Our apologies.
IWP is sorry for cutting the zoom call with USA Water Polo’s Matt Farmer short this afternoon. We apologize for the interruptions and disruptive behavior of some of the participants. We appreciate Matt’s professionalism and all those active, respectful, and interested participants, but as we were unable to fully curb a few unruly participants, the meeting had to be ended earlier than we had hoped. While we plan on having more zoom meetings in the future on a variety of topics, we will looking further into the technology and implementing much better controls for when we try this again.
Q&A with USA Water Polo’s Men’s National Team Member, Matt Farmer (Fenwick HS ’13 / UCLA ’17)
Illinois Water Polo is happy to announce that Matt Farmer (Fenwick HS ’13 / UCLA ’17) will be participating on a zoom meeting open to all interested Illinois Water Polo Fans 3:00pm Central Time on Monday, June 29. Matt was the Illinois Player of the Year in 2013 and won three IHSA State Championships with Fenwick. Following Fenwick, Matt attended UCLA and won three NCAA Championships. Upon graduating from UCLA, Matt has continued to play water polo at the highest level in Australia, Italy, and Spain. Currently, he is a member of the USA Men’s Senior National Team and is training for the Toyko Olympics. Matt will speak briefly about his water polo experience over the years as well as answer any questions that the audience may have.
Hope to see you there!
Time – 3:00pm Central Time on Monday, June 29
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The Mental Power Hour with Matt Farmer (Windy City Water Polo / Fenwick High School / UCLA) 6-15-20
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-mental-power-hour-tickets-107607583178
USA Water Polo Olympic Development Midwest Zone Team Explained
Please view this video from USA Water Polo for an explaination of the Olympic Development Midwest Zone Team Explained.
Two Daves tournament kicks off on Saturday, February 15
The Two Daves tournament which serves as a training tournament for new and veteran Illinois High School Association water polo officials will take place at Fenwick on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16. Nine teams will compete including eight teams from Illinois and one team from Wisconsin.
Education Programs for New Coaches and NCAA Eligibility & Recruiting
On February 23rd and February 24th Naperville Central will be hosting education programs.
February 23rd will be a New Coach Orientation. For additional information see our event posting – http://illinoiswaterpolo.net/event/new-coach-orientation/
February 24th will be an NCAA Eligibility & Recruiting session for all Coaches, Athletes, and Parent. For full information see our event posting – http://illinoiswaterpolo.net/event/ncaa-eligibility-recruiting/
Questions about either event can be sent to Jeff Plackett – jplackett@naperville203.org
Midwest Zone coaching positions available
USA Water Polo is seeking applications for their Olympic Development Program. The Midwest Zone is seeking quality applicants for all coaching positions. If you are interested, please see the attachment for the application process.
All resumes and inquiries must be sent to Bryan Lynton at blynton@usawaterpolo.org.
2020 Illinois Water Polo Meetings
Illinois Water Polo will meet on Sunday, January 26 7pm, Sunday, March 8 7pm, Sunday, April 26 7pm, Sunday, September 13 7pm, and Sunday, November 15 7pm. All meetings will take place in the Fenwick High School Library (505 Washington Blvd. Oak Park, IL 60302). Anyone interested in promoting water polo in Illinois is welcomed to attend. In November, elections for the president, secretary, and two board of director positions will be up for election. There are attendance requirements for nominations and voting privileges as stated in the IWP By-Laws. Hope to see you at our next meeting!
