As sports teams on campus become obsolete, the vitality of intramural and club team associations is a step in keeping athleticism alive on campus. Competitive water polo, a sport that often goes unrecognised, is making an appearance here at the BYUH pool. December 8th was the first official meeting of the BYU-Hawaii Water Polo Association.
Junior Chance Owen from California studying Business Management and founder of BYU-Hawaii Water Polo Association stated that: “I started the BYU-Hawaii Water Polo Association because I am an avid player, because I saw the high potential and interest for this sport at the school, and because I wanted to bring the pure sport back to BYUH.” Owens originally came to this school on a scholarship for water polo before serving his mission in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Aquatics director Janelle Farley from New Zealand explained that “In order to have something like water polo at the pool, the club will need to be able to afford lifeguards and rent some equipment.” Fortunately, according to the association’s treasurer, Rachel Holcombe a senior Accounting major from Illinois, said: “Every club member will contribute around ten dollars to help pay for the club’s costs.” Holcombe also included that she “think[s] that the water polo team will only grow from here and is a great way to compete and have fun.”
Owens continued to explain that all walks of people interested in playing water polo are welcome to join. “We are welcoming everyone who wants to join, just show up to one of our meets at the pool. We have a very good number of both men and women in the association. If you don’t know how to play, we will teach you. If you do know how to play, you’ll be able to scrimmage and further develop and exercise your own skills.”
Farley remains positive about the association and stated: “I think that having something like water polo is great for the students and gives them a chance to become active in an environment they may not have had to opportunity to do so in,” farley continued, “My son even played water polo, he loved it, even made a goal as the goalie!”
Owens has high hopes for the association and stated that: “My hope is that by the end of 2017, this can become a USA Water Polo club. For this winter semester, we will be working out all the little details, learning from our mistakes, and developing how to best run this association. Spring semester will entail more organizing, better publicizing, and better opportunities for association members to enhance their game.”
BYU-Hawaii Water Polo Association meets for practice, scrimmages, and meets every Thursday starting after Christmas Break at the BYUH pool, 8-9 pm. The future of the association looks bright and invites all to come. The first meeting was successful and roped in a large crowd of both egor men and women ready to compete in sport both competitively and recreationally.
Writer: Gabe Fryar