2018-19 Men's Water Polo News

2018-19 SCIAC All-Academic
221 Panthers honored as SCIAC All-Academic

July 08, 2019

Chapman University’s student-athletes matched their record number with 221 SCIAC All-Academic selections in for the 2018-19 school year. The Panthers had the fourth-most selections of the nine schools in the SCIAC.

The team celebrates a goal.
USA Water Polo Division III National Championship Set to Begin in 2019-20

February 26, 2019

In the Fall of 2019, USA Water Polo will sponsor the first-ever Division III national championship in the sport of water polo.

Photo by Larry Newman
Men’s water polo team, 14 individuals earn academic recognition

February 19, 2019

Academic honors came rolling in for the Chapman University men’s water polo team, including a top-10 ranking for team GPA. Fourteen student-athletes were recognized in three different categories for their academic success by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches.

Wesley Hertel, Graham Asalone, Vasil Halchev playing water polo.
Trio of Panthers selected as All-Americans

December 13, 2018

Freshman Graham Asalone led a trio of Chapman University men’s water polo players to earn All-American honors from the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches. Asalone landed a spot on the Second Team while juniors Wesley Hertel and Vasil Halchev each earned Honorable Mention.

Graham Asalone shoots the ball.
Asalone selected to All-SCIAC Second Team

November 15, 2018

Freshman Graham Asalone was selected to the All-SCIAC Second Team after a stellar first year with the Panthers in which he marked his name in the Chapman record books.

Seniors Brady Hoskins and Holt Fundament.
Water polo captures two wins on Senior Day

November 10, 2018

The Chapman University men’s water polo team wrapped up its 2018 season with a pair of wins over Caltech and Air Force. The Panthers celebrated their seniors with a 16-7 win over Caltech in the SCIAC finale before a dramatic, 15-14 comeback win over Air Force.

Vasil Halchev shoots the ball and scores a goal.
Halchev scores five as Panthers fall to No. 19 Sagehens

October 24, 2018

The Chapman University men’s water polo team fell 17-11 to No. 19 Pomona-Pitzer (16-7, 9-0 SCIAC) earlier this evening. Junior Vasil Halchev led the Panthers (9-16, 5-5 SCIAC) with five goals in the match.

Vasil Halchev avoids a defender while looking for a pass.
Halchev awarded SCIAC Offensive Athlete of the Week

October 22, 2018

Junior Vasil Halchev was awarded the SCIAC Offensive Athlete of the Week after helping the Panthers to a 2-1 record this week.

Graham Asalone looks for an open shot.
Men's water polo hands CMS its first SCIAC loss

October 20, 2018

A second half run put the Chapman University men’s water polo team way out in front and the Panthers held on to defeat Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 11-9. The Panthers (9-15, 5-4 SCIAC) handed CMS (12-6, 7-1 SCIAC) its first conference loss of the season.

Vasil Halchev avoids a defender.
Halchev, Walter net hat tricks in close loss

October 16, 2018

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University men’s water polo team fell in a close 12-11 match to the visiting Whittier College Poets earlier this evening. The Panthers (7-15, 3-4 SCIAC) were led by junior Vasil Halchev and freshman Ethan Walter, who both contributed a hat trick in the effort.

Wesley Hertel blocks a shot.
Hertel earns SCIAC Defensive Athlete of the Week 

October 15, 2018

ORANGE, Calif. - Junior goalkeeper Wesley Hertel was awarded the SCIAC Defensive Athlete of the Week after leading the Panthers to a 2-0 week in which they beat Cal Lutheran and Caltech. 

Graham Asalone takes a shot.
Fast start keys big victory for men's water polo

October 10, 2018

After jumping out to a 5-0 start, the Chapman University men’s water polo team led from wire-to-wire in a 19-11 win over visiting Cal Lutheran. Junior Vasil Halchev scored five goals to lead the high-scoring Panthers (6-14, 2-3 SCIAC).

Wesley Hertel blocks a shot.
Late comeback falls just shy for men’s water polo

October 03, 2018

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University men’s water polo team rallied late in the fourth quarter to surge for a comeback but fell short to the visiting Redlands Bulldogs 9-8. The Panthers (3-12, 1-3 SCIAC) were led in goal by junior Wesley Hertel, who posted 12 saves in the close match.

Hunter Ramaekers passes the ball.
Ten Panthers score in dominant SCIAC win

September 26, 2018

ORANGE, Calif. – The Chapman University men’s water polo team put up a dominant performance as they rolled past Occidental 21-11 in its 2018 home opener. Ten different Panthers scored, but sophomore Hunter Ramaekers led the way with four goals.

Photo by Larry Newman
Chapman men’s water polo preview

August 31, 2018

The Chapman men’s water polo team enters the 2018 season with youth on their side. After graduating six key seniors last year, the Panthers welcome 10 newcomers to the talented squad.