The TXWaterpolo Podcast

Best of TX Part 2, Practice in Round Rock, and Lena Skinner

Wed, 27 May 2020 22:07:59 +0000

We resurrect the Best of Texas idea, this time focusing on the great high school programs in Texas history. Check that out in the second segment where we lay out the brackets for our newest stunt. It's kinda like selecting the greatest ever NFL franchise which, I'm sure everyone would agree, is the Oakland/Los Angeles/Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders.

But first we cover more on how practice is going with AquaTex in Round Rock. Week one of in-the-pool practice is done and now the official summer season kicks off with absolutely zero physical contact.

Then the charming Lena Skinner, water polo parent extraordinaire from North Texas Thunder and loving parent of two lads either already playing at Austin College or on the way there. Now if only AC were in Oklahoma.

Special: USA Water Polo Board Member Houston Hall

Tue, 26 May 2020 15:15:12 +0000

It's another pod special, this week featuring Houston Hall. We shared excerpts of his conversation with Joe last week but here's the entire interview.

Houston was a member of St. Mark’s first state championship team in 1975. He went on to play at Harvard University after which he returned to Dallas where he was an important member of Dallas Water Polo, perhaps the state’s most successful masters program. He now sits on USA Water Polo’s Board of Directors giving Texas a direct presence at the heights of American water polo.

Joe had a chance to speak with him last week as we continue to look back on some of the foundational events in Texas water polo.

Texas goes back to practice, our Best of Texas II, USAWP Board Member Houston Hall

Thu, 21 May 2020 17:54:02 +0000

Not only is Texas leading the nation in resuming water polo practice but it's James' team! On monday AquaTex held it's first training in Round Rock since March 12 while maintaining two-meters distance at all times. James and Joe discuss it and go over some of the new requirements that teams may have to adhere to in order to hop back in.

Then, we introduce a follow up to the massively popular Best of Texas tournament. This time, it's program versus program in the Best of Texas II.

And Houston Hall has been one of the vital members of the Texas water polo scene ever since winning a state championship on the St. Mark's team of 1975. He and Joe cover that territory and much more in their abridged conversation (the entire interview coming soon).

Pod Special: Baytown Sterling and USC Standout Zayne Belal

Fri, 15 May 2020 13:52:41 +0000

As we wrap up our Best of Texas high school tournament we speak with a member of the victorious 2007 Baytown Sterling team, Zayne Belal. In that year he also earned a TISCA Water Polo MVP award followed by three national championships with the USC Trojans. We talk about that high school experience, working with the great and controversial Jovan Vavic, med school during a pandemic, and much more.

An 07 Sterling sweep, Zayne Belal, and back to practice!

Thu, 14 May 2020 21:53:00 +0000

AquaTex is going back to practice! James' team may be the first in the US to actually get back to training, and is likely the first in Texas to do so. He and Joe talk about the technical aspects of actually doing training and how it will be so profoundly altered by the restrictions placed on human contact. Bittersweet news.

Then we talk about the (not hugely surprising) sweep by the '07 Baytown Sterling teams in our Best of Texas tournament. Both their boys and girls ran away with the titles making them the... Best of Texas! Huge appreciation to all those voters out there.

And we spoke with a member of that 07 boys' team, Zayne Belal, who was honored as TISCA Water Polo Player of the Year while winning the 2007 title, followed by three national championships with one of the dominant teams in NCAA history, the USC men.

Music:

Pod Special: Iona All-American, Sterling standout Amy Olsen

Fri, 08 May 2020 20:16:10 +0000

Amy Olsen left Baytown already one of the most decorated players in Texas high school history. But that was just the start.

An effective recruiter and the allure of the big city brought her to Iona College, located in New Rochelle, just 15 miles from bustling Manhattan. There she emerged as one of the most dominant players on the East Coast participating in three NCAA Championship tournaments and earning All-American status.

She leveraged those skills and accolades to find herself part of the hyper-competitive European professional water polo scene.

Now relocated to Florida she spends nearly an hour recounting her remarkable career and, of course, talking Texas water polo.

