Block the ball. That is what is on a goalie’s mind as the ball is coming right for them. 

   As Poway’s Varsity Boys Water Polo season nears its end, the goalies are reflecting on their seasons. 

   The goalies have been very busy, and have had a lot of work to do each and every day for practice, and at each game.

   In their unique red and black caps, seniors Charlie Struhs and Ryan Kroepel have been blocking shots every single game.

   “Our goalies this year have been really impressive overall. We’ve had some great step-ups from Charlie, rising to the occasion, and making some game-winning blocks during our season which have really benefited our record overall.” Coach Austin Farkas said.
Seniors Charlie Struhs and Ryan Kroepel have both been playing water polo during their time at Poway, with Kroepel having taken a break for the teams last season and returning this year. 

   Struhs, in particular, has been an avid water-sports fanatic, not only being on the Polo team all four years, but the swim team as well. 

   Kroepel has had a fantastic season so far as one of the team’s stand-out players.  While Kroepel hadn’t played Water Polo in the season leading up to this year, it’s still a sport he enjoys thoroughly, particularly when it comes to being a goalie.

   “It has been so much fun. I love playing with a group of guys that aren’t just teammates, but also great friends,” Kroepel said.  

   Struhs’s favorite moment of his senior year was beating Carlsbad and blocking a five-meter shot against Valhalla.

   “Being a goalie requires me to have a completely different mindset and strategy to playing the game. 

   I need to constantly be monitoring every possible angle that a ball could be thrown my way,” Struhs said.

    As the season rounds to a close, it’s clear that it’s been a great one. Poway is currently 14-6 and is preparing for their last five games.

   Coach Austin sums it up pretty well, “I’ve loved seeing all of our team reach where we want to be, at the top!”