Breakers looking for big things

A big effort in the off-season could pay big dividends for the Laguna Beach High boys’ water polo team in 2006.

The Breakers have hit the weight room hard in the past year and begin training preparations Monday for the upcoming season, which they begin Sept. 12 against Foothill.

Added bulk, the return of four starters and gained experience from playing tight matches a year ago are the ingredients that should add up to success this fall.

“We are a very balanced team this year,” said Rick McKee, who begins his fourth year as head coach of the Breakers. “These guys have a lot of experience and play well together as a team.

“We are also in a new league, the Orange Coast League, which consists of Costa Mesa, Estancia and Sage Hill. Also, we are Division II, instead of Division I. All should give us more opportunities.”

Last year, the Breakers went 18-11 and 2-2 in their final year in the Pacific Coast League. They advanced to the CIF playoffs, where they dropped a first-round match to South Coast League champion Mission Viejo, 10-8.

Starters returning this fall include a pair of seniors — drivers Peter Phelps and Cameron Brinkman — and two juniors — hole/set Pierre Masson and driver Nathan McConnell.

Phelps and Brinkman each were named second-team all-league and Masson and McConnell received honorable-mention status last year.

Also returning to the squad are senior 2-meter defender Johnny Holcomb, junior goalkeeper Warren Murrell and senior driver Kevin Westlake.

“Our balance and experience are our definite strengths,” McKee said. “Not to mention, these guys are huge — they have been lifting very seriously for over a year.”

Of Laguna’s eight losses last year, several were matches that could have swung in the Breakers’ favor. That experience of playing in close matches should prove beneficial in tight matches this season, McKee hopes.

“One of the things that I have been working hard with this group is that winning is contagious, and it is something that is well worth working hard for,” McKee said. “In their experiences, they have learned this and know how to handle tight situations.”

But Laguna will be faced with a new situation this year, with the move to a new league and division.

“We should be the stronger team in our new league,” McKee said. “However, in saying that, I don’t want to overlook anyone, and we won’t take any of the teams for granted.

“We have moved back to Division II, which should give us opportunity to advance deeper (in the playoffs), if we play well.”

The Breakers will be tested right off the bat with a tough nonleague schedule that McKee says is “a bit” tougher than last year.

In addition to the opener against Foothill, Laguna faces Division I foes Northwood, Newport Beach and San Clemente, Division IV preseason favorite Loyola and ends the regular season against Mission Viejo on Nov. 3.

“I am really looking forward to the boys’ season this year,” McKee added. “I started with them three years ago, and it is going to be fun to see the culmination of four years of work.

“They worked hard over the summer, and with the opening of training camp on Monday, they are primed to do something special.”

2006 Schedule

(*denotes Orange Coast League match)