Water Polo Coaching Clinic December 1st 2019
Water Polo Coaching Clinic December 1st 2019
Topic: Counter Attack Xs and Os
Speakers: Ashley Hill and Ryan Castle
Date: December 1st 2019
Time: 10-12pm Lecture (Room 5044)
12-1pm Q&A lunch
1-3pm Pool Demo
Location: Stevenson High School
Cost: $30 (checks made out to Illinois Water Polo)
Ashley Hill
Current: Head Swimming and Diving Coach Cathedral High School Indianapolis Indiana
Math/English Teacher LSP Program
Assistant Program Director Stanford Water Polo Club
Coach Stanford Water Polo Club
USA Midwest Development Assistant Coach
20+ Years High School teaching/Coaching
10+ Years High School and club Administration
Ryan Castle
Current Carthage College HC
12 years at Division 1 (ASU, Hartwick, Michigan, Hawaii, Indiana)
Southwest Zone Head Coach 2008-2010
Kazakhstan National Team Head Coach 2011
New Zealand Video Coach 2009
South Africa Asst Coach 2002-2005
South Africa Youth Team Head Coach
10+ years High School coaching
10+ years Club coaching
Illinois Water Polo College Programs Liaison
Loves long walks on the beach and playing frisbee with his dogs.
Please RSVP for coaches clinic: https://forms.gle/5TeLKonVTsgV95bb6
If you have any questions please email Rose Schiavone at roseschiavone@gmail.com
For more information go to – https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MfjA1s6swd__FWMru29Km2ivuOd8Rjzs-Zx4XRaKP-Y/edit?usp=sharing
Tony Azevedo coming to Chicago in 2020
ILLINOIS WATER POLO NIGHT WITH THE CHICAGO WOLVES Saturday, November 30 at 7PM Vs. Manitoba Moose
Join Illinois Water Polo players, family, and friends for an evening of fun at the Chicago Wolves hockey game on Saturday, November 30. Everyone will be seated together in the same section and receive a free Chicago Wolves hat. Each water polo player will also recieve a Chicago Wolves silicone swim cap! The flyer here can be used to purchase tickets, or you can order tickets:
USA Water Polo Men’s Olympic Coach coming to Chicago 10/5/19
This weekend Dejan Udovicic is running a clinic at Stevenson High School from 9-10:30 am on Saturday. If you would like to observe from the stands feel free to come by at that time.
College Recruiting Information Session 9/15 at Fenwick
On Sunday, September 15, Fenwick High School will be the host site for a college water polo recruiting talk at 5:30pm in the Fenwick library.
Dan Sharadin, former Villanova water polo coach and current commissioner of the Collegiate Water Polo Association which oversees most of the water polo players on the east coast at the NCAA level and almost all of the water polo in the United States played at the collegiate club level, will be presenting. This is a great opportunity for anyone thinking they might be interested in playing college water polo at any level in the future.
The maximum number of attendees will be capped at 70. RSVP to office@americanwaterpolo.org by 9/13/2019 or call 610-277-6787
14U Fall Forms Due Monday August 12th
American Water Polo’s Illinois Water Polo fall leagues are accepting team registrations through Monday, 8/12/19. Opportunities for clubs to compete in a high school boys league, a 14&Under coed league, a 12&Under coed league, and a 10&Under coed league are available throughout the fall season. Sign up today!
2019 Hall of Fame Inductees
The 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees where announced last night at the Illinois Water Polo All State Banquet.
Congratulations to Maura Billish Tiernan (Evergreen Park High School ’84) and Steve Vongluekiat (Fenwick ’94) on joining the Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame!
2019 All State Teams
Noah Lawson makes the USAWP Youth National Team
Noah Lawson (Conant ’21) has been selected for the USA Water Polo Youth National Team. He is trying to get to Budapest, Hungary with the USA Water Polo Youth National Team this summer.
