Injury will sideline March

Former Corona del Mar High standout Michael March, will most likely

sit out the entire FINA world championships after rupturing a disk in

his back, USA Water Polo officials announced Saturday.

March, a 21-year-old left-handed defender, was a projected starter

on the U.S. men’s national team that is scheduled to open the

tournament against Japan Monday in Montreal.

Further details of the injury weren’t available.

Shea Buckner, 18, who helped Villa Park to a 32-1 mark and a CIF Southern Section Division II final berth last season, could fill in

for March, though roster changes haven’t been finalized, according to

a USA Water Polo press release.

March, who stands 6-feet-4 and weights 220 pounds, completed his

junior season at UCLA last season. He led the Bruins with 24 assists

in 2003 en route to earning All-American honors. UCLA defeated

Stanford to win the NCAA championship in 2004.

March helped the Sea Kings claim consecutive CIF Southern Section

titles in 2000 and 2001.

In 2001, March was named Division II Co-Player of the Year and

earned All-CIF recognition a second time. He would play for the U.S.

youth national team in the FINA world junior championships later that

year.

-- Bryce Alderton