]ighting for the National Title t31J L.ori t3ok
But the players were still confident after the defeat, remembering some of their more memorable contests. Defeating Ohio
booster. "They were a varsity team and ranked fourteenth in the country," Jamie Hammond said. "We were club and beat them by two." The challenge that the men faced was to stay focused and concentrate on the task of winning the championship once again. "We need to work on training over the summer and greeting our incoming recruits," Mike McGinley said. With a winning attitude from the outset in 1997-98, the new recruits and the UD veterans will bond to form a winning team once again. Senior Jim Kelley gave some advice for the next season's play: "The team needs to become a close-knit group and play as one." Juniors Krahe and Hammond agreed, adding that focus and concentration will need to be there in full force in order for the team to win nationals again. Determination will be the agenda.
After last year's triumphant march to win the national title, the 1996-97 water polo team fell short of repeating the feat, earning a disappointing third place finish at the fall finals and ruining their pre-tournament perfect record. After defeating Arizona and Texas in the first two games at the national championships, they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Michigan. '1 played the best I could," Ken Krahe said. "But I was physically and emotionally drained. The team played well, except for one quarter which made the difference." According to men's coach, Sean Geehan, the team's defense fell apart, allowing Michigan a number of scoring opportunities. Gee han said his team consisted of solid players who played with all their hearts and the desire to win. "Keeping the national title is difficult," Geehan said. "But now the team is focused, and they know what it takes to get there."
State in double overtime was an accomplishment that made the team proud. However, overcoming Washington and Lee University was also a great confidence
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Row 1: Noel Abboud, Christian Woodward, Jim Kelley, Matt Tenhundfeld, Coach Jason Blades. Row 2: William Bagel, Andrew Krejsa, Andrew Hickey, Joe Auciello, Mike McGinley, Louis Buchino. Row 3: Ken Krahe, Kevin Mayhugh, Jon Johnson, Matt Casey, Jonathan Snyder, Jamie Hammond, Drew Sir. photo by Michael Apice
W ATERPOLO
Mike McGinley- Goalie photo by Jason Young