You can help support the cause at https://www.gofundme.com/f/
Illinois Water Polo 2019 All-Sectional Team Announced
The Illinois Water Polo 2019 All-Sectional Teams by Sectional –
Conant (Hoffman Estates) Girls
Glenbrook North (Northbrook) Girls
Glenbrook North (Northbrook) Boys
Lincoln Way West (New Lenox) Girls
Lincoln Way West (New Lenox) Boys
Neuqua Valley (Naperville) Girls
Illinois High School All Star Games & Age Group Clinic Sunday, June 2nd @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 1:45 (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 can watch the All Star games
• Registration Link: https://stevenson.revtrak.net/r3#/v/Water-Polo-Age-GroupClinic-060219-Registration
• 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 swimer@d125.org
Illinois Water Polo 2019 All-State & Hall of Fame Banquet Sponsorship Opportunities
The annual Illinois All-State and Hall of Fame Banquet brings the Illinois Water Polo community together to celebrate the successes of the high school water polo athletes, coaches, and officials and the to honor those inducted into the Hall of Fame. The banquet along with our ad book and Social Media Promotion opportunities for supporters raises funds to ensure Illinois Water Polo’s sustainability and to create opportunities for further growth of our great sport! This is your opportunity to show support as well as market your organization or brand to a targeted audience of over 250 people at the banquet, annual traffic on our website is close to 10,000 unique users, and our twitter currently is followed by 720 individuals. All proceeds are dedicated to the promotion and development of the sport of water polo in the state of Illinois at the age group, high school, and masters levels by expanded competitive opportunities for Illinois Water Polo athletes through player, coaching, and officiating clinics, the Dave Perry College Scholarship, and the high school All-Start game.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
| Name of Level | Sponsorship Amount | Benefits |
| Event Sponsor | $5,000 | • One VIP reserved table (ten dinner tickets per table)
• Name recognition on the front of program book and a 2 full page ad in program • Name recognition on signage at the event (provided by the sponsor) • Name recognition within evening slide show, evening announcements, event eblast, invitations, and flyers • Name recognition on the Illinois Water Polo website • Opportunity for product giveaway or brand presence at each table |
| Award Sponsor | $1,250 Boys Award Sponsor
$1,250 Girls Award Sponsor |
• Four dinner tickets
• Name recognition on signage at the event (provided by the sponsor) • Acknowledgement of sponsorship on award page in program and a full page ad in program • Name recognition within evening announcements, event eblast, invitations, and flyers • Name recognition on the Illinois Water Polo website |
| Printing Sponsor | $1,000 | • Four dinner tickets
• Acknowledgement of sponsorship on award page in program and a full page ad on back of program book • Name recognition on the Illinois Water Polo website |
| Banquet Table Sponsor | $800 | • Ten dinner tickets and a reserved table.
• Acknowledgement of sponsorship on award page in program book • Name recognition on the Illinois Water Polo website |
| Gold Sponsor | $500 | • Four dinner tickets
• Acknowledgement of sponsorship on award page in program book • Name recognition on the Illinois Water Polo website • Full page ad if requested. |
| Silver Sponsor | $300 | • Two dinner tickets
• Acknowledgement of sponsorship on award page in program book • Name recognition on the Illinois Water Polo website • Full page ad if requested |
| Bronze Sponsor | $200 | • Two dinner tickets
• Acknowledgement of sponsorship on award page in program book • Name recognition on the Illinois Water Polo website • One half page ad if requested |
| Full Page Ad / Team Page | $150 | • One full page ad or team page in the program book |
| One Half Page Ad | $100 | • One half page ad in program book |
Summer High School League Registation Now Open
Registration for Summer High School League is now open!
Go to http://illinoiswaterpolo.net/summer-league/ to get more information about the league and register.
Apply for the Dave Perry College Scholarship today!
Dave Perry College Scholarship Awareness Week 3/18-3/24
his week, Illinois Water Polo and the Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference are presenting the Dave Perry College Scholarship Awareness Week.
This is the only scholarship of its kind in Illinois. Started in 2013, $18,000 has been given to twelve deserving students from ten different high schools who have attended ten different colleges or universities all around the United States. If your team or parents are interested in making a donation, they can simply mail a check made out to Illinois Water Polo to:
Kyle Perry
505 Washington Blvd.
Oak Park, IL 60302
Previous winners:
IHSA Water Polo Season Starts Today!
