Water polo to be added at BHS and Champion

Water polo is about to get much bigger in the state of Texas and that includes in Boerne.

After decades of play as a high school club sport, water polo will make its debut as an official varsity high school sport in the Lone Star State in the fall of 2022 after receiving approval from the University Interscholastic League (UIL) back in October 2019.

Boys and girls teams across the state are set to cap-up later this year with a host of high schools in the following areas already signed-on: Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Rio Grande Valley, Corpus Christi, and El Paso.

Boerne ISD swim coach Alberto Escalante said he will coach the water polo teams in the district.

Both BHS and Champion are eligible to have teams but can’t combine them according to Escalante. The swim coach said he anticipates the Champion boys having a team but wasn’t certain about the Charger girls or if the Greyhounds will form teams.

Escalante added that there won’t be different classifications of teams like 5A and 4A, it’ll all be one classification.

The first day of practice set for Aug. 1 and the first day of the season is slated for Aug. 8. All the action culminates in regional tournaments Oct. 21-22, and the first official Texas High School State championship takes place Oct. 27-28.

“UIL staff is pleased to offer more opportunities for student participation with the addition of Water Polo to our sanctioned athletic events,” said UIL Executive Director Dr. Charles Breithaupt. “We have witnessed the growth and excitement of the sport among our member schools and are honored to be able to crown our first ever state champions in Water Polo this fall.”

The excitement for the sport is already being felt around the state as water polo’s appeal can tap into a strong culture of athletics in Texas.

“I feel it allows a new level of the multisport athlete to develop in our arena of sport,” said Kari Brothers, Northside ISD (San Antonio) Aquatic Coordinator.

UIL Water Polo – Fall 2022 Important Dates

Aug. 1: First Day of Practice

Aug. 5: First Day of Interschool Scrimmages

Aug. 8: First Day of Interschool Games

Oct. 8: District Certification

Oct. 11: Bi-District

Oct. 15: Area Certification

Oct. 19: Regional Quarterfinals Deadline

Oct. 21-22: Region Tournament

Oct. 27-28: State Championship