One goal in mind

Patrick Laverty

Clay and Clinton Jorth state their goals in plain and simple terms.

“One of my goals is to play water polo in the Olympics,” Clay

said.

Just a few minutes earlier, and across town from his older

brother, Clinton said, “I want to play in the Olympics. That’s my

ultimate goal.”

They are aspiring to be among the best and in their age bracket,

they already are.

Though the Jorth brothers are years away from any possible Olympic

medal, they are already experiencing what it is like to wear the red,

white and blue of Team USA.

Clay, 15, is a member of the 2003 U.S. water polo men’s national

cadet team, a 16-and-under club comprised of 21 players from around

the country. Clinton, 13, is playing one level lower than his

brother, as a member of the 2003 men’s national development team, a

squad comprised of 32 players from around the country.

“It’s kind of exciting that I made it out of the whole United

States,” Clinton said.

Both of them are traveling to Europe this month, representing

their country in international tournaments. Clinton left for Serbia

and Montenegro on Saturday for a 17-day stay in the country and Clay

will travel to Turkey with the Cadet team on August 10.

The experience, let alone the competition is sure to be an

eye-opener for both young teenagers. Neither knew much background on

the countries they were visiting, but both were looking forward to

the unique experience.

Clay had a friend who played in Greece last summer and told him a

little about Turkey.

“He said it’s amazing, it’s just totally different,” Clay said.

Though water polo is sure to keep him busy during his short stay,

he is hopeful to take part in a little tourism as well.

“I’d love to,” Clay said. “That’d be one of the coolest things.”

Though both Clay, who will be a sophomore at Newport Harbor High,

and Clinton, entering the eighth grade at Ensign Middle School, will

bring interesting stories back to school in the fall, the travel can

also be a bit intimidating.

Clinton will spend the first half of the trip in Leskovac, where

the development team will take part in an intensive training camp.

The second week will be spent in Herceg-Novi, on the coast of the

Adriatic Sea, where the team will compete in a tournament against

teams from other countries.

For a 13-year-old, thousands of miles away from home, a little bit

of fear would be acceptable.

“I’m a little nervous,” Clinton said.

Not to worry. Team USA advised the players to bring a little

peanut butter in case they don’t adapt to the local food and

Clinton’s parents are planning on joining him for the second part of

the trip.

The most important thing for both Clay and Clinton is improving in

the pool.

The international game provides stiffer competition and should

only help their play when they return to the States.

“It’s a lot faster, a lot smarter game,” Clay said. “Plus, in high

school the pool is usually 25 yards, now it’s 30 meters, which is

definitely longer. There’s a lot more counterattacks.”

That suits Clay’s game. He’s a driver, like his little brother. Or

more aptly put, his little brother is a driver, like Clay.

After all, it was Clay’s play, which began at the age of 7, which

got Clinton interested in water polo and into the pool. They played

together when they were younger, but haven’t been on the same team

since playing in the 10-and-under division. That will change in

Clay’s final two years at Newport Harbor, when Clinton joins him on

the team.

“I bet we’ll probably just connect in the pool better than anybody

else,” Clay said.

That connection is bound to only get better should they stay

involved with the U.S. youth national teams. But that involvement

takes more than just talent. The trips that Clay and Clinton are

taking this summer cost a combined $5,500, a sum they raised through

the generosity of family, friends and neighbors.

Now that the trips are becoming a reality, it’s all about what

they do in the pool.

“Hopefully, I’ll get a good amount of playing time,” Clay said.

“But even just being over there, just watching and getting the

experience is great. I’m just stoked to be on the team.”

After all, it is one step closer to his ultimate goal.