Panthers Unleashed: On the Rise
What does a team do when they lose their two top goal scorers who also happen to be reigning All-SCIAC and All-America selections? The Chapman University men's water polo team is looking to their freshman class to fill the void that was left by three-time All-American Jeff O'Brien and his offensive counterpart Kevin Dayan.
Freshmen Graham Asalone, Ethan Walter and Brad Wilson are just a few of the players that have stepped up and taken the reigns on the 2018 season.
Asalone currently leads the conference with 24 assists, 48 points and 26 steals. The rookie also ranks second in the SCIAC and leads the Panthers with 24 goals just halfway through the season.
"You never really expect to lead on a new team. I thought I'd be a big impact but I didn't think I'd be leading in points and assists," said Asalone.
For the rookie, it's not much of a transition from his club and high school water polo days. "It's not a big adjustment for me, just because at my old club I led the team in goals as a junior and senior. I'm kind of running with it because coach [Ploessel] is giving me the green light on shooting and making plays so I'm excited to have that opportunity."
Asalone graduated from Carlsbad High School in May 2018 after helping lead the team to a CIF San Diego Section Open Division Quarterfinal appearance where he was awarded an All-America selection. This leadership experience, he said, has also helped him get comfortable with college water polo.
"Honestly, it wasn't that big of a difference. I come from a really good high school and our coaches have a bunch of alumni come back from top colleges, so I played against them when I was in high school. Some teams are really good and that's a struggle. Everyone here is very serious."
Fellow freshman Wilson, who ranks just behind Asalone with 15 assists, agrees with his teammate. "I've played water polo since I was seven years old and I've played at relatively the highest level, so it was pretty seamless," said Wilson. "I know a bunch of the guys on the other teams and it's super fun to see them and get to play against them."
Wilson grew up in Orange and went to high school down the street at Villa Park, where he helped lead the team to a CIF Southern Section Division 3 semifinal appearance. As a senior, Wilson led Villa Park with 86 assists and 82 goals and was named to the All-Conference and All-CIF First Teams.
"I feel like I was pretty well prepared coming into college," said Wilson.
For Walter, it's a bit of a different story. "It's definitely really different for me. I'm from Hawaii so we've already played more games in our season than I would have played in a usual high school season. To just have that many more games and at that high of a level is just such a great experience. It's definitely been tough, but I appreciate having to work that much harder."
Walter's definitely stacking up, having played in every game this season while tallying 12 goals. "To come in and be among the upper echelon of players here is kind of new. It's definitely a lot of fun."
One thing they can all agree on, though, is how much the returners have helped them transition into leadership roles.
"The older guys are a huge help," said Asalone. "Everyone asks them questions about games and conference teams and how they play. They definitely have way more experience than I do so I'll ask them what I'm doing wrong and they'll help me out. It's a great group of guys."
Wilson credits team captains Brady Hoskins and Wesley Hertel with helping him grow within this first month of competition.
"The guys have taken a welcoming to us and they're all super nice. Brady and Wes have really shown us what it takes to be proper leaders on the team and we're definitely ready to follow in their footsteps."
Not only are these three freshmen posting huge numbers for the Panthers, but they are also taking leadership roles outside of the pool. All three men are Chapman SAAC representatives and hope to be able to do more with the student-run organization in the future.
"All three of us are in it. It's pretty much us trying to be motivators for our team to go to other events," said Walter. "We're the young voices on the team and speak on behalf of everyone. It seems like something that can be really helpful for not just our team but for every sport at Chapman."
One thing is certain about the water polo newcomers – they are proving to be pivotal in the Panthers' attack. They account for over half of Chapman's goals and assists so far this season heading into crucial SCIAC play.
Wilson is excited for the future of this season. "We've been playing some pretty tough games, but when it comes to conference, it's just been getting us ready. We're going to have a good shot at contending for SCIAC this year."
With the impact this freshman class is making already, the Panthers can set their sights on contending for a SCIAC title for years to come.
by Katie Bell
Sports Information Assistant
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