- April 26, 2024
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ORLANDO It’s relatively well-known that rival high schools Olympia and Dr. Phillips sit just four miles down the road from one another.
Less known, though, is that the two schools’ water polo programs — annually among the best in Central Florida — practice just down the pool from one another at the YMCA Aquatic Center on International Drive.
“It gets weird, especially because we share the same locker room,” Olympia senior Spencer Segal said, laughing.
Dr. Phillips senior Kyra Farkas admits it affords the two teams an opportunity to keep an eye on one another — not a bad idea, considering that because the teams share a district, the road to the playoffs goes through the other.
Many of the athletes know each other, either from around the facility, from club water polo or even as middle-school classmates. Accordingly, though there is a friendly disposition most of the time, things can get fierce when the teams meet in the water — as they will March 8 at the YMCA Aquatic Center.
“The DP-Olympia rivalry is just something unique and special — and it’s fun,” Olympia coach Stephanie Johnson-Possell said. “The game, no matter which school has the stronger team that year, it’s going to be an emotional, exciting, fun game to come watch. It’s very unpredictable.”
After the two teams meet March 8, they likely will be on a collision course to meet once again in the district final April 5.
CURRENT RECORD: 7-2
2015 RESULT: 20-3 record; won district, lost to Winter Park in State Play-in Game
THE BUZZ: After winning the district and advancing to the playoffs last season, Dr. Phillips is in a bit of a rebuild but is off to a strong start.
“We’re working on the small, fine details to get it all put together,” senior Corbin Chamberlain said.
A mixture of returners and a talented group of freshmen who played club together have helped to invigorate the Panthers early this season.
“To be as young as we are and doing as well as we are, I’m very pleased,” coach Leo Ramirez said.
CURRENT RECORD: 8-4
2015 RESULT: 18-6; fell to Dr. Phillips in district final
THE BUZZ: The Titans have seven seniors on the roster this spring. It’s made for some excitement and high expectations so far.
“I definitely think, so far, this is our best year that we’ve had,” senior Spencer Segal said. “We have a full starting senior lineup — we’ve played together four years, so we all know each other.”
Beyond familiarity, having as many seniors as Olympia does should put it at an advantage athletically.
“Size and strength, in our sport, does make a difference,” coach Stephanie Johnson-Possell said.
CURRENT RECORD: 7-2
2015 RESULT: 20-2 record (best in school history); fell to Olympia in district final
THE BUZZ: The Panthers fielded the girls program’s best team to date in 2015 and graduated seven seniors from that group. Accordingly, the focus early in the season has been on carving out an identity for this year’s squad.
“It’s definitely a rebuild,” Ramirez said. “We do have a couple girls that have experience that are in there and keeping the team together right now.”
Dr. Phillips has gotten off to a strong start with just one loss, but tougher competition awaits as the season heats up.
“Having lost all those seniors, I feel good about having our five wins,” senior Kyra Farkas said.
CURRENT RECORD: 8-2
2015 RESULT: 22-7; won district, advanced to state semifinal and fell to Lake Nona
THE BUZZ: Despite losses to graduation after a historic season in 2015, the Titans continue to win this spring.
“They really play together, as a unit,” Johnson-Possell said. “We’re not just six or seven strong — we’re eight and nine strong.”
After a strong showing at the St. Andrews Tournament in February, Olympia will get a chance at revenge this season, too.
“We play Lake Nona before spring break, and we’re definitely looking forward to that because they’re a senior-filled team,” senior Allison DeCicco said.
Contact Steven Ryzewski at [email protected].
