LEBANON, Ill. — The McKendree University men’s water polo program is set to enter its second year of competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) varsity level in 2018. The Bearcats look to improve upon last season’s record of 7-17 where they finished fifth in the Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference (MAWPC)-West Region.
Colleen Lischwe begins her first season as the McKendree men’s water polo head coach. She is eager to get the season started with a great group of returners along with a handful of freshman who are expected to contribute right away.
“I am beyond excited to begin competing with this group,” said Lischwe. “We have a very big class of newcomers to add to a core group of returning athletes who each have individual talents that I am confident will push us to our best season yet. This class has already experienced high level coaching and competition and came to McKendree ready to go. Each of these players will have a crucial role on the team and will contribute to our successes at each end of the pool. This year our level of talent is elevated, as is our team water polo IQ, and this will lead to a successful season for us. I have loved working with these guys so far and am pumped to see what they do come game time. Without a doubt, this is best group of athletes we have had since the team was formed and I expect big things from them.”
The Bearcats will return the program’s top scorer and all-conference selection, Joseph Mahan (Corinth, Texas/John H. Guyer), who is expected to lead the team on the offensive end with the help of junior captain Michael Krause (St. Louis, Missouri/Saint Louis University) and freshmen Matthew Haygood (Chino Hills, Calif./Chino Hills), Tony Sunagawa (Chino Hills, Calif./Chino Hills) and Nico Rodriguez (Winter Park, Fla./Oviedo).
On the defensive end, junior captain Izaya Owotor (Portland, Ore./David Douglas) and freshmen Brad Nelms (Lake Forest, Calif./El Toro) and Ben Brauer (Duisburg, Germany/Steinbart-Gymnasium Duisburg) will play a big role. Ori Scanlon (Orlando, Fla./Olympia), a returning sophomore and third team captain will be the first goalie in the water. Junior Marko Vucetic (Belgrade, Serbia/Redstar Academy) and freshman Bryce Tully (Yucaipa, Calif./Yucaipa) will also see significant time in the cage for the Bearcats.
McKendree will open up its season at home on Saturday when it takes on Lindenwood University. The Bearcats and Lions will begin play at noon at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex.
“Lindenwood is traditionally a strong team with a handful of strong and versatile athletes that have tested our team in the past,” said Lischwe. “As always, I expect a tough and physical game between our teams but I am excited to coach the Bearcats to a solid season opener and come out of the day with a couple good wins.”
McKendree University will host the Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Division II Eastern Championship on Saturday, October 13, at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex.
Release courtesy McKendree University Athletics Communications
