Who says cats do not like the water? For the past decade, the water polo team has been the only one at Creek that has been consistently considered a dynasty. The Wildcats have dominated in water polo since its inception. The team is decorated in everything from banners and trophies to medals and articles in newspapers. 

With the start of a new season, the Wildcats are looking forward in achieving another year of success and another deep run in the TISCA Water Polo State Championship. Last year, the boys’ team won fifth place overall in the tournament. 

After a successful swimming season, the team has been itching to get back into the water since the beginning of the school year. Since the flip-flop of seasons, where swimming starts in the winter and water polo starts in the spring, it has made the players wait even longer to play a sport that they truly love. 

The season started out against Clear Lake in a heated rival match up. In past seasons, both teams have been the best in the state, making trips to the state tournaments in multiple seasons. The Wildcats handled Clear Lake for all four quarters both offensively and defensively. Three players had a multi-score game: Forrest Austin (12th), Stephen Binion (12th), and Max Pfotenhauer (10th). The Wildcats took advantage of every opportunity that was given and scored one goal in two power play situations. 

After the win, the boys’ team cruised on to win their next 9 games, taking out many great teams in the process. During the streak, the boys’ team won big in two tournaments. 

They achieved a first place finish in the Spring Shootout, after a 15-6 victory over Clear Falls. Austin led the Wildcats by scoring four goals. 

The team hit their first speed bump in the championship round in the Battlefield tournament hosted by Clear Brook. They had started out by defeating four opponents, all by double digits, including heavy hitters like Sterling and Lake. In the championship game against Strake Jesuit, the boys found something that they were not very used to— being down in the score. A hard fought match ensued as the boys tried to capture back the lead. The deficit was too much and the Wildcats lost their first match of the year at the Battlefield and garnered a second place finish. Creek defeated Lamar and Galveston Ball following the match 9 - 8 and 15 - 8 respectively. 

Creek saved their biggest beating for Cy-Falls, with a 20-3 victory over the Cypress district school at the Alison Maloney Memorial Tournament. Most players on the team scored as they demolished the Eagles for their third straight win. 

After the slaughter over the Cy-Falls, Creek dropped its next two games against The Woodlands and St. Marks. In the game against the Woodlands the Wildcats, lost 6 - 11 which sent them to the losers bracket where they played St. Mark. Creek lost 6 - 10. Creek did redeem themselves by defeating Jersey Village 12 - 4. 

Last year the girls’ water polo team did not make it to State, but they are sure they can do it this year. The girls said that because of the great leadership by their two captains, Senior Helena Terrell and Junior Olivia Todd, they will have the potential to make it to state. The girls work as one—not only do they bond during practice and games, but they also bond outside of school. The team is one big family and they love each member and the way each member contributes to the team. 

The older girls are welcoming to the new freshman additions to the team, Nicole Herrick and Ami Artiz. The girls know that each person plays a huge role in taking this team to State. 

Each of the girls said something about their hopes and goals for the season. 

“I hope that we beat Springs. Also I want to get a black eye to show my hard work for the team,” Megan Todd said.  

“I want to stomp Springs!” Helena Terrell, Senior Captain, said. 

“If water polo was easy everyone would do it,” Nicole Herrick said. 

The other girls’ were all unanimous in saying that they want to stomp Springs and become District champs. 

Both the boys’ and girls’ squads clinched the District title after defeating Clear Falls. The boys beat the Knights 13 to 4, while the Lady Cats won 14 to 2. 

The South Region tournement will be on April  21, with the winners earning a ticket to the State tournament, which will be held in Austin at the University of Texas.