Good luck to all the high school teams participating in the Illinois High School Association’s spring water polo season which starts today.
Competitions will begin on Monday, March 4, 2019.
The IHSA State Championship Tournament will be held at Stevenson High School on Thursday, May 16, Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, 2019.
Two Daves Tournament a success!
Perry Korbakis and John Hinkle , Eddie Prysatski , Victor Rarau led over 30 new officials during the 2019 Two Daves Tournament which serves as a training tournament for IHSA water polo officials.
The final standings were:
Co-Champions: Windy City Water Polo and Apostles
3rd Team Chicago
4th Beached Whales
5th Harper College
6th Gators
7th Outlaws
8th Hippos
9th ChiPolo
Women’s Division:
1. Wildcats
2. Lindenwood
3. Windy City Water Polo (pictured above)
If you are interested in becoming an official, please contact Perry Korbakis at pkorbakis@aol.com.
2018 Illinois Water Polo Year in Review
2018 Illinois Water Polo Year in Review, compiled by Beto Garcia (Vice-President) and Kyle Perry (President)
USA Water Polo’s Yearly Awards:
Bill Barnett Distinguished Coaching Award – Tim Daniel, Northwest Chicago Water Polo Club
Brent Bolander Distinguished Coaching Award – Dough Eichstaedt, Lyons AC
Bryan Weaver Male Masters Athlete of the Year Award – Gerrit Adams, Windy City Water Polo
Jody Campbell Sportmanship Award: Uriel Galarza (Chicago Park District), Joe Jeness (Northern Illinois Polo Club)
Maureen O’Toole Sportsmanship Award: Kelsey Wessel (West Suburban), Susan Palmentera-Reid (Chicago Park District)
Illinois Water Polo Awards:
Phil Stelnicki Award – Bill Dolehide
The Mike Murphy Award – Rob Lindgren
Boys Coach of the Year – Bill Salentine, Naperville Central
Girls Coach of the Year – Jeff Wimer, Stevenson
Hall of Fame Inductee – Jeff Plackett, Ray Zeason, and John B. Murphy
Boys Player of the Year – Victor Perez, Lyons Township
Girls Player of the Year – Claire Haas, Stevenson
Boys Senior Scholastic Award – Brendan Chang, Glenbrook South
Girls Senior Scholastic Award – Eileen Hoang, Stevenson
Dave Perry College Scholarship – Molly McGuire (Fenwick) – Indiana University and Jack Otto (Libertyville) – Bucknell University
National Federation of High School Associations Coach of the Year:
Timothy Daniel, Conant
Amy Martello, Lane Tech
Club Tournaments:
2018 USA Water Polo Junior Olympic:
12&Under Girls: Chicago Park District (27)
14&Under Girls: Chicago Park District (33)
16&Under Girls: Northern Illinois Polo Club (47)
18&Under Girls: Northern Illinois Polo Club (43), Chicago Park District 79
14&Under Boys: Chicago Park District (36), Lyons AC (48)
16&Under Boys: Chicago Park District (39), West Suburban (47), Northern Illinois Polo Club (70), Northwest Chicago Water Polo Club ( 118)
18&Under Boys: Northwest Chicago Water Polo Club (43), West Suburban (91), Northwest Chicago Water Polo Club Blue (96)
2018 USA Water Polo Champions Cup:
14&Under Girls: West Suburban (11), Chicago Park District (12)
14&Under Boys: Chicago Park District (11), Northern Illinois Polo Club (12)
American Water Polo National State Challenge:
High School Boys: 1st Chicago Park District, 2nd Windy City Water Polo
High School Girls: 1st Windy City Water Polo
Club Leagues:
American Water Polo 14&Under Summer League: 1st Team Chicago, 2nd Chicago Park District Girls, 3rd Chicago Park District Boys
American Water Polo 12&Under Summer League: 1st Chicago Park District Green, 2nd Team Chicago, 3rd Chicago Park District White
American Water Polo 14&Under Fall League: 1st Lyons AC and Chicago Park District Boys
American Water Polo 12&Under Fall League: 1st Chicago Park District Green, 2nd Northern Illinois Polo Club, 3rd Chicago Park District White