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A "Sterling" Best of Texas Final, Inching closer to re-opening, and Texas great Amy Olsen

Wed, 06 May 2020 16:22:50 +0000

Amy Olsen, one of Texas' most decorated water polo athletes and a former professional player in Europe, chats with Joe about her experiences overseas, Sterling's dominance, and her new puppy. Excerpts of that conversation can be found in today's show to be followed by the entire interview later this week.

Before that we cover the semifinals of our very popular Best of Texas High School Tournament where Baytown Sterling ran the table. We give our own opinions about who belongs in the final matches.

Plus, speculation about hopping back in pools here in Texas as businesses begin to re-open, an Italian study that water polo is among the safest team sports under coronavirus conditions, and disheartening news from Japan about the 2021 Olympics.

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Best of TX tourney semis, light at the end of the tunnel, and the Andrews talk San Antonio polo

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 14:13:42 +0000

The voters have spoken and the quarterfinals of our Best of Texas High School Tournament are complete. After collecting over 500 votes the semis are now set. Joe and James go over all of them.

Plus, Texas businesses are slowly re-opening after the governor announces a phased approach, but explicitly rules out public pools until May 18 at the very earliest.

And finally, Doug Andrew and his son Tom talk about the success of Marshall High School's teams in the 80s, and about how San Antonio became the hub of water polo in Texas. That and encouraging signs of a resurgence of the game in that area on this week's show.

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Pod Special: Former Whittier College HC Justin Pudwill

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 21:23:47 +0000

Justin Pudwill ended a hugely successful 10 years at the helm of Whittier College's men's and women's water polo programs to make his Houston return and take advantage of some slightly lower home prices compared to pricey SoCal.

His journey started in Huntington Beach though, and he and Joe talk about the transition from surf-crazy HB to playing polo for the legendary Mac MacDonald at Sterling.

Then, an unexpected drive with his mother to West Virginia to continue his water polo career at the NCAA level. And just a few years later he rose in the coaching hierarchy to take over the program at Division III Whittier, one of the few Texans to ever earn such high acclaim.

Plus he offers sage advice to those aspiring to play in college, discusses his style of coaching, and recalls some of the best high school teams of his day (including his own).

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High school season ends, Best of TX first round complete, a chat with Justin Pudwill

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 19:25:38 +0000

It's almost as hard to believe that this is our 40th episode as it is that James hasn't gone past his front gate in five days.

The quarantine goes on but we try to fill the water polo void with the very sad but not surprising news that the Texas high school season is over.

Then, a smashing success as we received over 1100 votes in our first round Best of Texas High School Tournament.

And finally, we share excerpts of a long conversation Joe had with former Whittier College Head Coach Justin Pudwill. They cover his return to the state, some of his Best of Texas recollections, and how his dad broke the carburetor on his truck.

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Pod Special: Coach Mihai Oprea of St. Mark's, Trident

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:23:29 +0000

In one of the most fascinating conversations we can recall we speak with the highly successful Head Coach at St. Mark's School and Trident Water Polo Club in Dallas.

Mihai Oprea has turned St. Mark's in to one of the most consistently excellent high school teams in Texas having won five of the last six state championships, a subject we discuss at length.

But more absorbing than his coaching success in Texas is the story behind his departure from Romania, where the decades-old communist government fell in 1989 after a violent end to the life of its totalitarian leader Nicolai Ceausescu.

Oprea shares his own exciting and terrifying experience on the ground in Bucharest as the "coup" takes place. Plus, more on his experience as a young Romanian water polo athlete, why he chose Texas, the UIL's recent decision to add water polo, and much more.

JOs delayed, Best of TX tourney begins, and Mihai Oprea

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 18:06:52 +0000

The NCAA canceled this year's final four (tm). Be we haven't. In fact, we've created the first ever Best of Texas high school tournament pitting teams from nearly a half-century of prep water polo.

