Looking for something exciting to watch on weeknights? Then head over to the swimming pool at the Michael Ann Russel Jewish Community Center. The boys’ and girls’ water polo teams practice there every weekday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. until late April.

Water polo demands that players be disciplined and in top physical condition. Because of the tough requirements of the game, the teams practice grueling physical exercises to stay in shape. With the motivating words of coach Ann Gordon, both teams swim laps back and forth across the pool. After sets of swimming, they practice treading, which entails the constant kicking of your feet to stay afloat.

During practice, players also practice shooting the ball with one hand. “They’re better prepared than ever before,” said Gordon, who has been the Krop swimming and water polo coach for over six years.

Aside from intense physical conditioning, the team also relies on the metaphysical for their success. “I think a good inter-relationship with each other, since we’re friends and we know each other, will help us to win. We have a sort of spiritual connection with each other, because we can feel where our teammates are,” said senior Diego Zatonyl.

In addition to the strenuous practices, the water polo teams have a new assistant coach in their arsenal this year – Luis Comulada. He intends to use his experience as a swimmer and water polo player in college to help guide the team to success. As a teacher, he understands that “discipline and time management skills translate well into their academics” and believes that water polo not only makes better athletes, but better students.

As exciting as water polo practice may seem, it requires a lot of dedication and passion. If watching practice isn’t entertaining enough, make your way to Annie’s Bread Shop on West Dixie highway, where the teams will run a car wash March 4 around noon.