What started out as a group of kids getting together just to have fun has grown into a major force among Big Ten club sports.
The men’s water polo team will start its season with the 2002 Spartan Invitational, Friday through Sunday. Sixteen teams will play a total of 36 games over the weekend, with the top eight earning a final place.
“We’re really excited about it,” coach Brian Fickies said. “We’re welcoming a lot of returning players, who provide leadership, as well as the quickness of the younger players.
“We’re going to go out and play some good, hard polo.”
In 1985, when the club was first established, its main purpose was to have a good time and just play the game. At first, the team practiced Tuesdays and Thursdays, usually at the members’ convenience. Now, it practices every night at the IM Sports-West indoor pool.
“It’s a great opportunity,” freshman Kevin Clegg said, speaking of the club’s growth. “We’ve really got something here.”
As one of the newest members of the club, Clegg didn’t know what he was getting into.
“When I heard MSU had a club water polo team, I thought it’d be fun to check it out. Now, it’s a great thing,” he said.
“I couldn’t foresee not playing. Swimming’s not fun. It’s the water polo that’s fun.”
In 1989, the team was officially registered by MSU as a club sport. The following year, the team placed fourth in its first Big Ten tournament the following year. The team also placed first in Big Ten tournaments in 1993, 1994 and 2000. In 2000, the men also won the National Club Championship.
“Water polo here at MSU is definitely a high-caliber team,” senior Pat Clarin said. “We definitely play at the varsity level. Our goal this year is to win the Big Ten championship.”
Despite numerous honors and lofty goals, the team’s biggest problem is competing for attention with other sports. This year’s invitational falls on the same weekend as the MSU football game against Rice.
“We’re having the tournament in the outdoor pool. We’re hoping people will stop by and see us on their way to the game,” Clarin said.
Michigan, Purdue, Texas A&M, Notre Dame and Indiana are among those scheduled to compete. One spot has yet to be filled.
“We’re hoping to shock the other teams. They’re not expecting much from MSU, but they’ll definitely be surprised,” Clarin said.
The tournament begins at 7 p.m. Friday and continues at 10 a.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. Sunday. All games will take place at the IM Sports-West facility next to Spartan Stadium. The man may be looking for a win, but they’re also looking for a turnout.
“This is the biggest tournament that any Big Ten club team has hosted,” senior captain David Spoelstra said.
