Los Osos water polo No. 1 ranking 'a courtesy'
Fresh off the first CIF championship in school history, the Los Osos boys water polo team is set to embark on a run for another.
Coach Eric Cypher, who led the girls water polo team to the second CIF title in Los Osos history in the spring, chalks up the Grizzlies' No. 1 ranking in the CIF-SS Division V preseason poll to last season's accomplishments.
"That," Cypher said, "is just a courtesy ranking."
Los Osos graduated its top two defenders, including CIF player of the year Patrick Kellher, but five starters return from last year's team, including much of the offense and goalie Tyler Abbott.
While last year's team relied on a veteran defense during much of its run to the Division V championship, the Grizzlies were young on offense. This year it's the other way around.
As juniors last season, Sean Evans, Wade Bible, Matt Wong and Dominic Vicino represented the inexperienced offense that could afford to lean on the defense. This year the Grizzlies expect to be involved in some higher- scoring affairs.
Though they'd like to expect the same outcome as last season.
"I'm sure we have big targets on our backs," Cypher said. "To be honest, (the championship) is already behind us. We're moving forward and we have a job to do."
DIVISION 5 TOP 10
1. Los Osos
2. Troy
3. Santa Monica
4. Bonita
5. El Segundo
6. La Serna
7. Palm Desert
8. Upland
9. Palm Springs
10. Claremont
Others receiving votes: Fullerton, Sunny Hills Others: Santa Ynez, Westminster
Arlington