CdM’s Polos commits to UCI

Corona del Mar High senior Jon Polos has committed to UC Irvine for men’s water polo, he said Thursday.

Polos was a valuable contributor for the Sea Kings (20-9) this season. The speedy driver tallied 45 goals, which was third on the team, and tied for second with 27 steals. He also had 16 assists and helped CdM win another Pacific Coast League title, win the Battle of the Bay game against Newport Harbor for the second straight year and advance to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 quarterfinals.

Familiarity was important to Polos in his college decision.

“I played Anteater Water Polo under [UCI Coach] Marc [Hunt] since I was 7,” Polos said. “That played a big role in my decision.”

Polos said he’s also happy to reunite with CdM boys’ water polo alumni Kyle and Jack Trush, as both of the brothers also currently play for the Anteaters. And he’s excited about playing in the Golden Coast Conference. It was announced Thursday that UC Irvine will compete in the Golden Coast Conference beginning this fall along with Long Beach State, Pepperdine, San Jose State, UC Santa Barbara and University of the Pacific.

Polos plans to sign his national letter of intent with the Anteaters on Feb. 3. He is the second CdM senior to commit, as Vincent Ong is committed to Johns Hopkins.

— Matt Szabo