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UW Water Polo Club to host opening regional tournament

Photo: Nick Robinson
Water polo is part soccer, part hockey. The water polo club will play its first tournament at 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 29 against University of Denver at Corbett Gymnasium.

The UW Men’s Water Polo Club kicks off its fall season with a home tournament at the end of September. Teams from neighboring schools and states will be in attendance.

“There will be quality teams at our home tournament. Utah and the Colorado teams have exceptional players,” vice president of the club Willy Ratz said. Also Ratz is an all-conference player in the Rocky Mountain Division along with teammate Dan Sabirzyanov.

“Most people don’t know we have a club,” Ratz said. The sport gets publicity during the Olympic season, he said.

In 2011, the club came back after being absent from the university for many years. Since the 2011-12 season, the club has seen many improvements such as being more organized with a more consistent turn out at practices.

“We’ve gained more consistent players this season. Last year each tournament was a different group. Now we have more people, all who are willing to play. It will be a good year,” Ratz said.

Ratz’s favorite aspect of water polo is the team. As an ex-swimmer, Ratz enjoys a fun way to stay in shape and meet new friends. His favorite moment from the 2011 season was the victory over University of Colorado. This year, seeing all of the new players come out has been a highlight so far.

Jason Stolz volunteers as the club’s coach. Stolz works as the aquatics manager at the Laramie Community Recreation Center, but is more than happy to help the club. Chuck Murrieta also helps assist the club. The club practices Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights from 8-10 p.m. Any interested members can contact the club president, Brett Kahler, at bkahler@uwyo.edu.

The first game for the club team in the tournament is at 1:45 p.m. on Sept. 29 against University of Denver at Corbett pool. The club team hopes to have fans show up and support them in their season opener. “It’s really cool we get to start the season at home. I hope students and faculty alike can come support us. It’s an intense game that is fun to watch,” said Ratz.

After its first tournament in Laramie, the club will travel as far as Arizona. The regional championships are in Utah this year. The club also hopes to play games with the Colorado clubs as well.

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