Triumph in the pool for Sea Kings squad

There’s a dynasty on the loose and it’s obviously not satisfied just

treading water.

Corona del Mar High School’s girls’ water polo squad took its

third straight CIF title on Monday, its second consecutive Division

II crown after dominating Division IV two years ago. After its 13-3

drubbing of second-seeded Peninsula, opponents must be praying the

Sea Kings take one last jump in class to Division I.

Coach Aaron Chaney lost several key players from the championship

teams of 2002 and 2003, but it didn’t matter. He’s helped build

something at Corona del Mar that transcends individual performers.

“I think our girls were a little intimidated by the CdM mystique,”

Peninsula Coach Mitch Yamamoto said after the championship game.

If the Sea Kings keep winning, then the mystique that intimidated

the team’s closest competitor in the division will only grow. And

despite the team concept at CdM, having tremendous individual players

certainly doesn’t hurt.

Yamamoto singled out sophomore Camille Hewko after the game

Monday, and standout goalie Brittany Fullen will also be back next

year for her senior campaign. Camille’s sister, Christina, starred on

the first two championship teams.

Chaney has a program at Corona del Mar that’s among the best in

Orange County pound for pound among all sports, and let’s hope it

keeps winning and attracting attention to a sport often overlooked.

They’re like Los Alamitos in football, La Quinta in baseball and

Mater Dei in basketball.

For those of you in Newport-Mesa who don’t know what a two-meter

offense is, go see a Sea Kings game next season and find out.

And if you make it to their final game, possibly in another CIF

championship, you might get to see Chaney join his players in the

pool again.

Congratulations, Corona del Mar. We’re looking forward to watching

you go for the four-peat next year.