After you listen to Joe recall nearly every detail from every team since 1972 go to TXWaterpolo.com for a link to the brackets, and then VOTE! The Best of Texas is up to you, so spread the word (and share your comments on any team since 1972).

Plus, Junior Olympics have been officially delayed, Welcome to Texas Shootout has a new date, and who knows when the rest of those club tournaments will be re-scheduled.

Finally, excerpts from a conversation with the highly successful coach at St. Mark's School and Trident Water Polo, Mihai Oprea. Look for the entire interview when it's released on Thursday. A fascinating look at a Romanian's path to Texas.

Music

Girls on Grass

Best of Texas: Mac & Joe talk preps since 2000

Fri, 10 Apr 2020 14:41:38 +0000

Part two of a conversation with Mac MacDonald, Head Coach at Lamar HS and one of the pioneers of the sport in Texas. Plus some vamping about the first three decades of prep water polo as we kick off our Best of Texas programming.

Quarantined in, the best of, and the history of water polo in Texas

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 18:46:48 +0000

It's a long one, but what else do you have to do?

Today, a few items are still on the calendar and the UIL hasn't shut the season down (yet). Then, we start getting in to the history of high school water polo in Texas.

We talk with the legendary "Mac" MacDonald about the sport from its inception in the 70s through the 90s. And, we introduce a new feature, the "Best of Texas," a romp though prep water polo history with a focus on the best teams.

Stay tuned for more because your participation is key!

#StayHome

Music

TXWP Pod Special: Two-time Olympian Peter Hudnut

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 15:27:10 +0000

Back in December we spoke with 2008 Olympic Siver Medalist and Stanford All-American Peter Hudnut after his visit to Houston where he led a clinic for Houston Storm.

We spoke about his connections with Texas, his career at Stanford, and, of course, about that amazing run in Beijing.

A poor internet connection and some pretty horrible earbuds didn't really help our conversation. But if you can deal wish some obvious shuffling you'll be rewarded.

#StaySafe

Angela Uno, too much Tiger King, and generally occupying time

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 18:32:19 +0000

You know things are pretty slow when Joe and James chat about Tiger King.

Well, not only that, but:

Austin College wins the (virtual) CWPA DIII Championships!
Which are the best high school teams in Texas history (what do you think?)
How to teach eggbeater (biggest takeaway, dance around like a possessed sumo wrestler)
A forthcoming online Texas Water Polo Academy
Haba Waba in 2021

And Angela Uno, one of the head referees in the Southwest Zone, fulfills her dream of being interrogated by Joe on the pod, of which she is a huge fan and outspoken critic (according to Joe).

Wash your hands before listening.

Music:

Olympics delayed, summer season uncertain, and Scott Slay

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 20:56:17 +0000

What a week.

Though it came as no surprise the Olympics have been postponed until 2021 after several Olympic committees and sports associations declared they would be absent from games held in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the delay of an Olympiad for the first time since World War II.

And plenty followed from that including speculation that the summer club season could be altered dramatically.

Finally, Joe talks with long-time Texas coach Scott Slay about leaving his successful Foster program for a job with nearby Kyle ISD, how he’s coping with the lockdown, and his second stint as TISCA Water Polo Chairman. An interview so good the birds sing their approval.

Music

#washyourhands

COVID-19 halts water polo, and we talk to the great Natalie Benson

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 21:51:41 +0000

We are living in strange times.

As the COVID-19 pandemic makes its mark on Texas and the rest of the world our small, tight community of water polo athletes, fans, coaches, families are dramatically affected too. We discuss what we know as of Tuesday knowing full well that events are changing by the hour. What’s been cancelled? What have school districts decided so far? What will happen to the high school season? Joe and James cover those issues and many others.

We also have a long conversation with Natalie Benson, Head Women’s Water Polo Coach at Fresno State, a two-time Olympic medalist and recipient of the Cutino Award for the best collegiate player in the US. We talk about her rise in the coaching ranks, how the pandemic has affected her young team, and her daughter provides us with a hilarious promo.

It’s entirely likely you’re a bit cooped up with not a lot to do. So here you go, an extra long and special TXWaterpolo show to keep yourself sane.

