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 Munster High School in Indiana just to practice. This makes things harder because they spend more time traveling, but the players say it brings them closer as a team.
One of the biggest wins of the season came against Stevenson High School, who was ranked number one at the time. Brother Rice beat them even though they were missing two starters. During the game, junior Anthony Albus got three kickouts in the first half, which meant he could not play for the rest of the game. Even without him, the team kept fighting and found a way to win. The freshmen for Brother Rice stepped up big and helped take the team to victory.
The team also defeated the New Trier High School water polo team, who was ranked number three. That win helped move Brother Rice into the number one spot in the state rankings.
Freshman Mike Gruszeczki had a big moment this season when he scored the game-winning goal with only 12 seconds left. “I was really nervous, but I just focused and took the shot,” Gruszeczki said. “When it went in, I felt so happy because I helped my team win.”
Freshman Aidan Lopez also stepped up in a big way. He scored 3 of the team’s 9 goals in an important game. “I just tried my best to help the team,” Aidan said. “Everyone worked together, and that’s why we won.”
On defense, sophomore Ryan Mulcrone made a huge play at the end of a close game. He helped stop the other team from even getting a shot in the final 12 seconds. “We knew we had to stay strong and not let them shoot,” Ryan said. “We trusted each other and finished the game.”
Even with all the challenges, the Brother Rice water polo team keeps winning. With teamwork, hard work, and strong defense, they are showing why they are the number one team in Illinois.
