR 2 Naperville Central Kelly Frumkin JR 17 Fenwick Diana Fernandez SR 3 St. Ignatius Lauren Burns SR 1 Stevenson Jennifer Stelnicki SR 1 St. I read more
Illinois High School All Star Games and Age Group Clinic
Illinois High School All Star Games & Age Group Clinic
Sunday, June 5th @Stevenson HS
Illinois High School All Star Games HS Girls All Star Game at 12:30 (warm up at noon)
HS Boys All Star Game at 2:00 (warm up at 1:30)
An Age Group Clinic is being sponsored by Illinois Water Polo & Stevenson HS prior to the All Star Games from 9:30 to 12 pm noon at the Stevenson High School Aquatic Center.
• This clinic is for girls and boys in 8th grade and under (ages 6 to 14)
• All clinic participants will get free admission into the All Star games
• Registration Link: • https://stevenson.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=58
• Cost will be $25 for the clinic • Cash or checks (made out to Stevenson H.S.)
• Questions? Call or email
• Head Girls’ Water Polo Coach, Jeff Wimer at 847-8338767 jwimer@d125.org
• Head Boys’ Water Polo Coach, Sean Wimer at 847602-2273 srwimer@sbcglobal.net
2016 Chicago Water Polo Showcase
2016 Chicago Water Polo Showcase Saturday, Jun. 18, 2016 (9:00 AM) – Sunday, Jun. 19, 2016 (3:00 PM) Host: NWC Water Polo Club at Conant High School (700 E Cougar Trail Hoffman Estates, IL 60194) The Chicago Water Polo Showcase is entering its 10th year of existen read more
Upcoming Illinois Water Polo Meeting
The next Illinois Water Polo meeting will take place on Sunday April 23nd at 2 pm in the Fenwick High School Library.
2016 Banquet Details Finalized
The 2016 All State Banquet details have been finalized. All information for the banquet is available here.
All State Banquet Date and Location Announced
The All State Banquet will be held on Tuesday May 31st, 2016 at Diplomat West.
Two Daves Tournament Schedule Announced.
The Two Daves Tournament, named in honor of Dave Madej and Dave Perry, held at Fenwick High School begins Friday night at 7pm with games extending through Sunday afternoon. For a complete schedule, please click here
Oldest living IWP Hall of Fame member, Ronald “Scotty” MacLagan, passes away at 96.
Upcoming Illinois Water Polo Meeting
The next Illinois Water Polo meeting will take place on Monday February 22nd at 7 pm in the Fenwick High School Library.
Chicago area hosts needed for 2016 USAWP Junior Olympic Qualification Tournament
Illinois Teams at the 2016 SEP Winter Open Championships
Four Illinois girls 18 and under teams participated in the 2016 SEP Winter Open Championship Tournament held January 15-17 in Altemonte Springs, Floria. The teams were associated with the following clubs: Lyons, NIPC, TOPS, and West Sub.
Each team played 4 games. The results were as follows: NIPC-3rd place, Lyons-4th place, TOPS-9th place and West Sub-10th place.
Congratulations to all of the players and their coaches for the excellent results.
