Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Men's Water Polo Welcomes Three Newcomers to Program
8/22/2003 8:00:00 AM | Men's Water Polo
Aug. 22, 2003
LEWISBURG, Pa. - When the 2003 Bucknell men's water polo team makes it first appearance in the pool this fall, the squad will be welcoming three new faces to the fold. Head coach John Zeigler has announced the arrival of sophomore Mark Stevenosky (Pottsville, Pa./Pottsville), and freshmen Michael McManigal (Santa Barbara, Calif./Santa Barbara) and Robbie Soper (St. Louis, Mo./Ladue Horton Watkins), as the 2003 newcomers to the team.
Stevenosky joins the Bison after a year away from the game. The driver from Pottsville, Pa., was an All-State water polo player at Pottsville High School. In addition to serving as a two-year team captain, Stevenosky was an all-county swimmer, placing third in districts in the 200 free relay.
"Mark is a good shooter who is jumping right back into his niche as a driver since taking a year off from the game," commented coach Zeigler. "His biggest challenge will be adapting to the physical part of the game, but he is picking that up quickly. He is a welcome addition to the program."
McManigal comes to Bucknell from Santa Barbara High School. A three-sport athlete, he was the recipient of three varsity letters in water polo, two in swimming and two in tennis. In his water polo career, McManigal's Santa Barbara team won the CIF Championship during his sophomore and junior seasons. He enters the Orange and Blue squad as one of two goalkeepers.
"Michael comes from a solid high school program and brings a good understanding of the game with him," said Zeigler. "He is fundamentally sound, and will continue to challenge for a starting spot at the goalkeeping position."
Soper, expected to be used as a utility player, brings three years of varsity experience from Ladue Horton Watkins. Also a two-year letterwinner in swimming and lacrosse, Soper was a two-year captain on his water polo team. A first-team all-conference and all-state player as a junior, Soper equaled that and added all-metro honors to his resume in his final season.
"Robbie brings a lot of strength and aggressiveness to the team," commented Zeigler. "He is an experienced player, and is likely to make an early impact on the team."
Bucknell, 10-20 last season, opens the year at the Navy Labor Day Invitational on Saturday-Sunday, September 6-7.
