As a Riverside-Brookfield assistant coach for the boys water polo team last season, Matt D’Anica helped guide the Bulldogs to a 14-8-1 record. Taking over the head coaching position this year, victories still matter to D’Anica but from a broader perspective.
“My coaching philosophy is that I don’t see winning as an end in itself,” D’Anica said. “Winning through hard work and dedication as a way of training for success in life is what I want to focus on with our guys.”
A trio of senior captains leads RB into the pool this spring. Goalie Austin Sundstrom, utility player Eddie Morrisey and hole defender Billy Fuener provide a variety of skills for RB.
“Austin is our coach in the water and communicates well with his teammates,” D’Anica said. “Eddie is actually our most vocal guy who sets the tone and pace for us, while Billy tends to lead by example and teach the younger kids.”
The Bulldogs’ primary scoring threat is hole set Kyle Miller, who according to D’Anica, is already off to a fast start this season. Sophomore utility player Nick Lazzara, sophomore swim-offs specialist John Copp, and freshman speed swimmer/solid shooter Ken Castle offer an infusion of promising players for D’Anica.
Senior Nate Hurst, who didn’t play last year due to medical challenges, returns for his final season as one of the Bulldogs’ most determined players possessing an excellent knowledge of the game.
“The most important thing this team can do in the pool is be of one mind,” D’Anica said. “They have to be selfless, move the ball and not look to score for themselves. It’s a fantastic group of guys that is really maturing and learning to work together. I have high hopes for this season.”
Riverside-Brookfield is part of a “loose” association of schools including McHenry, Bremen, Latin, Richards, Argo and Shepard that comprise an independent conference. Last year, the Bulldogs claimed the second best win-loss conference mark trailing only McHenry.
“All of our top players are off to great starts this season,” D’Anica said. “Kyle is putting in a lot of goals and Austin is doing a remarkable job as our goalie. He has blocked a lot more shots, including breakaways, compared to goals he has allowed.”
The Bulldogs host McHenry tonight (Wednesday, March 17, 5 p.m.) and will participate in the Hinsdale Central Invitational on Friday (5 p.m.) and Saturday (8:30 a.m.).