Staples water polo caps best season ever

The Staples boys water polo team competed its most successful season this fall since it was founded in 2008.

Staples finished the year with a 4-5 record based on the large number of boys coming out to play during the coed spring season. Two of the losses werenail-biters that came down to the final seconds with a one goal differential against Loomis and Brunswick, both teams with a long tradition of water polo. They also have substantially more pool time and training options than the Wreckers.

In addition, Staples had wins against teams such as Hopkins, Horace Mann, Greenwich High School's B squad and the Hudson Valley Club that were out of reach a few years ago. Another big first for the Wreckers was their winning the Hopkins Invitational tournament, an event that typically caps off the water polo season.

Water polo has grown in size and accomplishments over the course of four years at Staples in becoming a thriving and competitive team. With approximately 35 players each year, the team has a full varsity and JV squad.

As a non-FCIAC sport, Staples water polo plays against the New England prep schools as well as other clubs and YMCA teams. They also compete with Greenwich, the only other public school in Connecticut with a water polo program. The Staples team is coached by head coach Theo Sullivan assistant coach Brandon Arias.

Awards for the season include:

* Senior Dan Haroun -- Block S Coach's award

* Senior captain Daniel Nussbaum -- Block S MVP (received MVP last year as well)

* Senior captain David Katter -- Offensive MVP

* Senior Jacob Epstein -- Defensive MVP

* Senior NickYu -- Most steals

* Freshman Max Wimer -- Rookie of the Year

Junior Rory Siegel was also notable for his strong presence in goal and fellow juniors Angus Armstrong and Robert Deluca are 2012 captains.