Banner Season: Toronto takes water polo winning streak to the pool for fall’s final championship
Burlington, Ont. – Toronto has taken the pool by storm for much of the last two decades and they’ll look to extend that championship streak to seven straight with another splash this weekend. Hosted in the nation’s capital from November 24th to 26th, the defending champs will look to close out the fall banner season slate by besting the remaining field of five and adding to their already historic program heights at the 2023 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Water Polo Championship.
Championship Details:
When: Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26 | FULL SCHEDULE
Where: Nepean Sportsplex; Carleton University
Participating Schools (6): Carleton Ravens, McMaster Marauders, Ottawa Gee-Gees (Host), Queen’s Gaels, Toronto Varsity Blues, Western Mustangs
Defending Champions: Toronto Varsity Blues | ALL PAST CHAMPIONS
Student Athletes to Watch:
Colin Colterjohn, McMaster Marauders | The longest tenured member of the Marauders squad, Colterjohn brings extensive veteran experience to the program. The multi-time OUA all-star has had a decorated career, including international experience at the 2017 FISU Summer Universiade, and as he heads into his ninth championship outing, the Hamilton, Ont. local will be looking to lead his team to a bounce back banner season performance.
Ethan Eckstein, Western Mustangs | The super senior from the west coast is back leading the charge for the Mustangs this weekend. As one of the team captains, Eckstein has been leading his team by example in tight battles and come from behind wins. As a center forward/hole-set, the BMOS student from Calgary, Alta. hopes to be a difference-maker in his fifth championship outing.
Miguel Garcia Alonso, Toronto Varsity Blues | Despite having only one banner season under his belt, Garcia Alonso has made an immediate impact for the talent-laden Blues. The Spanish sophomore brings a spark for the decorated program in net, and on the heels of an outstanding effort therein at the Queen’s Invitational, the reigning most valuable goalie will look to lead Toronto to another gold medal performance as well.
Diego Gonzalez Delgado, Toronto Varsity Blues | Returning to his hometown for a championship finale, Gonzalez Delgado has been an offensive force in the pool this season. A strong swimmer in the power forward position, he has been a key cog in the team’s offensive ability, both as a goal scorer and facilitator. The junior is no stranger to the championship tournament either, having already earned two banners in his first two chances thus far.
Benny Matthews, Western Mustangs | A returning member of the Mustangs, and a leading one at that, Matthews continues to be a key player for the resilient Western squad. The senior team captain has led his team in the water, but also makes his impact beyond the pool, as he looks to motivate his group in more ways than one to claim a spot on the podium this year.
Storylines to Keep an Eye On:
Ending last season with a silver medal, the Carleton Ravens are turning to a total team effort to not only make it back to the podium, but overtake top spot therein. Following a very competitive exhibition slate, the Ravens, who are the most recent team to upend the Blues in the battle for a banner, are looking for contributions across the board this weekend. With a deep roster that plays for each other, the black birds will seek their tenth podium appearance in the last eleven years.
It has been 22 years since the McMaster Marauders have posted a banner win in the pool, and after a sixth place finish last year, they are hoping to begin their ascent up the standings in 2023. Motivated by a mix of returning veterans and the addition of a few new players, including Hamilton, Ont. local Jack Sardo, the maroon machine is looking to make a splash this weekend.
Bringing back an experienced team to this year’s championships, the Toronto Varsity Blues have a target on their back as they enter the weekend as the six-time defending champions. All eyes will be on the province’s premier water polo program, who has also added experience against NCAA opponents to their in-conference competition. The decorated squad will look to use that experience and skill as they strive for the program’s 38th banner in Ottawa this weekend.
The Queen’s Gaels rounded out the OUA podium a season ago after edging out Western in a high-scoring bronze medal game in 2022, but entering as the No. 2 seed this weekend, the Tricolour will be looking to play for a different kind of medal this time around. As the Kingston squad makes the trip out east to Ottawa, they will turn to veterans like Joseph Krushelnick, who shone at last year’s banner season finale, to help guide them to a memorable performance in the pool.
Finishing just shy of the podium last year, the Western Mustangs have had a roller coaster of a season leading up to the 2023 OUA Championship. With a mix of big wins and big losses leading up the finale, the London squad has proven that they should never be counted out of a game. Western has showcased their resilient nature, earning multiple come from behind victories – including overcoming a four-goal deficit against Queen’s – and will hope that tenacity bodes well for a big banner season run.
What They’re Saying:
"This group that we have here this year is really about everybody playing and playing for each other. I think we've got a number of new players, but with the roster we have everyone can contribute." - Zoltan Csepregi, Head Coach, Carleton Ravens
“I’m super proud of how hard the boys have been working this year. We are all very excited to go out and compete for a medal at the OUA Championship this year." - Hunter Watt, Student-Athlete, McMaster Marauders
"This season is one of the most competitive seasons in years. Other than U of T, all other teams are equal. It’s going to be a very exciting final tournament." - Dave Tennant, Head Coach, Western Mustangs