UNM student-athlete Mason Burks sat across the table smiling, as he recounted some of the moments he spent during his time in the pool playing water polo.
Burks, who was already acting as the Academic Support Chairman for his fraternity, working as a lifeguard and an active member of Students for Sustainable Drug Policies, was also nominated to be the president of the Water Polo Club this past summer.
“I didn’t have much of a choice in the matter,” he said. “I guess the team figured I had the most experience amongst the group.”
Burks seemed humbled by the respect his teammates showed him but also showed respect and even excitement about the club’s new coach, Ansel Blumenthal.
“The team really needed a steady coach, and I really think we’re going to benefit from having Ansel around,” he said.
When asked about the team’s performance over the past several years, Burks said he would like to see the team return to the top of its conference, where it competes in the Rocky Mountain Division under the Collegiate Water Polo Association.
“After watching the first week of practice, I’m optimistic about our chances this year,” he said.
However, the team still hasn’t completely filled out its roster, but there are several players that are projected to play a key role.
Bryant Shuey, who is currently enrolled in the school of medicine, has been playing with the team since he was an undergrad.
Beth Morley is another “critical component for (the) team right now,” according to Burks, as she is projected to be the starting goalie.
The Collegiate Water Polo Association rules allow for co-ed teams, but Burks said UNM has the only co-ed team in the conference.
“The water is a great equalizer. I’ve seen girls that are 5-7 and and less than 150 pounds take on and get past guys twice their size,” Burks said. “In water polo, being a good player is just that and one of the biggest advantages one can have.”
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Unfortunately, experienced players seem to be hard to come by for the team, as Burks said a lot of people just don’t know about the sport. It also demands a great amount of endurance and strong skills as a swimmer.
He said any student that is interested in trying out can attend the team’s open practice, which takes place Monday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the olympic pool in Johnson Center.
He said people are also welcome to watch “skirmishes” on Wednesdays and can see the team in action when UNM hosts its first tournament of the season during the Sep. 23. games, scheduled to be played beginning at 9 a.m. in the olympic pool.
Ryan Sindon is a freelance sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers men’s and women’s swimming and diving, water polo and hockey. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @RyanTheLion535.