Illinois High School Association Water Polo:
Sectional Winners: Buffalo Grove (Stevenson Boys and Girls), Glenbrook South (Evanston Boys and Loyola Girls), Lincoln-Way East (Lincoln-Way East Boys and Girls), Lyons Township (Lyons Boys and Mother McAuley Girls), Metea Valley (Naperville Central Boys and Naperville North Girls), Schaumburg (Conant Boys and Girls), St. Ignatius (St. Ignatius Boys and Lane Tech Girls), York (Fenwick Boys and Girls)
IHSA State Championship Tournament:
Boys – 1st Naperville Central, 2nd Fenwick, 3rd Lyons, 4th Conant
Girls – 1st Stevenson, 2nd Fenwick, 3rd Naperville North, 4th Loyola
Illinois Water Polo Events:
Coaching Clinic at Arlington Park Race Track
IHSA Officials training at Fenwick
Age Group Water Polo Clinic at Stevenson in conjunction with the All-State All-Star Game at Stevenson
All-State Banquet and Hall of Fame Dinner
Two Daves Tournament Schedule
Click here to view the full schedule – 2019MADEJ_OFFICIALS_TOURNEY
Good turnout for the officials training clinic
There was a large turnout for the January Official Clinic. Officials reviewed 2019’s Rule changes. Speakers covered mentoring and the nuances of women’s water polo, specifically suit grabbing.
New officials reviewed whistle technique and points of emphasis for their first year officiating water polo.
The level two clinic reviewed video showing correct application of the rules in the 2018 State Tournament’s game situations.
IWP College Recruiting 101
Illinois Water Polo will be holding a college water polo “recruiting 101” session on Monday, January 28th @ 7pm in the Naperville Central Learning Commons. All athletes, coaches, and parents are invited to attend. Our target audience is probably sophomores and juniors, but there’s still time for seniors who have still not made a firm decision about their next step.
This free seminar is designed to introduce members of the Illinois Water Polo community to the basics of the college process: registering with the NCAA, your high school coach’s role in the process, contacting college coaches, scholarship myths & realities, varsity vs. club, etc. This is strictly informative; this is not a recruiting service, there’s no sales pitch, and no cost.
Naperville Central High School
440 W. Aurora Ave
Naperville
Enter school at Door 1 on Aurora Ave, not the pool entrance. There will be signs inside the main entrance directing you to the Learning Commons.
We’ll absolutely take drop-ins, but it would be helpful for planning purposes if some attendees would pre-register.
www.tinyurl.com/IWPrecruit
2019 Illinois Water Polo Meeting Schedule
Illinois Water Polo will hold five meetings in 2019 on the following dates: January 13, March 10, April 14, September 15 and November 17.
All are on Sundays at 7 PM at Fenwick High School library.
Anyone interested in helping grow water polo in Illinois is encouraged to attend.
Alumni Water Polo Camp comes to Illinois 1/12/19 and 1/13/19
2019 Alumni Water Polo Club Champions Camps By Windy City Water Polo Club
Windy City Water Polo (Oak Park, IL) and Alumni Water Polo (Granite Bay CA) will be hosting a water polo clinic at Fenwick High School for high school boys and girls as well as age group boys and girls on Saturday, January 12 and Sunday, January 13. Athletes can register for one or two days. Alumni Water Polo has come to Illinois three out of the last four years to run camps using Fenwick as the host site, and they have always done a great job. In the past, Br. Rice graduate, Joey Franz, has participated as a clinician. Franz, a former goalie for the University of the Pacific water polo team competes with the Alumni Water Polo team in California. There will be six clinicians here this year. Each as NCAA or National Team experience!
