Rice again chasing Friars

Since the 1960s, the South Side powerhouse in boys water polo has been Brother Rice. The Crusaders, who finished third in last year's state tournament, have remained a constant at the top of the water polo hierarchy for years.

"Before every season, our goal is to play in the championship game," Brother Rice coach Bill Mulcrone said. "We conduct the same practices, the same drills and everything since I was a student here in 1996."

Although the Crusaders have been as stable as they come, reaching the state quarterfinals in five of the last six seasons, another program in the Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference stands above them. Fenwick is the four-time defending state champ and, according to illpolo.com, was the preseason favorite to repeat, ranking No. 1 to Rice's No. 2 in its top 25.

"They have good players, established coaching, and they seem to know what to do in all situations," Mulcrone said of Fenwick.

Despite the powerful Friars, Mulcrone is confident regarding his team's chances to reclaim the state crown it last wore in 2003.

"The thing that needs to be stressed to the players is that although Fenwick may be really good, they can be beat, and I think we have the team to beat them this year," Mulcrone said.

The Crusaders are expected to be led by seniors Matt Joslyn and Ryan Scott. Both have been starters for the Crusaders since 2006.

Mulcrone is hardly relying on seniors alone, however, and has what he regards as a nice mix of youth and experience. Sophomore Sean Davis started every match last season, while sophomore Matt Stelinicki comes from a water polo family and, Mulcrone said, is well-versed in the intricacies of the game.

"The freshmen and sophomores are no slouches and will contribute this year," Mulcrone said.

Other Southland teams figuring to have a shot at the state tourney include Lincoln-Way East (ranked 3rd by illpolo.com in the preseason), Sandburg (7th), Homewood-Flossmoor (14th) and St. Rita (15th).

"If we don't play our game, public [school] teams like Sandburg or Lincoln-Way East, which are teams with established programs and solid coaches, could beat us," Mulcrone said.

Lincoln-Way East won the SouthWest Suburban Conference last year. Tim Lilja and Kevin Puskaric are expected to lead the Griffins' title defense.

Sandburg should challenge them this season, behind returning starters Kevin Dommer, David Stachniak and Max Kryzminski.

H-F, Lockport and Andrew could be in the hunt as well.

Still, the common theme among coaches in the Southland is that the Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference remains the dominant league in the state.

St. Rita may break out of the pack thanks to a lineup returning all but one of last year's starters.

"Our chances are good if we fix our goalie situation, which is our big concern," coach Chuck Knibbs said. "We are a pretty decent team. ... This is our year to do something."

One problem facing the Mustangs is that goalie Mitch Condon is one of the best outside shooters on the team. Knibbs would like to move Condon into the field, but someone among other goalie candidates Sean Kurth, Luciano Garcia and Rich Qualter would have to demonstrate a better comfort zone in the deep end of the pool.

"Once we get in an all-deep pool, it is an entirely different game," Knibbs said.

The Mustangs' top returning player is Luke Ginger, who was Third-Team All-State in 2007. They should also benefit from the return of Mike McArdle, who was hurt through much of the 2007 season. Right wing Ruben Velaz-quez could also have a strong year.

"If we play the water polo that we are capable of playing, we are capable of beating anybody," Knibbs said. "They are a great bunch of kids that listen well."

Although Knibbs conceded that Fenwick is likely to win the league championship, he said, "Second place could be up for grabs."