Naperville celebrates water polo success of Central boys squad
Naperville Central High School boys water polo team members didn't get an all-school assembly in their honor this spring when they won the state championship, the perfect end to an undefeated season.
The school year was practically over and it would have been tough to draw together the whole school for a celebration.
But the team did get recognition from the school board and even the state House of Representatives.
Naperville Unit District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges read a House proclamation Monday that recognized the team for going 35-0 and beating the Stevenson Patriots in the Lincolnshire school's home pool to get the state victory.
Bridges said he found it impressive that Redhawk fans seemed to outnumber green-clad Patriot fans during the final game, calling it a testament to the support the hometown team received.
The undefeated season also came with Coach of the Year honors for Bill Salentine, who was recognized by Illinois Water Polo. On Monday as team members were lauded by the school board, Salentine deflected the praise to his athletes.
"The boys made it very, very easy for our success this year," he said. "So all of the credit goes to them."