Pittsford Claims Polo Championship
    December 04, 2003

By TOM MURPHY

Two of the area's best swimming teams faced off in the championship game of the 30th annual Pittsford Water Polo Benefit last Saturday afternoon.

Longtime pool rivals Pittsford and Fairport played in the title game. Pittsford won for the third straight year, 8-5.

In the consolation game, Greece rivals Arcadia/Olympia and Athena/Odyssey met with Arcadia/Olympia prevailing 13-10.

To reach the championship game, Pittsford stopped Athena/Odyssey 9-3 in the first semifinal on Saturday and Fairport topped Arcadia/Olympia 10-7 in the second semifinal.

"I felt the level of play has greatly elevated, " said Mark Morris, the Pittsford coach and tournament chairman. "The final games were all three-point games. They were real close. "

Six teams began the tournament on Friday, Nov. 28. Two teams with the best records from the morning and afternoon sessions advanced to the semifinals.

Pittsford (2-0) beat Webster 17-5 and Arcadia/Olympia 9-7. Fairport (2-0) beat Rush-Henrietta 13-4 and Athena/Odyssey 9-4. Arcadia/Olympia (1-1) defeated Webster 18-7 while Athena/Odyssey stunned Rush-Henrietta 14-2.

New this year were three exhibition games between teams from the morning session and afternoon group. Arcadia/Olympia beat Rush-Henrietta 10-3; Pittsford topped Athena/Odyssey 9-7; and Fairport stunned Webster 20-1.

"I try to give every team three games minimum, " Morris explained. "The only way to do that was with the crossover games and it worked extremely well. "

As in past years, there was a special alumni game played Saturday morning prior to the semifinals.

Despite having only six teams participating this year, the tournament again raised over $1,200 for the American Diabetes Association. "The six swim teams contributed over $350, " Morris noted. "It was pretty impressive, too, to kick in like that. "

Over the 30 years, Morris estimated the benefit has raised close to $40,000 for the local American Diabetes Association. The funds are usually directed toward the summer campership program.

"Many thanks to Fred Rockow (the retired Pittsford swim coach) who started this tournament, " Morris added. "This has been wonderful thing for the teams and their programs. It is a great way to start the season and a good team builder. "

Morris is grateful for all the support he receives from his volunteer helpers who officiate games and keep score. The helpers ­ nicknamed the "S " squad ­ are Ralph Simpson, Greg Scibilia, Kurt Schwartz, John Saffino and Seth Sealfon, who organizes all of the helpers.

Water polo will continue after the swimming season as the Webster Aquatic Center will be running a club program for eight weeks starting Feb. 11 at the WAC. Sealfon is the instructor.

 

Originally published in the Perinton-Fairport Post

 

    
     

2004