USA Water Polo took over the Valley this weekend with their annual event, Rocktober! Mesa's Kino Aquatic Center hosted the 12U Championships where 32 teams from all over the nation competed for gold and a chance to jokingly show off their medals to Shieldy the mascot. There were four divisions: Rock, Roll, Rhythm, and Rhyme.
Known as USA Water Polo's tournament with the most fun, the three-day fiasco begins with a Friday night pizza party hosted by the Mesa Convention & Vistors Bureau. The athletes goof around with inflatable guitars and make new friends from across the country. Saturday and Sunday are action-packed with games from sun up until dinnertime. This tournament is unique due to a focus on sportsmanship with awards presented for being a positive impact player upon Sunday's culmination.
USA Water Polo is making concerted efforts to grow the sport now more than ever. Lots of athletes are inquisitive about the sport largely because of U.S. women's water polo's epic gold medal victory in the 2016 Olympics.
Mark Carney, USA Water Polo's Director of Sport Growth, claims a new club is on the horizon for central Phoenix! Carney states the program will hopefully launch at Brophy College Preparatory's pool. Former national team goalie Craig Wilson is helping with the organizational efforts.
If you are interested in water polo, visit www.usawaterpolo.org and contact one of the representatives listed!
