Journey continues for first-year Segerstrom
Segerstrom’s boys water polo team will travel a long distance Thursday for its CIF Division 7 first-round playoff match at Cabrillo of Lompoc.
But compared to how far the Jaguars have come the past several weeks, the trip should feel pretty comfortable.
“We’ve been making the long journey all year,” said Segerstrom coach Tim Fredericksen. “It’s going to be great for the kids.”
Segerstrom has qualified for the playoffs in its first season of boys water polo. The Jaguars started practicing in mid-July but finished tied for second with Westminster in the Golden West League.
Segerstrom earned the No. 2 seed in the league based on goal-differential in their two matches against Westminster.
“I’m so proud of the kids and the job Tim has done,” said Frank Alvarado, Segerstrom’s soon-to-be retired athletic director.
The Jaguars have an experienced coach in Fredericksen, who has made stops at Irvine, Long Beach Millikan and Glendale.
Another bonus for the program has been the school’s new 50-meter pool.
“This group of kids works harder than any group I’ve had,” Fredericksen said.
Fredericksen also is hanging tough. He broke his fibula and tibia in a motorcycle accident last week. Assistant coach Andrew Salway ran practices Friday and Monday but Fredericksen has vowed to return Tuesday.
The journey continues.
