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Sports

Acalanes Boys Water Polo Preview: New Coach Looks to Keep Momentum Going

The Dons expect to return to the NCS playoffs.

School: Acalanes

Sport: Boys water polo

Head Coach: Clarke Tamariki

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2009 record:  21-7

Key returners:  Jake Kisner, Joe Deitrich, and Micheal Worthing

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Top newcomers:  Andrew Schnugg, Connor Reid, and Robert Clemons

Quote:  "We're not rolling over for anyone." – head coach Clarke Tamariki

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While there was plenty of success for the Acalanes High boys water polo team last season when it went a 21-7 record and made an impressive run through the North Coast Section playoffs, the lasting image of 2009 might be the win that got away. After knocking off three East Bay Athletic League schools — Livermore, Amador Valley and San Ramon Valley — the only school standing in the way of the Dons and an NCS title was league rival Miramonte.

After a hard-fought match, the Matadors pulled out a 6-5 victory.

First-year head coach Clarke Tamariki, who was an assist for the Dons last season, won't let his players dwell on how last season ended.

"You've got to put that game behind you," Tamariki said. "We had five starters that are gone from last year's team,  and every year it's a new experience."

While the Dons lost some key components to graduation — 2009 DFAL MVP Nick Hoversten and first-team all-leaguers Morgan Kennedy and Michael Kimble — the cupboard is definitely not bare.

All-League seniors Jake Kisner and Joe Dietrich return, along with up-and-coming junior Tanner Cullen, who received honorable mention in last year.

Kisner and Dietrich have taken over the leadership role for the departed seniors, and will help acclimate the younger players to varsity play.

"It's all on them," Tamariki said.

Tamariki feels the strength of the offense, though, lies in the left hand of Kisner.

"He's a pretty well balanced player," Tamariki said. "There are not too many left-handed drivers around."

Another player who will be expected to rise to the occasion is goalie Robert Clemons.  While Clemons saw some action on the varsity last season, this will be his first year as a starter.

"Everybody has a lot of work to do, but he (Clemons) is definitely getting there," Tamariki said.

Acalanes gets their season started in the South Bay at the John Schmitt Memorial Invitational, hosted by Bellarmine College Prep in San Jose.  The three-day event which begins on Thursday will give the Dons an opportunity to face some of the top teams in the Central Coast Section before starting up in the ultra-competitive DFAL.

"We have a good chance of running into some of the better teams in that area," Tamariki said.

Once league play kicks into high gear, there's a good chance that the Don's will have some great matches against a familiar foe.

"There are a few good teams out there (in the DFAL)," Tamariki said, "Miramonte is always the team to beat."

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