The spring semester for many at Gordon means pushing through the remaining weeks of cold weather, awaiting the warmth that is to come with great anticipation. For other students, however, the spring semester means something entirely different: water polo season.
This year the season is six weeks long, February 18 through April 2. While other schools may have water polo, most schools don't make the players sit in inner tubes as they play; this is the unique twist put on the sport by Rec-IM here at Gordon. Teams may have six people in the water including a goalie during play. Each team must have a minimum of three girls in the water at all times. Points are scored by shooting the ball into the opposing team’s goal. When a boy scores, one point is earned, whereas a girl scoring earns two. While some people have taken offense to this, many feel it allows for teams to include all players and provides opportunity to strategize.
Many players take the sport very seriously. "We are playing to win, I want that shirt!" said Alden Sorenson, captain of the undefeated A-league team named "The Gauntlet," says of the prize: Rec-IM championship t-shirts. The B league is showing their colors as well. The "Oxy Morons" from Bromley have used teamwork and an understanding of the game to pull out their undefeated record as of print time. Water Polo has become a popular REC-IM sport at Gordon. Some feel feels its popularity has led to an undue level of intensity during play, with many players yelling at referees in disagreement over calls. Leagues Coordinator, Dave Kelly, says "It’s been much better this year than in recent years. I honestly attribute it to the fact that the REC-IM staff strives to build relationships with people, and we are known around campus as people rather than just the refs." Rules have gotten much stricter this year in hopes of allowing people to play and have fun with fewer controversies. Emails were sent to captains and players at the start and midpoint of the season in order to curb potential mid-game disputes.
