Lower Merion water polo program: a story of perseverance

By Alicia Nathanson

For MediaNewsGroup

Lower Merion High School’s water polo team recently hosted its first National Invitational Tournament, in which six high schools from across the state (including LM) competed, and for the Aces, the journey to host the event was a culmination of taking risks, perseverance, and a student’s dream to start a water polo team at the school in 2017.

“Caleb Schack walked into my classroom and asked me if I was willing to help start a team at the school,” recalled Lower Merion water polo head coach Ben Walsh, “I was very excited, and to be honest, nervous.

“Starting a new team is challenging. I wasn’t worried about the coaching. I was worried about building a culture. Caleb’s enthusiasm for the sport was unstoppable. I couldn’t say no.”

Walsh, who previously coached at Central High School, knew that with the administration’s support and Schack’s passion, they could make the dream a reality. Walsh sought the support of Commissioner for Pennsylvania State Water Polo, Dr. Rudy Ruth. Ruth traveled to Lower Merion to work with Walsh and the school to develop the program.

Ruth said, “Our State Association has always taken the approach that each team’s development is different. We provide whatever support is beneficial. This support ranges from assistance in start-up equipment to working with the coach and athletic director to developing a schedule that meets the team’s competition needs as they develop.”

Walsh noted that in the first few years of the program, attendance was “shaky” and at times, there would only be four players in the school’s pool. During the pandemic, the team participated in Zoom practices and met outside, simulating water polo on dry land. Walsh was amazed that the team survived despite not having a regular season.

Though there might have been moments of uncertainty for Walsh, he always had the unwavering support of former principal, Dr. Sean Hughes, who was killed in a car crash in 2021.

“Sean loved risk-takers,” said Walsh. “He loved people trying new things.  I think that is why he loved water polo.  He would often exercise at the end of the day and stop in the pool to watch us practice.  He didn’t understand the game, but he loved it. Seeing the team grow and give the gift of organized sports to new kids was important to Sean.  I think he would be proud of the team today.”

Over time, an increasing number of students were showing interest in joining the Lower Merion team — many of whom had never played water polo. Walsh continued to build the team’s culture.

Ruth said, “The No. 1 key [to success], and Lower Merion is a perfect example, is to obtain a coach that is willing to take the steps needed to start up a program and then looks to enhance what is offered each year. You will not find a better example than Ben Walsh. Ben is a role model for all coaches in that he treats his athletes in a way that is caring and compassionate while developing them as student athletes. Ben just gets it…he treats everyone with whom he interacts in a collegial manner, be it his fellow coaches and officials to the athletes in his charge…Ben is just the best.”

Walsh credits his high school water polo experience at Souderton High School Team as a model to follow, as well as Lower Merion’s athletes authoring their own “Core Beliefs and Values” as a guide for team culture.

“We review these beliefs at the start of every season to make sure they still hold true,” said Walsh. “We talk about commitment and leadership. We are a family. We value everyone’s contribution to the team regardless of ability.  You do not need to have prior experience.  You don’t have to be a competitive swimmer.  You just need to have the willingness to try.”

The Lower Merion water polo program started at the co-ed level in their first year, then transitioned to co-ed varsity. This fall, there were more than 40 players across varsity teams in both genders and one junior varsity team. The program also has a new assistant coach, Mike Bomze.

Lower Merion is the only school in the Central League with a water polo program. Playing teams in other areas of the state means they travel further than most teams but, Walsh sees it as well worth the mileage.

“We have an incredible high school water polo administration for the state of Pennsylvania that organizes the state’s conferences and league play,” said Walsh. “There is no shortage of competition or playing time for our athletes.”

The significance of being able to host a high school water polo tournament at Lower Merion is not lost on Walsh.

“I look at the National Invitational Tournament as a capstone for our athletes,” said Walsh. “Athletes continue to grow when they face opponents that challenge their abilities.  The NIT Tournament allows for teams to be challenged within a similar skill of play.  This is the type of smart risk-taking you want for all athletes who are trying to master their sport.  It was, hopefully, an exciting end to the season — I want my players leaving the season on a high note, win or lose.”