And wash your hands!

'Roos winning streak, St. Mark's dominates, Joe has a gravelly voice

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:21:00 +0000

On this week's episode: Austin College wins four straight on the road, a conversation with Thunder, ODP, and Braswell Coach Sabrina Carlile, and Joe loses his voice in San Antonio. That amidst worsening news about COVID-19 pandemic as its effects on everyone, including the water polo community, magnify.

Music

ODP's done, Flower Mound is on top, 'Roos play four in CA

Thu, 05 Mar 2020 03:12:00 +0000

There’s too much stuff to cover for a clever description here. How about some bullet points?

ODP is over and James is proud of his Southwest Zone boys. Then he whines about two one-goal losses to California teams. Joe insults his ability to coach defense.
Joe gets his coaching fix at the Thunder Spring Invite and shouts.
A&M kicks off the women’s CWPA season with a barn burning 4-3 win over the ‘horns.
Flower Mound girls beat Guyer and earn a top ranking… for this week.
St. Mark’s is, you know, good.
Players of the Week! Enough said.
Austin College landed in Thousand Oaks and nearly beat Fresno Pacific. Head Coach Mark Lawrence almost criticizes the refs… but doesn’t.

There’s more, but we’re not going to spoil it for you here.

Music

Lions and Falcons on top, players of the week, and ODP (finally!)

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 17:41:42 +0000

We asked for your input and we really got it.

The first week of prep (sorry. high school) water polo ended with St. Mark's and Foster on top of the tables according to our very first coaches' panel vote.

Then with your nominations we give credit to those high school athletes who stood out over the past week: Offensive, Defensive, and Rookies.

Finally, ODP National Championships approach for the Southwest Zone boys who are headed to California on Friday. That and continuing busyness over the coming weeks.

Music

Preps, rankings, wild speculation - it's high school season!

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 23:13:21 +0000

You’ll know the theme of the show because James and Joe begin the thing by debating whether “prep” or “high school” is the more accurate term (“prep” wins).

That’s right, the high school season is actually here with games being played in the West and Houston on Tuesday evening. So which schools will be on top at the end of this spring? We introduce our new coaches’ poll feature and churn out some pre-season rankings.

Meanwhile, CWPA women’s club water polo opens at Rice in just a couple weeks, ODP National Championships are near, as is the Thunder Spring Invite.

All that, and the broken digits of two ODP athletes.

Music

Cowtown has a rodeo, Pegasus & Thunder at Kap7, and more on preps

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 14:35:42 +0000

Cowtown's second tourney ever is in the books with clubs from as far away as Albuquerque taking part. But the biggest story, clearly, is AquaTex's 3rd place result in the 14u bracket...

Meanwhile, the high school girls of Thunder went out to Cali and brought home a Kap7 tournament championship trophy! They were joined by boys' teams from Thunder and Pegasus who had some impressive results too.

Plus we're asking for your input! During the high school season make sure to email us at pod@txwaterpolo.com to nominate a player of the week – offense, defense, and newcomer.

All that, ODP and Austin College, and James hears Joe's dogs bark.

AC returns from Brown, Spin Lob outta Austin, preps on TXWP

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 22:55:40 +0000

The Austin College women put the scare in two strong East Coast D-1 teams at the Bruno Invite but return to Sherman without a win after a very challenging weekend.

At the same time NYAC won gold twice at the Spin Lob Tournament completed on Sunday in Austin – just in time to watch the Big Game on Southwest Airlines.

Then, Joe and James introduce some features TXWP will be rolling out as the high school season begins. And you're on the hook! We need your help with scores, top performances, and game stories. Stay tuned.

Plus, Joe's dog chews on a bone.

Music

Spin Lob on 6th, AC on ESPN, and game days.

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 00:10:39 +0000

The Spin Lob Tournament is finally here which means a big collection of very talented players are coming to Austin. And if tradition holds, they will *really* enjoy their time here - 6th Street will never be the same.

