Water splashed everywhere as ferocious opponents fought for control of the ball during the Nov. 9 City Championship game. In the end, Birmingham Community Charter High School’s (BCCHS) water polo team beat Venice High School 15-9 to take bragging rights.

“It felt good bringing back the championship after losing last year,” said team captain Vahagn Ksachukyan, a Daniel Pearl Magnet High School (DPMHS) senior. “We accomplished a goal as a team.”

As a reward for an amazing win, Birmingham received a team trophy, a team plaque and medals for every water polo player. To celebrate the victory, Ksachukyan, DPMHS senior Armen Nazarian, and the rest of the team went to dine at a restaurant. They are also planning a team banquet soon.

BCCHS has won three city championships out of the four years that Ksachukyan has been in the team. This season, the team has won all of their games with the exception of one against Cleveland High School

The key to their success is the result of extensive, rigorous practice sessions and specific focuses.
“I keep myself motivated by focusing on the championship,” Ksachukyan said. “The team reminds each other about focusing on winning the championship, too.”

Like Ksachukyan, Nazarian focuses on winning the city championships and uses it as his motivation.

When Nazarian scored his first goal in a game earlier this season, he accomplished  a goal he wanted to achieve when he first joined water polo this year. Nazarian draws his inspiration from Ksachukyan himself.

“He’s a hard working player and deserves a lot for what he puts in,” Nazarian said. “He’s the reason why I joined water polo.”

Their hard work is evident in the games they played earlier this season. In one game, several opponents attempt to block their moves, but fail to match Ksachukyan’s and Nazarian’s swift movements. The ball floats in the middle of the pool and Ksachukyan is the first to spot it. He quickly swims to the ball and once in his hands, he passes the ball to his teammate, who scores on the opposing team.

Ksachukyan and his team practiced nearly everyday, with the exception of Sundays. On weekdays, they practiced for two hours in the morning before classes began, and two hours after school. They also practiced Saturdays in the afternoon, for three hours. The team alternated between in-pool training and weight lifting.

Nazarian also practiced along with Ksachukyan and the rest of the team. Despite having recently joined Water Polo in August, Nazarian overcame the rigorous training that most of the team has been doing for years. He continues to build up stamina and strength. Nazarian does not mind practicing along with experienced players.

“Practice makes perfect,” Nazarian said.