I’ve had water polo athletes in the past, most were dual sport athletes like Mike Cassady a Monte Vista pitcher who went on to pitch for CAL. Now I have Nick Candau. Nick was a pitcher who chose water polo as his main sport. Nick is the third Candau athlete I’ve trained, his older brother Matt is also a part time Gamespeed assistant.

Ive never seen a water polo match, so the NCS final between SRV and Miramonte was my first. These were the two best teams in the bay area and two of the best in California.  It was one of the most exciting sports competitions I have ever witnessed. Even though I am not the expert on how Nick played technically ( he did score two goals) I can assure you that his athletic feat was magnificent. I watched Nick basically swim back and forth the full length of the pool  (easily 30m)  for 36 minutes. But wait during that  time he has to tread water, sprint,  defend and elude competitors. For those not familiar with water polo it can be like UFC in the water, with kicks , punches, scratches and  mauling (looked like intentional drowning to me ) as a regular part of the match. Nick was “double teamed” the whole game, imagine trying to swim with two 170-190lb guys on your back. Nick was never out of the game his only breaks were  side outs and timeouts.  Let me also say this match was preceded by a match Thursday and then a two hour practice the day before. So he had to be tired going into that final match against Miramonte.

I saw an athlete who gave it his  all, never complained, encouraged his teammates, stayed up as best he could demnonstrating  what to me was a exceptional athletic feat of endurance, and determination. I know Nick trained well for this with his brothers help. Unfortunately his team came up short but I just want to say this young man gave me one of the most memorable experiences I have ever had as a trainer. I know the road he’s traveled overcoming injury, finding his confidence, the long workout hours.

Nick,  I am oh so proud to call you a Gamespeed athlete!

Read about their epic battle here: http://www.mercurynews.com/high-school-sports/ci_19325958