Boys water polo preview: Starting over

Steve Virgen

COSTA MESA - There’s a reason Bob Shupp took the job as boys water

polo coach at Costa Mesa High. He’s not there for short term. His plan is

to bring the Mustangs back to respectability, back to the days of old.

Shupp, who coached the Mustangs 1977-1984, guided Mesa in its heyday.

“We were consistently in the top 10,” Shupp said. “I’m hoping to

rebuild the program. We’ve had numerous discussions of the fact the

program has slipped. That’s why I decided to come back. If we work hard

together, we have a shot of bringing Costa Mesa back. I’m not here just

for one year. I wouldn’t do that to the kids or to myself. I’m planning

on being around for a while.”

Shupp also said he has plenty to work on as the Mustangs are short on

numbers. They have just 11-12 players showing up for practice which makes

it difficult for Shupp’s practices.

Yet, the shortage of players will result in more playing time for each

Mustang and Shupp is preparing accordingly.

Shupp’s team has been working out twice a day and the Mustangs have

been working overtime in the weight room. Shupp has also set aside

extended time on conditioning that will strengthen his players’ legs.

“We’re also doing as much as we can in relative to skill improvement,”

Shupp said. “The kids appear to be motivated. We’re making progress

weekly.”

As seniors Chasen Marshall and Jeff Collett return for the Mustangs,

Shupp believes the duo cannot improve without the help of the rest of

team.

“At this point, I’m not looking to offer too much accolades to the

kids,” Shupp said, declining to discuss the high points of each of his

players. “What we’re doing here, is trying to establish a team attitude

so right now we’re not pointing out any individuals.”

Mesa opens its season with three games in three days. The Mustangs

will host Ocean View Tuesday, then play at Kennedy Wednesday, and host

Bolsa Grande Thursday.

“I’ve been out of it for so long,” Shupp said. “It will be interesting

to see what takes place this season. I’ll be starting a tremendous amount

of underclassmen. It will truly be interesting.”

COSTA MESA BOYS WATER POLO

Jeff Collett, goalie Sr.

Chris Darnas, driver So.

Mike Gardiner, goalie Sr.

Matt Grubisich, driver Jr.

Matt Jaroslawski, goalie Fr.

Chasen Marshall, driver Sr.

Alex Mulhern, driver Jr.

Robert Rodriguez, driver Jr.

Evan Spencer, driver Fr.

Brian Tipton, driver So.

Dave Barnett, driver So.

Adam Douglas, driver Fr.

Coach: Bob Shupp