Camp registration information can also be found at: https://alumniwaterpolo.sportngin.com/register/form/711739329?_ga=2.112915904.557550457.1545167256-1935233685.1545167256
Co-Champions at the Dave Perry Classic
Out of a field of eleven teams, Club of Chicago and Windy City Water Polo (pictured above) were co-champions of the 2018 Dave Perry Classic held at Fenwick High School on November 17 and 18. Both teams were undefeated entering the championship game. Club of Chicago defeated the University of Illinois, the Apostles, and the Outlaws. Windy City Water Polo defeated the Apostles, the Glenbrook Gators, and the Wildcats. The championship game ended in an 11-11 tie with four goals being scored in the closing two minutes.
IHSA Water Polo Referee Growth Initiative
2018 Dave Perry Classic Schedule Announced
Referee Magazine Tribute to Bill Dolehide
Referee Magazine published the following personal remembrance of Bill Dolehide in their November edition.
PDF Version – Last Call 11_18
2018 Illinois Coaching Clinic
Topic: How to Create a Winning Culture
Speaker: Dr. Marcelo Leonardi
Head Women’s Water Polo Coach Michigan University
Dr. Marcelo Leonardi enters his fifth season as head coach for the Michigan women’s water polo team.
In four seasons, Leonardi has recorded a 109-39 (.736) overall record at Michigan. He has guided the Wolverines to three NCAA appearances, three CWPA Championships and two first place conference finishes during the regular season.
Leonardi increased the team’s win total by 11 from year one to year two and has only lost two conference games in four seasons (30-2).
In just his second year at Michigan, Leonardi took the Wolverines to their highest point in the 16 years of the program. U-M achieved its highest ranking of all-time, No. 4, after placing 4th at the NCAA Championship. The Wolverines won the CWPA Championship for the sixth time and first since 2010, giving Leonardi his first college championship. He was named the Doc Hunkler Coach of the Tournament. The team finished with a 30-8 overall record.
Leonardi took over the Michigan women’s water polo program after spending the previous five seasons as the women’s water polo coach at California State University in Northridge. In 2014, he guided the Matadors to a second-place finish in the regular-season Big West Conference standings and a runner-up showing at the conference championship. CSUN compiled a 23-9 overall record on the year and ranked as high as No. 9 in the CWPA national polls.
To see his full bio please visit:
https://mgoblue.com/coaches.
Please sign up for the clinic:
https://goo.gl/forms/
for questions please contact Rose Wimer at roseschiavone@gmail.com
Checks can be made out to Illinois Water Polo (IWP)
Welcome home!
Many Illinois high school prep water polo players returned to their old stomping grounds as Lyons Township South’s pool hosted Indiana University, Carthage College, the University of Toronto, Lidenwood University, the University of Florida, and local women’s team, Wildcats. Florida’s roster boasts Julia Nicholson from Long Grove, IL. Lidenwood’s Illinois players include Nicole Howe (New Lenox, IL), Emily Kini (Palatine, IL), Vladislava Milutinovic (Northbrook, IL), Harmony Moran (New Lenox, IL), and Betsy Zanocco (Arlington Heights, IL). Carthage College’s Illinois high school water polo graduates include: Emma Jeronimus (Hoffman Estates, IL), Heather Walker (Chicago, IL), Angel Kelsey (Orland Park, IL), Mae Van Beest (Flossmoor, IL), Arianna Dakuras (Chicago, IL), Lauren Corcoran (Orland Park, IL), Kayli Sayatovic (Berwyn, IL), and Meghan Fisher (Tinley Park, IL). Carthage is led by Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame inductee, Laura Coffman. Indiana’s roster included two Fenwick graduates, Molly McGuire (Oak Park, IL) and volunteer coach / video manager Will Skowron (Oak Park, IL).
In addition all the games played below, the coaches provided an evening clinic for all interested high school athletes.
Final results:
Florida 9 Lidenwood 8
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 2018 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.
