Blog: Agoura Boys Water Polo Team Cinches CIF Division II Title

Following its historic back-to-back CIF Southern Section Div IV water polo championship titles, a promotion to Division II, and the graduation of four standout starters, the Agoura High School (AHS) Chargers may have had some three-peat doubters.

Could the 2012 boys team be as competitive this year as last, considering the challenges of a third title attempt in an upper division status and the graduation of Adam Abdulhamid, Danny McClintick, Chase Cockerill and Jon Lai? Other programs may have, understandably, required more time to regroup. But, after winning 27 games this season and earning its 7th consecutive Marmonte League title, Agoura High School boys water polo proved once again why it's not just any other program. Consistent, expert, intense training across all divisions - a hallmark of the program - ensures athletes are prepared and ready for the varsity level challenge and the opportunity to step up. And step up they did.

On Saturday, at Irvine’s William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center, AHS boys varsity water polo team defied any doubters, as they went ahead of the Santa Barbara Dons five goals on senior Sabi (the “Hungarian Barbarian") Magyari’s solid outside shooting skill and junior Dominick Beaudine’s exceptional goaltending; Beaudine racked up a total of 12 saves, including four in a row during the fourth quarter. Juniors, Nico Vilches and Chris Gardhouse, each contributed a goal, leading the Chargers to a 7-4 win over the Dons. 

But, as any Charger will attest, it is an emphasis on team effort and an indefatigable defense that helps account for their success. To that end, starters Cory Laidig, Andrew Moore, and Nassim Hmeidan also deserve recognition. Moore went 4 for 4 on the sprints, and both he and Laidig forced a number of Don turnovers. Senior Hmeidan, whose semi-final performance made him a focus of Santa Barbara’s defense, helped to divert attention away from Magyari, who was open to take the shot. Subbing in were E.J. Ball, Dylan Grant, Spencer Farrar, Will McClintick, Ben Flyer, Tristan Conway, Evan Conway, Tyler Minich, Max Hartmann, Harrison Howarth, Alex Brown and Alex Leatham. 

Athletes’ and coaches’ aspirations to bring home the program’s third consecutive CIF championship title, and cinch their first Division II title since last season’s upgrade, were realized before scores of spirited and supportive family, friends, alumni and fans - many who turned out for the team through long distance travel. Former Charger, Wassim Hmeidan, brother of senior Nassim, took time away from pre-med studies at UC Davis to make a surprise appearance at his brother's game, while his former teammates, Adam and Ramsey Abdulhamid journeyed from Palo Alto and Colorado, respectively, to lend their support.

"It was a lovely surprise to see my brother there, and it just shows how much everyone cares about the program," said Nassim. "There was no way we were going to dissapoint everyone who was there to support us."

At a pre-game team meeting the prior evening, athletes listened attentively to the words of 2012 AHS graduate and current UCLA freshman water polo standout, Danny McClintick, (brother of sophomore Will McClintick), who took time from the demands of his own end-of-season games and tournaments, educational studies and NCAA championship training to write a letter to the team; a moving missive described by athletes as "very inspirational."

"The atmosphere in the locker room that night was incredible, considering were are all a band of brothers who will stop at nothing from achieving our goal," said sophomore Evan Conway. "The time that Danny spent writing to all of us was very generous, and very beneficial to the team. Danny has been a part of two CIF championships and multiple national championship teams, so he really knows what he's talking about."

It is indeed testament to the AHS water polo program that so many who’ve passed through the school’s pool gates return, year after year, to cheer on subsequent teams and their mentor coaches, Dustin Litvak, Jason Rosenthal, and Peter Schiavelli. An enduring camaraderie between families past and present, and poignant post-game reunions between former teammates and longtime friends could be observed Saturday all over the vast Woollett pool deck.

And, following the hugs, congratulations and best wishes, the pictures and interviews, senior Nassim Hmeidan reflected on his final, exhilarating and rewarding high school water polo season. "Building relationships with everyone on the team and becoming a family is probably what I will miss most," said Hmeidan. 

"This experience, including all the fun, hard work, and camaraderie of my teammates is something I will take with me for the rest of my life," said Evan Conway. "We our now on our journey to 'Fight for Four'!"

"Winning takes talent; to repeat takes character." ~ John Wooden

And, this year Agoura High School’s varsity water polo team proved, once more, it has plenty of both.