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February 19, 2017

Preparing for an Amazing 2017 Season

By Aaron Brown

The new season is rapidly approaching, so here are some additional preseason updates:

Practice Begins
February 27

Opening Night
March 6

Sectionals

May 8-13

State Tournament

May 18-20

1) The preseason rankings are an indicator of where teams left off at the end of last season and are not a prediction of where teams will end up at the end of the 2017 campaign. A lot has happened since last May, so expect a lot of changes to occur after so many players have improved their skills during the offseason. The rankings will be finalized and posted by the end of President's Day.

2) There are always a few players who either get mistaken as having graduated and others who did graduate yet still appear in the preseason awards/previews. If you have any info that can help with the accuracy of the preseason lists, please help us get things right by sending in corrections. The preseason lists and awards will be posted in the week leading up to the new season.

3) Five years ago, it was suggested that I charge a small fee for readers to access the web site. Actually, it was also suggested around ten years ago and a few more times in between, and my response then and my response now are always the same: NEVER!

There is no way I could limit access to the great high school water polo athletes in Illinois and the recognition they so richly deserve for their extraordinary efforts.

4) Of course, if you like the coverage and can afford to make a contribution to keep the site afloat (so players can get the recognition they deserve), it would be greatly appreciated. Click the donations link for more information.

5) Illpolo.com is a solo effort (aside from the occasional editing help from my wife). However, it requires a community effort from anyone who is willing to send game information and other helpful tidbits that can ensure as many players and teams get recognized. E-mail, text, tweet, retweet, call or send information using whatever form of communication is convenient; it definitely helps. Don't be shy about spreading the word about high school water polo in Illinois!

6) On a personal note, I have increased job responsibilities, grad classes, two young "ballers" and more teams to cover for a sport that features boys' and girls' seasons at the same time. If there is any lag in the coverage, it won't be for lack of trying or motivation, but be aware that there are outside forces and no backup plan or replacement in the event I get stuck at work or have some sort of family issue.

You probably won't notice anything different (since I can just skip sleeping and caffeine is always readily available) but at least be aware of these issues and send information when you can to pitch in and help out.

Best of luck in 2017,

Aaron Brown

illpolostaff@gmail.com