Battle of the Pool

NEWPORT BEACH - Newport Harbor High’s girls water polo team,

defending Sea View League champions, does not officially begin practice

for the 2001-02 season until Nov. 11, but Bill Barnett’s crew has a

Saturday afternoon date in the Sailors’ pool where they believe they have

a few statements to make.

They’ve challenged the boys varsity, the defending Sea View League and

CIF Division I champions, and it begins at 2 p.m.

It’s innertube water polo, a fundraiser with all proceeds going to the

Red Cross to help those who were so tragically affected by the September

11 terrorists attack on New York City and Washington, D.C.

Tickets are $5. Children under 12 are $3.

In addition to some good fun between the two polo powers in their

respective fields, there will also be a pizza and bakery sale at the

concession stand.

Defending the boys’ honor are Brent Armstrong, Ryan Bean, Michael

Bury, Thomas Buttman, Brad Dillman, Charles Hockenberry, Jon Huang,

Stephan Lugo, Ross Sinclair, Jay Thompson, Michael Vanderberg, Nathan

Weider and goalie Nathan McLain.

The challenging girls roster includes Alex Anderson, Jessica Ball,

Katherine Belden, Amber Braly, Katie Erickson, Paige Lansing, Jenna

Murphy, Ashley Parole, Nicki Probert, Raelyn Ritchie, Annie Wight and

goalie Leah Grocki.

In addition to the great fun and competition, fans of Newport Harbor

water polo will have the unique opportunity to see the complete water

polo program on deck, and together, at the Sailors’ Olympic Pool, as well

as the overriding fundraising issue.