College Station —
On June 6, the Southwest Water Polo Zone held its tournament to determine who would represent the Southwest in the National Junior Olympics this summer in Los Angeles, California. Rockwall had 21 youth players made the final cuts. Of the 21 players who qualified, there will be 13 players making the trip. The National Junior Olympics Water Polo Tournament is the largest water polo tournament in the world with over 600 teams competing this year. The Rockwall area players will be represented on six of those teams.
The boy’s tournament begins July 31 and runs through Aug. 3. The Rockwall boys will be playing with the Dallas Water Polo Club on four different age group teams. Playing for the 12-and-under team will be Alex Rodriguez, Mitchell Eldridge and Saxon Foster. Playing for the 14-and-under boy’s team will be Reace Foster, Evan Scown and Eliseo Villarreal. Playing for the 16-and-under boy’s team will be Nathan Eldridge and Luke Phillips. Playing for the 18-and-under boys will be Jonathan Walters.
The girl’s tournament begins Aug. 5 and runs through Aug. 8. The Rockwall girls will be playing on two different Dallas Water Polo Clubs. Representing the 12-and-under girls team will be Araeli Villarreal. Representing the 16-and-under girls will be Raena Eldridge, Jordan Hummingbird and Summer Scown.
Rockwall Youth team coach Andres Rodriguez was ecstatic about the number of players represented by Rockwall. When asked why the interest in Rockwall has grown, Rodriguez said, “Water Polo is just a great sport that brings the elements of ball and team to an aquatic environment.”
As for the improvement of the kids, Andres believes the kids have a much better sense for the game. “Their understanding of the game is allowing them to add their own creative touches, finishing plays in ways that will throw a coach off his chair.” The kids are hoping to show that form to teams from across the United States.
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Related Photos
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Taking a break from competition is (left to right) Reace Foster, Jordan Hummingbird, Alex Rodriguez, Mitchell Eldridge, Eliseo Villarreal, Coach Andres Rodriguez, Saxon Foster, Araeli Villarreal and Evan Scown. These athletes are part of the large Rockwall contingent that will be competing in the water polo Junior Olympic event in California beginning July 31. Courtesy photo
Discussion
Local athletes qualify for JO in water polo
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