Rivalry? What rivalry?

STEVE VIRGEN

The game, Corona del Mar High versus Newport Harbor, had all the

makings to be one of the most heated boys water polo matchups in

years when the squads met in the South Coast tournament last week.

Sailor senior Griffin Gentry, who transferred from CdM last

spring, played against his former teammates and appeared to be

emotionally charged.

But that’s just how it appeared on the surface.

After Newport defeated CdM, 8-4, players for both teams playfully

teased one another when they were posing for mug shots for the Daily

Pilot. Most of the Sailors and Sea Kings grew up together and

competed for the same swim clubs. They also usually spend a lot of

time during the summer together as they are involved in the same

water polo club tournaments.

“This was a big game for me,” Gentry said. “We’re big rivals, but

it’s not bad at all. It’s a good, competitive rivalry that makes us

both better. It’s nothing personal. We all get along.”

After Gentry said that, CdM junior Thomas Pearson congratulated

him on a game well played.

*

During the Back Bay water polo game, a familiar face watched from

the rooftop above the scoreboard. Former Newport Harbor Coach Brian

Kreutzkamp was scouting the tournament as the assistant coach for

Stanford.

Kreutzkamp’s presence inspired a few Newport players, including

senior Bryan Auer.

“I always want to impress him,” said Auer, who scored twice and

had three steals. “I really liked him as a coach. It’s always nice to

see him.”

*

There were many players who deserved to be scouted, including

Newport senior Michael Bury, who scored one goal against CdM, yet was

not pleased with his performance. Bury is very interested in

Stanford, and the Cardinal feel the same about the Sailors’ two-meter

man.

“I wish I could have played better,” Bury said. “I didn’t have the

best game. But I’m glad our team played well in front of him.”

*

On a lighter note, Auer’s younger brother, Brett, is

affectionately known as “Half Auer.”

*

The Costa Mesa boys water polo team finished fifth in the Magnolia

tournament, proof that the Mustangs are continuing to show

improvement, led by sophomore Kyle Thorsness. They defeated Ocean

View Tuesday.