Smith, Dellinger & Oakley lead Boys Water Polo in 2009

8/22/09 -- For senior captains Doug Oakley, Justin Dellinger and Riley Smith, the start of the 2009 season cannot come soon enough.  Ever since the clock expired on the 2008 season in a victory over Roosevelt in the state tournament's 3rd/4th game, Oakley, Dellinger and Smith have been looking forward to 2009.

"We had a good 2008 season, but we're ready to raise the bar in 2009," says Oakley, a two-time captain.  "We have a great group of returning players and we're excited about our chances this year."

With 11 seniors on the roster and six of seven starters returning in 2009, the Wolverines' captains have high hopes for 2009.  Among their goals: to capture the school's first-ever state championship.

"We've come close in the past, but we've never gotten over the hump," says Smith.  "It won't be easy, but we're hopeful that 2009 will be our year."

According to Dellinger, the 2009 season provides an opportunity for a number of Wolverines to assume larger, more important roles in the water.  "We lost a couple of great players from the class of 2009, but we have a number of guys that are ready to step up.  We have big goals for 2009, and I think this team can live up to them."