The Standard: Senior year, my best year

2026-05-15T07:27:35-05:00

By Ian Sorensen ‘26

I remember choosing what high school to go to just like it was yesterday. Now being a senior, I look back at the last year of my life; Brother Rice was the best decision. The opportunities, the education and all the experiences helped shape me into the man I am today.

In September, I decided to attend K-172. I’m so thankful that I did. I was amazed at the impact it had on me. In December, I was asked to lead K-174. I knew immediately I wanted to lead. The experience was valuable […]

The Standard: Senior year, my best year2026-05-15T07:27:35-05:00

The Standard: Busy Week for the Crusader Water Polo Team

2026-04-30T19:41:16-05:00

By Ian Sorensen ’26 

The Brother Rice water polo team has had an exciting and busy season. Coming into the biggest stretch of games, the Crusaders were ranked number one in the state of Illinois. They had already played Stevenson twice before, winning one game, which made their next matchup even more important. After a tough game against Stevenson, Brother Rice dropped to number three in the state rankings, but the team stayed focused and ready to prove themselves.

This past week was one of the hardest stretches of the season. The Crusaders […]

The Standard: Busy Week for the Crusader Water Polo Team2026-04-30T19:41:16-05:00

The Standard: Water Polo Season of to a Strong Start

2026-04-02T13:35:32-05:00

By Ian Sorensen ‘26

The Brother Rice High School water polo team is off to an amazing start this season. The team is undefeated with a 9-0 record and is currently ranked number one in the state of Illinois. Players and coaches say this is one of their best starts ever, even with many challenges along the way.

The season has not been easy. The school pool is currently shut down after it failed an inspection. Now the school is waiting for permits for components in the pool to open it again. Because of this, the team has to travel every day to […]

The Standard: Water Polo Season of to a Strong Start2026-04-02T13:35:32-05:00

The Standard: Crusaders in California

2026-03-19T13:39:56-05:00

By Ian Sorensen ‘26 

On Friday, March 6, four water polo players from Brother Rice had an exciting weekend traveling to California to compete with the ODP Midwest Zone National Team in 2026. The athletes were freshman Michael Gruszecski, who played at the cadet level, junior Anthony Albus, junior Joshua Milakovich, and senior Darrion Phelps, who all played at the youth level.

The trip was a big opportunity for these players because they faced some of the best players from around the country. The competition was very tough, and every game was close […]

The Standard: Crusaders in California2026-03-19T13:39:56-05:00

The Standard: JV Water Polo Adds Another Trophy to the Case

2023-05-04T20:38:23-05:00

By Joe Scarriot ‘23

On Saturday, April 29, the JV Brother Rice water polo team traveled to Loyola to compete in the  Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference JV championship game against the Fenwick Friars. Coming into the game the Friars were the one seed and the Crusaders were the two seed, setting up a great matchup.

Sophomore Vic Basile said, “I knew we were going to beat Fenwick. The second I found out we were playing them; I wasn’t worried at all.”

The game was a defensive battle the whole way through. Both teams were playing conservatively, making smart choices and minimal mistakes.

Coach Scott Hidenhaugh […]

The Standard: JV Water Polo Adds Another Trophy to the Case2023-05-04T20:38:23-05:00

The Standard – Brother Rice Water Polo Optimistic Going into Playoffs

2022-05-12T11:37:07-05:00

By Robby Pratl ‘22

The Crusader Water Polo Team competed in a tournament in Fremd, Illinois over the past couple of days. The Crusaders posted a record of 2-6 with the two wins coming in games against the Lincoln Way East Griffins and the Prospect Knights. The losses came in games against Conat, Glenbrook North, Deerfield, Loyola Academy, Naperville Central, and Palatine.

As the water polo regular season nears to an end All-Sectional senior Jack Byrne said, “I was given the opportunity to take younger players under my wing. I always try to help them in any way possible.”

Although posting a 4-17 overall […]

The Standard – Brother Rice Water Polo Optimistic Going into Playoffs2022-05-12T11:37:07-05:00

The Standard: Brother Rice Water Polo

2022-04-14T14:19:38-05:00

By Brian Jeffers ‘22

The Brother Rice Crusaders faced off against Prospects on Saturday, April 9 at Glenbrook North High School with a huge 12-7 victory. The Crusaders played an outstanding game on offense and defense, and the most valuable player of the game was Hunter Tempel.

Jack Byrne said “This was a great offensive game for us, we finished and took the win home.” Byrne is the only senior on the water polo team and leads by example for all the younger teammates.

Sean Mulcrone said, “We could have played better on defense, but we still executed.”

Another Crusader Zach Figus said, “This was […]

The Standard: Brother Rice Water Polo2022-04-14T14:19:38-05:00

The Standard: Crusader’s Water Polo Takes Big Loss in the First Game Against De La Salle

2020-03-14T01:14:35-05:00

By TJ Murphy ‘20

The Crusaders were hoping for a win against De La Salle to kick off the water polo season, but sadly a win was not in store.

The first quarter went great as the Crusaders held their weight. Seniors TJ Murphy and Andrew Cwik each scored a goal, along with junior Pat Ward and freshman Alex Chicowicz. The final score for the quarter was 4-3.

It was not until the second quarter in which the Meteors gained a huge lead, putting six goals up on the scoreboard.

During the third quarter, the Crusaders started to work harder, and were able to score […]

The Standard: Crusader’s Water Polo Takes Big Loss in the First Game Against De La Salle2020-03-14T01:14:35-05:00

The Standard: Brother Rice Water Polo Finds New Management

2020-03-14T00:51:09-05:00

By Dan Golon ‘20

The Brother Rice water polo team carries with it a rich history.

As the most decorated sport in Brother Rice’s history, the program’s recent years have been dark.

As an attempt to pull themselves out of the darkness and back onto the state’s highest stage of polo, they gave the go ahead to Class of ‘89 alum, Frank Mulcrone.

Frank Mulcrone’s name lives in the history book of Illinois water polo. During his time with the Crusaders he accrued 4 CCL championships, 3 state championships, and various other accolades.

Most importantly, the players are looking forward to having him on the squad. […]

The Standard: Brother Rice Water Polo Finds New Management2020-03-14T00:51:09-05:00

Brother Rice Announces Frank Mulcrone as Head Water Polo Coach

2020-02-26T14:35:05-06:00

Brother Rice High School is pleased to announce Frank Mulcrone, Class of 1989, has accepted the position as the new water polo head coach beginning the 2020 season. 

At Brother Rice, Frank Mulcrone was a member of the swimming and water polo programs all four years. While swimming for the Crusaders, Mulcrone qualified for the state meet from 1988-1989. He was named a member of the All-State team all four years, earned the MVP of the State tournament his senior season, as well as earning the Tony Lawless Award for the Chicago Catholic league. Mulcrone was also […]

Brother Rice Announces Frank Mulcrone as Head Water Polo Coach2020-02-26T14:35:05-06:00
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