"He's half-man, half amazing," sophomore goalie Gant Morgner said of men's water polo teammate John Stover. Judging from the statistics, Morgner may be right.
Meet sophomore John Stover, a two-sport all-star who brings his talents to both the swim team and the water polo team. This quiet Michigan native has been swimming since the age of five and picked up water polo while in the eighth grade.
"He's a shy guy, but when it comes to game time, he's a fierce competitor," head water polo coach Luis Nicolao said.
Stover grew up in one of the few Midwest cities (Ann Arbor, Mich.) where water polo actually enjoys a significant amount of popularity.
"My friends started playing and then I just picked it up because of them," Stover explained. "But if they hadn't, I probably would have picked it up anyway because my high school had a team."
All-American
While in high school, Stover became a 15 time All-American. This astounding number is possible because swimming allows for the honor to be given for every event. Therefore, in addition to the three honors he received for water polo, Stover earned one for the 50-free, three for the 100-fly, and the rest for relay events.
"I've always been kind of aquatic in terms of my sports," Stover said.
Aquatic indeed: Stover's pool prowess earned him a place on the National Youth A Team in high school.
"It was very intense and I can't say it was really fun," Stover admitted, "but it was definitely a good experience in terms of developing my water polo." His skill has allowed him to travel to such far off places as Yugoslavia, Romania, and Greece.
"Water polo has offered me an opportunity to travel places I never would have dreamed of going," Stover said.
Last summer, Stover was invited to join the Junior National Team, but declined the offer, choosing instead to spend his time relaxing.
Although only a sophomore, Stover has already made great contributions to his sports and has been a valuable asset to both the water polo and swimming teams.
"John's speed and knowledge are great," Nicolao explained, "and his outside shot is one of the best on the East Coast."
Stover is the Tigers' top scorer with 36 goals. He scored a season high of six goals in last week's win against Pacific, a record shared by senior captain Dan McKenna. What makes Stover such an asset is his short distance speed, which is crucial in creating plays and winning the sprints at the start of each quarter. This makes him the ideal driver.
"The biggest attribute John has is always getting open for the shot," Nicolao said.
When asked about his consistent ability to rack up the points for the Tigers, Stover modestly gives credit to his teammates.
"A lot of my goals are generated off the passing of the best passer in the [College Water Polo Association]," he explains, "and that's Mike McKenna."
As a freshman, Stover definitely made his mark with consistent, skilful play which earned him a spot on the Second Team All-Southern, and this year is looking even brighter. So far this season, he has already been named player of the week for the Collegiate Water Polo Association.
Although the swim team has begun practicing, Stover's focus and practice remains on water polo. Undoubtedly, he will have no problems crossing over as his speed makes him one of the top Tigers in the 100-back and the 50-fly.
Pick your favorite
As for which sport he likes best? That's one question Stover prefers not to be asked, explaining that each has its merits.
"Water polo is a lot more relaxed. I like the game aspects and working as a team," he explains, "but I really like racing. Swimming fast is fun."
Stover has proved to be an important member of the water polo team, remaining patient and pulling through with great performances in important games, a skill which will surely cross over to the upcoming swim season.
"I always say the kid has alligator blood," water polo teammate Derrick Wong said, "because he's always staying cool and under control."
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