Meanwhile, the AC 'Roos women are getting some serious pub on ESPN+ where all their Bruno Invitational games will be streamed this weekend. Thank you, Entertainment and Sports Programming Network!

Then, did you ever ask, "what are these game days they keep blathering about?" Even if you didn't, you're gonna find out as Joe and James cover the topic up and down. That, plus the importance of hydration, James' disdain for the Santa Clara 49ers, and a delivery person rings Joe's doorbell.

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'Roos on deck, Dare to Dream, and Nicolao's coming to TX

Thu, 23 Jan 2020 19:01:23 +0000

While a gaggle of kids age 12 and under descended on Houston for the (biggest ever) Dare to Dream Tournament, the varsity women of Austin College will be tested very soon by some of college's best programs. We talk with Head Coach Mark Lawrence about what training has looked like so far and expectations for this coming season, which gets under way at Brown on January 31.

Plus, Luis Nicolao, Head Coach at the US Naval Academy, is headed to Houston and will lead a one-day camp.

All that, more about what's coming up on the calendar, and Joe's dog shares its opinion of the show with a massive yawn.

Music

Alejandro Escovedo

ODP in the snow, daring to dream, TXWaterpolo has plans

Fri, 17 Jan 2020 00:13:38 +0000

The calendar has turned and we haven't talked Texas water polo yet. The wait is over.

We're back along with a lot of Texans who braved the snow of Utah to compete at USA Water Polo's Olympic Development Program West Region Championships in Kearns.

Plus, there's movement in the high school water polo scene. And, TXWaterpolo has plans! Tune in for all the exciting details as James and Joe plow through another show, but one with some decent sound quality.

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End of Year Special: 2019's top stories, state of the game, and doomed resolutions

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 19:24:54 +0000

It's been a monumental year for water polo in Texas. We re-cap the top stories of the year, good and bad. Plus, there's so much growth going on we have to cover it. And we share a few new year's resolutions that there's little chance of us actually following. That, the usual nonsense, and low quality audio as we tip the calendar toward 2020. Enjoy!

With huge gratitude for all our listeners and supporters we wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.

Music: Alejandro Escobedo, Carsie Blanton, Death Cab for Cutie

Thunder impresses in CA, Masters like Austin, Joe drives a truck

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 14:25:44 +0000

This one is for everyone who has asked, "why don't we hear more podcasts featuring someone driving up I-35?" You're welcome.

It's the week before Christmas, which means the sport goes largely dormant. But that doesn't prevent James and Joe from vamping about on-the-ground efforts to grow high school water polo, more encouraging results from California, and how masters athletes enjoy their time in Austin (Spin Lob is coming). That's this week's somewhat abbreviated show.

Next week: the year in review! What are the biggest stories in Texas water polo in the year 2019? Tell us what you think.

Music:

Alejandro Escovedo

The New Valleys

The Pogues

NCAA men are done, Utah is cold, Mark's dog is excited

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 22:17:40 +0000

Austin College completes their second-ever varsity men's season improved but still looking for more as they go 1-1 against rivals Penn State - Behrend to close out the MPSF Tournament. We talk with Head Coach Mark Lawrence about the tournament, his impressions of the Big Four® as Stanford wins NCAAs, and Monty the 9-week old great dane.

Plus, James and Joe cover the Cowtown Stampede (shout out to AquaTex 14u boys!), January's Dare to Dream tourney in Houston, and driving in Utah.

That and other nonsense on this week's TXWaterpolo Podcast.

Special thanks to all of you who are donating to the cause. We are grateful for your support!

Music:

Sherman, Texas' Buck Owens

San Antonio's Alejandro Escovedo

The New Valleys

Big ODP weekend, NCAAs are here, and it snowed in Hungary

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 12:54:25 +0000

Yes, the wait is over. We’re back, just in time for the biggest weekend of intercollegiate water polo all year. Could a program not from the Big Four™ win it all? Could we be talking about the Pacific Tigers, National Champions, a week from now? Well, we’ll give you some (poorly informed) predictions to help you win your office pool.

