This past Tuesday, Varsity Water-Polo had its first game of the season. This Water-Polo team should not be confused with Andover’s Varsity Water Polo team, because it is literally polo in water.
Known for breeding majestic stallions with strong swimming abilities, Andover went into the match with a hoof up. Matched up against Hotchkiss, a formidable team known far and wide for its crossbred predators, Andover had its work cut out for itself.
In sudden death triple overtime, Connor Heavy ’16 clinched a goal with the help of his trusty steed, aptly named Sea Biscuit. Sea Biscuit horsey-paddled briskly toward the shallow end, where Heavy, who had recently returned from a brutal spleen rupture, knocked the ball in with his heirloom mahogany polo mallet.
When asked about the winning goal, Sea Biscuit confidently replied with triumphant whinnies as oats spilled from his mouth.
Many have questioned Andover’s recent decision to finally recognize Water-Polo as a sport. Mojo Bones, when asked about the decision, commented, “Neigh neigh neigh neigh [horse noises]…grunt…neigh.”
Horse whisperer and Water-Polo coach Dale Dough ’69 remarked, “I can’t say much about the players; the horses were more excited to be part of an official sport. Despite their inability to swim, the horses love the pageantry of games. They’re also very excited to get their varsity jackets.”
However, all is not fun and games. The team ran into some problems with human teammates citing feelings of intense inadequacy, specifically in the locker room. However, after a long, hard talk and some friendly horseplay, equestrian and human teammates forgot their differences and are ready to stay gold, Ponyboy.