The WAIS men’s water polo squad is preparing to defend its Institute Challenge title in Newcastle next month, with head coach Paul Oberman predicting a high quality tournament as the London Olympics draws near.
WAIS claimed the 2010 crown with a gutsy 9-8 extra-time win over NSWIS (New South Wales Institute of Sport) in the final on the Gold Coast. 2011 sees the return of a large group of overseas based Australian players, as the Olympic selection process begins in earnest.
Whilst last year’s success came as a surprise to many, this year – the WAIS squad which features a youthful core – will be marked, as NSWIS and the other State and Territory Institutes and Academies seek redemption.
WAIS coach Paul Oberman admitted his group were looking forward to the challenge of defending their title.
“The group is excited about defending the title they surprisingly won last year and are looking forward to the challenges from not only other states, but the International teams as well,” Oberman said.
“Jamie Beadsworth, Tim Cleland and Luke Quinlivan form the experienced group with each, scholarship holders of WAIS for many, many years.”
“All three are pressing for Olympic squad inclusion, whilst the remaining ten in the squad are younger than 22 years old, thus giving future WAIS/WA teams plenty to look forward to in the years ahead.”
Daniel Lawrence (22), Joel Swift (21), Aaron Younger (20), Eddie Slade (20) and the 6ft 8in, 120kg monster Sam Quinn (19) are members of the greater Australian Squad also aiming for Olympic representation, whilst the WAIS team also consists of six players from the successful Australian Team that placed fourth at the World Junior Championships in Greece this year.
When asked for his thoughts on his team’s prospects for the upcoming Institute Challenge, Oberman confirmed that the bar would be raised, and that stiffer opposition than 2010 awaits.
“We hope to play well together as a team, by implementing consistently the correct tactics and following the game plan, and if we do that we are in with a good shot at retaining the title,” said the 1992 Barcelona Olympian.
“There is no question that the tournament is a much higher standard than in the past, with all National Team/Squad players vying for Olympic selection competing.”
“Both NSWIS and QAS (Queensland Academy of Sport) are welcoming very experienced National Team players into their squads for the tournament, with some coming back from Professional contracts in Europe. VIS (Victorian Institute of Sport) is a very well drilled outfit which includes the National Team captain and the Barbarians are not to be written off with many Junior National players competing. Add to that Japan, who came 11th at the World Championships this year and New Zealand, the tournament has great quality and very competitive games.”
Oberman suggested the opportunity for his younger players to get game time against senior internationals would help their development, whilst also indicating anyone capable of impressing would not go un-noticed by the Australian national squad hierarchy.
“Anytime, young prospective players get to play against seasoned Internationals is of great benefit to them but also future Australian teams,” Oberman said. “It also gives the National Coach the chance to see where the National Olympic Squad boys are at and where in relation to them the next generation is coming from, including where they need to improve, thus becoming the future of the sport.”
