Jim Purcell and Maureen O’Toole-Purcell have done about everything in the world of water polo. Purcell was a high school, junior college and college all-American, winning two National Championships and two World Cup Championships. O’Toole-Purcell is recognized worldwide as the greatest female water polo player of all time. Some of her kudos include MVP of the U.S. Women’s National team 15 times, U.S. Water Polo Female Athlete of the Year five times, World Water Polo Female Athlete of the Year six times, 2000 Olympic Game silver medalist. As they are head coaches of the Monte Vista boys water polo team, it is no wonder Monte Vista is a major force to be reckoned in the East Bay Athletic League.
Water polo is played in four five-minute quarters, and one point is scored for each goal. There are seven players on a team, six field and one goalie. Purcell said the top players for 2005 include: Charlie Steffens, junior field player, 1st team All-North Coast Section as a sophomore, plays for USA 15/under National Team; Mike McGlennon, senior goalie, has been the starting goalie at Monte Vista since his freshman year; Mike Cassady, lefty, senior field player, first team all-league, second team all-NCS last year; Greg Kohl, senior field player, top defensive player, second team all-league last year; Stewart Peugh, senior field player, best all round field player, first team all-league last year; Scott Kwon, senior field player, fastest swimmer on the team, scores many fast break goals; and Robbie Vose, lefty, senior field player, “one of the best shooters in NCS.”
“In no special order, the top teams in the NCS are Monte Vista, Miramonte, Acalanes, De La Salle, Sir Francis Drake and crosstown rival San Ramon,” said Purcell. “Scholarships can be awarded for water polo however most college teams are ‘club’ programs and don’t have more than four full scholarships per year.”
He said good water polo players “must be fast swimmers, strong vertically in the water, tough physically and mentally, know the game strategies and be able to anticipate and react to game situations as they develop, as well as be an excellent ball-handler and shooter.”
Monte Vista opened up its season with a victory against California 12-6. Charlie Steffans scored six goals to lead the Mustangs.
Football
Monte Vista rolled to a 40-13 victory over Merrill West-Tracy in its first home game. The Mustangs were led by Peter Geurts, who rushed for 120 yards and one touchdown, and the team finished with 544 yards of total offense. Monte Vista will play at home tonight against Berkeley.
San Ramon won its second straight game of the season beating non-league opponent Irvington 42-31 in its home opener. Running back Roy Helu Jr. finished the game with three touchdowns and 168 yards. The Wolves play at home tonight against Will C. Wood.
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