The 2001 Washington University water polo Bears are looking towards a repeat trip to the national championships as they gear up for the regional finals October 26-27 at the University of Minnesota. The Bears currently hold an impressive 16-3 overall two-year record as a team, coming off an impressive 4-0 campaign this past weekend while hosting the first-ever collegiate water polo tournament in the state of Missouri.
Competing against all levels of NCAA distinction, including Divisions I, II, and III, the Bears looked tough, outscoring the visiting opposition 46-14. With only one week left until the regional championships, the Bears know what they have to do in the pool to set themselves up for a championship run.
Coach Andrew Wool’s philosophy is simple. “Last year’s run sent us to Seattle against the best teams in the country,” he said. “This year the championships are going to be held in Florida. We are a better team than last year… and Florida is a lot nicer in November than Seattle was. The guys are smart. They know what that means.”
Whether weather is the decisive motivation or not, the Bears intend to go 3-0 in Minnesota and earn their second straight trip representing WU at the national championships. Albeit, this time, it’s a trip to the beach.