After a tough 9 -10 loss to Biola, the Concordia men’s water polo team has turned its frustration into motivation, using their setback as fuel for a strong conference comeback. With a mix of returning players and new additions, the team is finding its chemistry at the right time.

Junior Cade Peterson, a Sports Business major with a minor in Coaching, said this year’s group feels different from last season. “This year's team is a little different compared to last year's team as we have nine new freshmen who all contribute to the team in many different ways, along with three other transfers.”

Peterson said the combination of returners' experience and fresh talent has created a strong team dynamic. “With our 11 returners from last year's team, it has been a good balance between the returners' strength and experience and the new raw talent from the newcomers of having a successful season so far.”

The team has two practices a day on Mondays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they only have one pool practice in the afternoons; however, there are weights at 6:30 a.m. On Wednesdays, they get a bit of a break from the double practices, but still have morning practice, and instead watch film in the afternoon.

“Having two practices a day, especially in the early mornings, gets challenging at some points, but all 23 of us try to keep each other accountable by motivating ourselves to keep pushing through practice and always giving it our all,” said Peterson.

After the loss to Biola, Peterson said he’s focused on learning and improving. “After a tough loss against Biola, I bounce back by working harder in practice and watching more film to learn from not only my mistakes but also from my teammates.”

He sees the game as more of a lesson than a loss. “I see it as a learning experience, and I know that the rest of my teammates will be ready the next time we play them.”

Junior Kanoa Stoddard, an Engineering major, is also motivated for the weeks ahead. He’s especially excited for a matchup against Salem, the team that ended their season last year. “I'm most excited to play against Salem because I have some buddies on the team, and it was also the team we lost to in the conference finals last year.”

Stoddard said the team’s chemistry has continued to grow throughout the season. “I think overall we have grown in our chemistry by having struggles at practice together and training, and also going on our most recent team trip to Fresno.”

After two straight years of falling just short [second place in conference finals], Stoddard said the team is more motivated than ever to take the next step. “What motivates me the most right now is our opportunity to win the conference this year. These last two years of losing in the finals have motivated the team the most to win this year.”

He also believes the Biola game served as a good reminder to stay focused. “Biola was definitely not one of the tougher teams we have faced. I think it was just an off day and a hiccup and something to get our minds right going into this final stretch of conference and finals.”

As the season continues, the team’s mindset is clear. Always stay strong, stick together, and keep pushing. The Biola loss may have been a loss, but it lit a fire that could carry them through the rest of the season. The team is ready for its comeback game on Oct. 31 at home against Biola, a chance for redemption.

Tags: water polo, Men's Athletics, sports

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