The Estevan Sharks water polo club has kicked off its new season with practices underway, but numbers remain on the smaller side for the bantam group. Coach Chad Knoll said they had six returning players and one newcomer take part in the first session.
“The bantam group was a little bit shy in kids,” said Knoll. “They looked like they were out of shape, definitely, and tried to have a tougher practice. They did well, but I think they were played out by the end of the practice, not being in the pool for three or four months.”
While the team may be small, opportunities remain for the athletes to compete at higher levels. Knoll explained that several of the Sharks will join Regina teams this season in order to play in tournaments. “We’re going to have four boys joining, probably a Regina team to play tournaments, a couple of girls joining the Regina team as well,” he said. “Out of practices, we just hope to build their skill and get them prepared for bigger tournaments and hopefully give them the option to get selected for Team Sask.”
Much of the early focus will be on conditioning, as endurance is key to handling the pace of competition. “These tournaments, you’re in the pool sometimes for 15 minutes at a time before you get a break,” Knoll noted. “So it’s a lot of stamina needed for that. Definitely going to try and get their stamina up.”
As the season progresses, Knoll said the players will also be learning new skills and gaining valuable experience, with hopes of representing the Sharks at higher levels of play.
“Go Sharks,” Knoll added.