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Back on August 25, the boys water polo program started practice in preparation for the fall season. Hell Week is a common experience for many sports programs, highlighted by two-a-day or three-a-day practices. For the Newport Harbor Aquatics Program, three-a-days are something they experienced in the winter and spring. Hell Week takes it to a new level - practice is essentially all day with a lunch break. For 11 days, the boys were pushed to their physical limits in preparation for the fall season.
In the middle of the first week of Hell Week, 19 members of the varsity workout group enjoyed a two day trip to Catalina Island. Craig & Arlene Silvers and Dave & Mary Jean Harper were the gracious hosts, opening their boats to the team and coaches.The trip started with a farewell dinner on the pool deck. This was no fancy cotillion-style affair. Hungry athletes + plenty of food = mass consumption.
Practice ended at 4:00pm and the boys were done eating (inhaling) by 4:30. The boys piled into the various cars and vans for the short trip down to the docks.
The next two days were filled with laughter, eating, swimming, zip-lining, paddle-boarding, inner-tubing, fishing, and all sorts of fun activities.
Monday evening, parents gathered at the docks awaiting the return of their boys. With beaming smiles, we could all tell they had just experienced the greatest time. No one was thinking about the return to practice the next morning.
Towards the end of Hell Week, the team gathered for the first of several team dinners. On Saturday, Coach Jason Lynch and his wife Kim opened their home to the varsity team and their parents. No one got in the way of the boys once they arrived, as they headed straight for the food.
A luxurious spread was prepared by the parents. At the head of the table were plentiful quantities of grilled tri-tip, chicken and sausage - all prepared by Scott & Gina Carpenter.
With filled tummies, the boys gathered in the Lynch's living room to watch some college football.
The parents mingled for hours, reminiscing over their summer adventures and looking forward to the fall season.
With Labor Day behind us, we now march on to the fall water polo season.
