In the interest of keeping us all informed below is a few interesting links to keep us all Parents, Players and Coaches up on some the ins and outs of water polo.
Swimming with the ball
13_guest_lewis_uk1.html
Shooting
13_guest_lewis_uk3.html
Rules on the Go
foul.html
The water polo season has started for both the girls and boys teams. Though once again the season starts without a true training pool the shear number of games should allow both teams to be battle tested by the time City playoffs begin in May.
The first game of the season was against Northside College Prep. The boys showed real grit pushing the effort throughout the game. The girls team showed some of the defensive skill that was apparent in last years IHSA sectional. And but for a few breakaways the girls could have shocked themselves. Though both teams lost the opener, it was clear that the teams had made great strides from one year to the next in all waterpolo skill sets.
The second game of the week was against Mather High. The boys showed up ready to play and quickly built up a lead to notch their first victory. Though not a formidable foe like Northside it was good to see the boys win without a struggle. The girls also showed why they will be a force this year jumping out to an 11-2 lead in the first half.
Lets go Grizzlies!!
The Grizzlies season is set to wrap up on Saturday November 12 with the Illinois State Sectionals, held at UIC. Before we bring it to a close there are a few things to take note of for this years girls team. The success of this season is not embodied in simply times or even the place within the City Championships, but in the will to compete. Its success is also measured in the state of the team as it prepares for the upcoming water polo season and the swim seasons to come. Both of these measures (a will to compete and the state of the team) have a direct connection to the outgoing seniors. 
Hannah, Anika, Nicole, Ana, and Jessica have provided great leadership in helping newcomers feel a part of a family of dedicated athletes. It ain’t easy to sell an Eskimo ice but lets face it when new recruits come to the Payton-Jones team, its a lot like that when you have to explain we are a dedicated swim team without a pool to train in. But such is our plight and we are better for it. And no matter where practices were held the core senior group showed the team that when you are given lemons make lemonade.
To underscore this point, in a recent conversation with Coaches from the 2011 City Champions, several things were abundantly clear;
our girls are respected for achieving 5th place with less pool time then 90% of all the teams in the city. Our coaches, as young as they may be, showed a willingness to coach, that again most programs even with pools don’t seem to have. And lastly, our program is recognized as a success because we make the effort to push past the obstacles and find a way to compete.
The Seniors will be missed, but in their four years they have left a team that is ready to stick together and compete with or without a pool.
“we swim, just add water”
photos courtesy of Dan Noel
Saturday, Nov 5, 2011-2pm-Sophomore City Championship @ NCP
Sunday, Nov 6, 2011-CPS Varsity Prelims @ UIC
Sunday, Nov 6, 2011-Varsity City Championship @ UIC
Saturday, Nov 12, 2011-Sectionals @ Fenwick
Hello Campers,
A new season begins. Practice has begun, and true to our motto “just add water” the team has already practiced in 3 different pools. But don’t worry there are more pools for the grizzlies to conquer. We will compete ……”just add water”
Questions about practice times and place?
Coach Mac: mackvarilla@gmail.com
or Hannahf94@gmail.com
Polo Parents:
Hello Water Polo Troops -
The game against Lakeview scheduled for 4/5 has been changed to Thursday 4/14. Location is still Lakeview High School.
After a 5 year absence the Payton-Jones co-op has fielded a Boys water polo team. The March 25th game against Lakeview marked the first victory. Welcome back boys.
Welcome to the new Payton-Jones Aquatics website.
This site is intended to provide information regarding the Walter Payton College Prep and Jones College Prep co-op aquatic program. In it you will find all you need to become a part of this amazing success story of both girls and boys swimming and water polo teams.
The two schools have no pool facilities on their respective campuses but have jointly persevered to establish a high achieving program.
Our motto: ” We swim- Just Add Water!” or “We Polo, Water or Not!”
For more see Our Story
