Monte Vista Boys Water Polo Preview: Mustangs Enter Season of Uncertainty

School: Monte Vista

Sport: Boys water polo

Coach: Brook Rogers

2009 record: 20-6

Key returners: Craig Westhusing, Matt Rahn, Riley Hagan, Patrick Scott

Quote: "We lost a lot of talent, goals and leadership." Coach Brook Rogers

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For Monte Vista High boys water polo coach Brook Rogers, the 2009 season was an unqualified success. The Mustangs rolled to a 20-6 record and advanced to the quarterfinals of the North Coast Section playoffs last year.

But as glowing as the 2009 season was, the looming season ahead is fraught with peril. The Mustangs lost five seniors to graduation last spring and go into the fall with one key starter recovering from a broken hand.

And, oh by the way, the East Bay Athletic League schedule of De La Salle, San Ramon Valley, Amador Valley and Foothill awaits and none of them are planning on cutting the Mustangs any slack.

So the question facing Rogers as the season opener nears: How are the Mustangs going to prepare for what is coming?

"We're still figuring it out," Rogers said. "We lost a lot of talent, goals and leadership from last year. We'll just have to try to see what works and what doesn't."

What will have to work will be goalie Craig Westhusing and key returners Riley Hagan and Patrick Scott. Matt Rahn, who is recovering from a broken hand, also figures to be the key to the Mustangs successes. That and how the team executes its offense, both in set pieces and on the counterattack.

"We're going to have a mixture of both," Rogers said. "But we need to be able to execute in the set offense."

Otherwise, Westhusing is going to have to work extra hard to keep Monte Vista in its matches and there are some tough opponents lying in wait. A fact not lost on Rogers,

"De La Salle and San Ramon Valley are going to be tough," Rogers said, handicapping the league. "Both Amador Valley and Foothill have started developing their programs and are going to be strong."

Rogers figures to find out quite a lot about his team as it plays in the upcoming John Schmidt Tournament on Sept. 10. With five games on tap during the tournament, Rogers should get a very good feel for his team.

"It's a good way to get the season started," Rogers said.

Finishing the season in a playoff tournament again this year would suit Rogers and his Mustangs just fine as well. 

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