Plus, ODP hits a milestone after a very busy weekend with some of the biggest attendance ever.

That, and a scintillating discussion about deicing a plane in Budapest, how to pronounce “Ferencvárosi” (or not), and hitting the Texas roads for Thanksgiving.

A special note to our newest donor, Damian. We continue to be amazed by the support we get from listeners, so thank you to him and to all of you who have contributed (have you noticed how much better Joe sounds with his new mic?). We are working on other ways for us to cover the sport, especially this spring, so stay tuned.

ODP is back, season ends for UT, 'Roos seek revenge

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 18:43:07 +0000

The title says it all.

A frenzied ODP Thanksgiving weekend returns to Texas when two camps will be held back to back, one in North Texas, the other in NE Houston.

The season ends for the UT men after a tight opening round loss to Penn State at CWPA Men's Collegiate Club National Championships. They recovered nicely to finish 3-1 and earned ninth in the nation.

And Austin College will finish it's men's varsity season with an important play-in game versus Penn State Behrend which will determine who gets to play UCLA in the next round of the MPSF Championships.

That and more nonsense on this week's pod, which may be our last for a couple weeks as James hits the ground in Hungary next week.

'Roos on a winning streak, 'Horns battle for national title, Houston hosts Champions Cup

Wed, 13 Nov 2019 03:04:24 +0000

This week is all about the dedication of this show, traveling all over the state to watch three events located well over 300 miles apart. Actually, that's what Joe did from Wednesday to Monday while James just sat in a chair in Austin.

What Joe got to see was Austin College on a three-game win streak while hosting games in Sherman, and we talk to Head Coach Mark Lawrence about the 'Roos' most successful weekend yet.

In Houston, the SOCAL girls won a Champions Cup title in between line dancing lessons, and the boys from neighboring club Vanguard pocketed gold medals too while Pearland's Southside Honey Badgers took down another California heavyweight.

Meanwhile, UT's men's club is packing up for a trip to Pittsburgh where they'll face Penn State in their opening match at the CWPA Collegiate Club Championship. We speak with Club President Thomas Nagle about the 'Horns' season and their expectations for this weekend. That and results from a big masters water polo tourney in Dallas on this the 20th (no way) TX Waterpolo Podcast.

Music:

Alejandro Escovedo

UT seeded 6th, 8th graders in Houston, 'Roos host some games

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 17:11:11 +0000

If you think that there's no water polo going on this weekend in Texas we will prove you wrong.

The unofficial 8th Grade, 14 and under championships are in Houston with some of the best clubs in the country headed our way for the Champions Cup.

Meanwhile, 300 miles north, the Austin College 'Roos will be stuffing as many fans as possible in their natatorium where they will host four and play three (winnable) games beginning on Friday.

And a quick mention of the UT men's club team which earned the sixth seed for the national championship to be held in Pittsburgh. They'll play the winner of the Mid-Atlantic conference with Villanova, Penn State, and Pitt holding the highest positions in those standings. Much more about them next week.

All that and the usual nonsense on this week's TX Waterpolo Podcast.

Music:

D3 Easterns Recap with 'Roos coach Mark Lawrence, UT earns championship bid, and more fallout from UIL

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 20:44:29 +0000

Your mighty 'Roos returned from Pennsylvania with their first win of the season, a thumping of tournament hosts Washington & Jefferson. We talk about that, upcoming games, and the (still buzzing) UIL decision to add water polo with Austin College varsity Head Coach Mark Lawrence.

Speaking of UIL, have you heard that they added water polo? Well you're gonna hear more as James and Joe vamp about how the news is being greeted in Texas and throughout the US.

Plus, UT gets revenge for an earlier season loss to Texas A&M. Their men's club team will now travel to Pennsylvania in two weeks time to compete in the CWPA Men's Club Championships.

That, and an important conversation about chocolate fountains and Frito® pie on this week's TXWaterpolo Podcast.

Music:

Sherman, Texas' Buck Owens

San Antonio's Alejandro Escovedo

The New Valleys