The562’s coverage of Lakewood Athletics is sponsored by J.P. Crawford, Class of 2013.
Lakewood announced this week that Dylan Thompson has become the new boys’ water polo coach. He replaces Charles Wright, who stepped down for personal reasons.
“We’re really excited to have Dylan Thompson as our new head coach,” Lakewood athletic director Mike Wadley said. “He’s really come at a time when our boys need the attention. He’s got variety level experience and a Los Alamitos product so we couldn’t be any happier at this time.”
Thompson went to Los Alamitos High and played water polo at Long Beach City College before working as an assistant coach with Long Beach Poly and Rancho Alamitos. He teaches at Bancroft Middle School.
“I wanted to jump in and help out,” Thompson said. “I’m really stoked to be with Lakewood and the boys to help them keep building.”
“There are great kids and staff there and they will continue to have success moving forward,” Wright said.
Despite only having about a week of practices together, Thompson said he and the team are enjoying their time together.
“I feel like we’re building a good rapport,” Thompson said. “The younger guys are really fun to work with. They like being here and the seniors are doing a good job of introducing them to the sport.”
Last year, Lakewood reached the CIF-SS Division 6 semifinals by winning their first postseason match in more than a decade.
“That group of seniors has been there for awhile, and I know they’ve had a lot of coaching changes but they’ve definitely stuck together as that core group,” Thompson added. “I’m really just trying to help them finish out their senior season on a high note and give them the opportunity to play to their potential.”
Lakewood will face Jordan at the Moore League Showcase on Sept. 28 at Cabrillo High.
