Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media 2021 Boys Water Polo All-Area Team
The North Penn and La Salle boys water polo teams pushed each other to greatness in this year’s state final, powered by multiple players that landed on this year’s Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media Boys Water Polo All-Area Team.
“Overall, I think our season was a success,” said Explorers coach Matt del Rio. “Last year, we graduated three crucial members of our starting lineup, including the 2020 State MVP (Ryan McLaughin), so it took us a bit of time to find our identity this year.
“We started to really gel in the second half of the season, led by a stellar senior class and a group of talented underclassmen. Defense became our primary focus and helped propel us to the State Championship game for the first time in program history. Though we fell to North Penn 7-6 in the finals, I feel like La Salle Water Polo took a big step forward, and I am looking forward to seeing my younger guys develop over the next few years.”
Matthew Sherry, P.J. Oppenheimer, Gavin Brooke and Peter Williamson all played pivotal roles for the Explorers, who set a new standard of success in 2021.
State Champion North Penn was led by Athlete of the Year Bobby Freece, as well as goalie Danny Dunigan, Tim Schwar, Aidan Faikish and Nathan Rawa.
The Knights were intent on completing their state-championship journey.
“Last year we came just short, by one goal,” said Dunigan, a constant in net. “That kind of set off something in the boys’ minds, to go and win it this year. So it’s good to win.”
Said coach Jason Grubb of the win: “It caps off an awesome season for our team.”
Erik Ulmer led Pennridge to a tremendous season in the water and Luke Price helped key Upper Dublin’s run to the state tournament.
Reporter/Times Herald/Montgomery Media Boys Water Polo All-Area Team
Matthew Sherry, La Salle
P.J. Oppenheimer, La Salle
Gavin Brooke, La Salle
Peter Williamson, La Salle
Bobby Freece, North Penn
Danny Dunigan, North Penn, Goalie
Tim Schwar, North Penn
Aidan Faikish, North Penn
Nathan Rawa, North Penn
Erik Ulmer, Pennridge
Luke Price, Upper Dublin
