This was posted in the Sports category of Town Square (www.AlmanacNews.com) by Tim Burks, a Menlo Park resident, former college player, and husband of a Title 49ers team member.
Women’s masters water polo is booming at Menlo Park’s Burgess pool, home of the Title 49ers. The team is less than a year old, but the roster is growing and the players are improving.
Most players are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s, but some are younger, and one or two are in their 60s. A few played water polo in high school or college, but many had never played. Some swim masters, but many swam only for fun on hot summer days.
Practices are designed to be fun, teaching fundamentals and game situations. The coaches are Teresa Gorbett, a former All American player at UCSB, and Barbara Jones, a former U.S. national team player.
“Water polo is really good exercise,” says Cynthia Norris, who played tennis but lost interest. “I’m enjoying competing again. Plus, it’s a great way to make new friends.”
The Title 49ers took two teams to Irvine recently for the USWP masters national championships. They didn’t win many games, but had fun, learned a lot, and got to play against several former Olympians and national team players. They even had three players make the all-tournament team: Claire Burks, Debi Sorch, and Cynthia Norris.
Our hometown team looks forward to sending a team to the masters world championships in Perth, Australia, in April 2008.
The Title 49ers are always looking for new players, regardless of age and experience level. Practices are Sunday mornings from 8-10, and Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30. For more info, contact Leslie at leslie@menloswim.com.
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