A quick note as we’re already in February of a busy year.
STX Champs Recap
AquaTex’s 14u team came away undefeated at last weekend’s South Texas Spring Champs in San Antonio after two matches to win the “B” bracket of their age group. Two convincing wins means that next time that team can look forward to playing in the “A” bracket! Plus, our newest players got some great game experience in a setting that encourages newcomers to take part. Congratulations lads.
Our 16u team did take part in their A bracket and came away with two educational defeats to Alamo and Viper Pigeon. The results might be disappointing but this team is much improved since last summer. Coaches are pleased with the progress of this team… but expects even more! Keep working hard.
Meanwhile, Gavin and his Longhorn 18u boys teammates fell to their new nemesis, Alamo, in the final match to place second out of four.
Well done to everyone who participated, thanks to all the parents who attended, and to Coach Max for leading the team.
A reminder to those who did participate: the fee is $45/athlete payable to Coach James via Venmo or Zelle.
Roster Calls
Most important: All the Junior Olympics tournaments are now on the calendar. It’s the most important competition of the year so read on:
Longhorn Game Day
AquaTex will have a Game Day with Longhorn on Sunday, February 25. The schedule will be basically the same as it has in past months.
Dare to Dream
Dare to Dream for 10u and 12u athletes is in Pearland (Houston) on January 27-28. Our young athletes are expected to attend. We want AquaTex 10u and 12u teams ready to go! It’s USA Water Polo’s most prestigious tournament explicitly for our youngest athletes.
2024 National Junior Olympics
That’s right: we’re beginning planing for a tournament that takes place in July/August! There are several steps we need to take (as most of you already know) in order to take teams to one of the three Junior Olympics sessions. Just know, our aim is to bring as many AquaTex teams to California as possible.
For our newcomers, JOs is the biggest youth water polo tournament in the world. There are three sessions, two of which are in California, one in North Texas. Any team that plans to compete in one of the two California sessions *must* qualify via a Zone Qualifying Tournament. Thus, any athlete who plans to play on a California-headed roster is obligated to be on the Zone Qualifying roster as well. There are no exceptions. The Southwest Zone JOs Qualifier tournament takes place May 3-5, the earliest it has ever taken place in Texas. Thus the increased planning urgency.
- An “intent” form is coming for all AquaTex families. Knowing full well that plans can change we need to assess our level of commitment to fielding teams for NJOs.
- The tentative deadline to confirm intent to play at JOs is March 15. That date may change so stay tuned.
Much more to come about JOs but just know we plan on having a big turnout.
Communications
A reminder that GroupMe will remain our method for the most urgent communications between and among coaches, athletes, and families. All families are expected to join the AquaTex Waterpolo Club GroupMe for that reason (contact Coach James if you need the link to join). In addition:
- Because the group is meant for AquaTexans of all ages, it will remain a squeaky-clean family friendly zone! All communications will be assiduously G-rated.
- Our families often use the GroupMe to share that they won’t be attending a particular practice. From now on coaches would prefer that the athlete him- or her-self share that information in the GroupMe. Athletes should take responsibility for their own attendance.
Homework
Everyone should be watching (if possible) as much World Championship water polo as possible. Team USA has already qualified for the Paris Olympics this summer but this is one of the best tournaments of the year. For Americans, Team USA games are available on Peacock. If you’re sufficiently inventive there may be ways of watching a lot more via other sources. Good luck!
Milestones
January and February Birthdays! Happy birthday to all of you.
- Aanay, 2/16
- Ilay, 2/28
- Jean, 2/18
- Roman, 1/14
- Remy, 2/21
- Cash, 1/14
- James, 1/16
- Coach James, 1/23
See you on the deck.
