For the first time in almost three years, 18-year-old senior Bryan Romero will be able to play water polo games at Wilson High in Hacienda Heights.

That’s because the Wildcats’ pool, which has been out of commission for several years, has been completely refurbished and will be ready for their first game Sept. 6.

“It is going to be real nice to have our own pool,” echoed teammate Justin Cruz, 16, during the team’s inaugural practice in the like-new pool on Aug. 15. “Now we won’t have to take the bus (to home games).”

The Wilson High pool deteriorated little by little, until it got so bad the county Department of Health ordered it closed down, said Mark Hansberger, director of facilities for the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.

Both the boys and girls water polo teams were forced to play home games at Los Altos High School’s old pool or at Workman High School.