The562’s coverage of Aquatic sports in Long Beach is sponsored by the Aquatic Capital of America Foundation.
The Jordan Panthers return some seasoned players but will also see some younger faces in the pool.
“Those guys that are kind of less experienced with water polo are embracing the challenge of improving our program from the top down and challenging the guys who maybe have a little more talent and experience in the sport,” Head coach Brenden Gruneisen said.
Junior and second team All-Moore League honoree John Delgadillo will be the Panthers’ point player this season.
“He’s our best offensive player, and our offense is going to run through him,” Gruneisen said.
Omar Valdez is the only senior for Jordan this year and will serve as the team’s captain.
“I can’t say enough about his leadership, maturity and work ethic,” Gruneisen said. “it means a ton to our program, and I know I can count on him to rally the troops.”
Junior Eliu Velasquez is the last key returner for Jordan. Velasquez is the Panthers’ starting goalkeeper and serves as an emotional leader.
“He has so much passion for the sport and such a strong competitive drive; it’s truly infectious to the rest of the guys,” Gruneisen said.
Gruneisen added that Velasquez has been putting in a lot of offseason work to improve his game, and that all of his returners all lead by example, which helps pave the way for newer Panthers players. Leading by example is exactly what he needs, as he is just focused on seeing improvement in the pool.
“The goal is improvement, both improvement from the previous season and improvement over the course of the season,” Gruneisen said.
Gruneisen serves as the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ water polo programs, as well as the swim programs. He said he is excited for this year and while it may seem like a lot of work, his team makes it easy.
“They’re a joy to work with,” Gruneisen said. “I don’t feel like I’m going to work when I go to practice with them.”
