Water polo in the bay

As seen in Stu News Newport today

I was there. Having played water polo in high school and at USC, I couldn’t pass up a chance to watch yesterday. My hope is next year, my good friend Laird, who is mentioned in the story below, will invite a team from Laguna to participate.

Water polo IN THE BAY appears to have been a hit!

Water polo in the bay was deemed a success on several fronts. First off, competitors from all four teams competing in the two exhibitions seem to have enjoyed themselves immensely; the crowds that lined the railings overlooking from Marina Park and sitting on the surrounding deck did not disappoint; and TK Burgers far-exceeded the before-event budget count of burgers sold.

The games: Newport Harbor rolled over Corona del Mar in the boys game, 14-5; and Wilson/Long Beach narrowly edged Newport Harbor in the girls game that followed, 11-10.

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Photos by Tom Johnson

Newport Harbor Boys (dark blue caps) go on offense

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Scramble for the loose ball in girls contest

As far as the crowds went, there was little or no railing space left surrounding the playing area that was situated straight out in the bay from the enter/exit lanes leading into and out of Marina Park.

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Crowds line the railing 

Finally, and perhaps the most important measuring stick (tongue-in-cheek), the success of the TK Burger wagon – last reports were that some 250 were sold as the event drew to a close, far exceeding an early goal of 120.

Kudos to many, including the players, coaches and schools; Laird Hayes, Sean Levin and the city’s Rec. Department team, our Harbormaster Paul Blank and his team, and many more for making the event a huge success.

The only thing that could have made the day better – a little sunshine instead of the overcast skies and another 10-15 degrees of heat.

Watching yesterday’s water polo matches with old friend Laird. I’ve been told the water temp in the bay was 61 degrees. Thankfully, that didn’t dampen the players’ enthusiasm.