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March 3, 2009

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Four Navy water polo players traveled to California last weekend in hopes of landing a spot on the U.S. National Team through tryouts organized through USA Water Polo. The progressive program allowed the Navy players to compete against the country's top players, both collegiately and professionally. Freshmen Kyle Wertz and Conor Handley and juniors Kevin Bell and Johnny Meiners competed during the weekend.

Athletes from all over the country descended upon Santa Ana Valley High School in Southern California for the opening round of the USA Water Polo Men's National Team Tryout Program. A progressive program that will eventually determine athletes on the Men's Senior National "A" and "B" Teams as well as help determine the rosters for the FINA World Championships and World University Games this summer, athletes were placed on squads based on geographic location to take part in a host of matches over the weekend.

"I thought the event this weekend was very beneficial to be able to play with the best players in the country. For myself it was sort of a trip down memory lane because I have been playing with these kids my whole life and it was nice to be able to play with them," said Navy freshman All-American Kyle Wertz. "I believe that it would be definitely be beneficial to the program, because not all the players on the team have been fortunate enough to be able to play with the outstanding players as much as I have. Overall, I believe this trip was a positive one."

"As a zone team, the weekend went a little rough, but I think that the Navy players played pretty well throughout the four games, especially since we were playing the best players at the collegiate level," said Navy freshman Conor Handley. "Personally the trip was very eye-opening for me after not seeing much game time this fall."

The program replaced the traditional Premier League from past years, a move necessary due to NCAA regulations. The program will reduce the number of athletes over the coming weeks to 80 athletes for the second round, 60 athletes for the third round with eventual selection of the "A" and "B" teams.

Navy is coming off its third straight Eastern title and NCAA Tournament appearance and recorded a 20-11 mark in 2008. Head coach Mike Schofield will welcome back 10 letterwinners from the team in the fall of 2009. The team will begin their spring practices and schedule in a couple of weeks.

# GO NAVY #