Stevenson boys water polo brings home state championship
LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. (BVM) — In 2017, the Stevenson High School boys water polo team took home its first-ever state championship. Just four years later, the Patriots are back on top.
Last weekend, the IHSA state water polo tournament was held at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, Ill. Both the boys and girls teams from Stevenson competed, giving them a chance at bringing home two state titles.
While the girls would end up finishing second overall led by coach Jeff Wimer, son Sean would lead the boys to the program’s second state championship. The Patriots got off to a quick start in their title match against Lyons Township High School, taking an early 3-0 lead and a commanding 10-4 advantage by halftime.
In the second half, both teams would be penalized as the Patriots received a yellow card for arguing a call, while Lyons received a red card and an ensuing ejection of an assistant coach for protesting calls throughout the period.
Although Lyons would close the gap to 10-7, the team would score just one goal throughout the remainder of the contest, as Stevenson ended up with a 15-8 win. It marked the third win of the weekend for the Patriots, who also defeated Neuqua Valley and Conant on their way to the championship.
The win capped off what was a truly dominant season, as the Patriots went a perfect 29-0. Stevenson allowed opponents to score in double digits just twice all season while posting some impressive scoring lines such as a 22-1 victory in May against Lake Forest.
Offensively, 14 of the 21 players on the Stevenson boys team were double-figure scorers this season, while eight players also finished with double-digit assist totals. The Patriots’ program continues to mold into a state powerhouse, but for now, they will enjoy what will always be a season to remember.
