Splashdown
Patrick SillerThe oldest Olympic team sport is one many do not even know exists.
It is not basketball or hockey, but the sport's rules utilize a setup similar to many other sports. However, the one challenge that sets it apart is that it is played in the water.
The game is water polo, played by a seven-person team that consists of six players in the field and one goaltender. It is a unique physical challenge of a sport, essentially played like team handball while swimming and treading water.
Holland senior Jacob Schaefer is a member of the newly-formed Central Michigan University Water Polo Club. He said the aquatic contact sport is an excellent workout that takes a lot of endurance.
"It's hard work, but a great way to meet people (while) having fun and staying in shape," Schaefer said.
Illinois sophomore Tracy Graal, who played the sport in high school, formed the club after joking around about the idea with several friends.
"Late November is when we were starting to talk about it," she said, "It will probably cost us about $1,000 to $2,000 to start the club."
The club had their first informal meeting in December and now meet three times a week to practice. Graal said the team is always looking for new members.
Saline senior Allison Dehaan said she too has been waiting to play and is committed to helping the club become a staple as a CMU club sport.
"I've been wanting to get (the club) started, but I was in charge of the swim club," she said. "I am really excited. I actually volunteered to build the water polo goal out of PVC pipe."
The team will play their first match at Western Michigan Feb. 21 and the club hopes to schedule future matches against schools like Michigan State University and Michigan Tech.
People can still join the club by contacting Graal at cmuclubwaterpolo@gmail.com or showing up to practice, which is held at the Rose Arena pool on Tuesday and Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 7 p.m to 9 p.m.
"We are always looking for more players," Graal said. "As long as you're willing to learn."
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