Treading in the Spotlight

Every a capella group, debate club and comedy improv cast faces the daunting task of filling the holes left by the graduation of senior stalwarts and bemoans their loss. Members of athletic teams are similarly vulnerable to the challenges posed by graduation.

Though the men's water polo team may have had an easier transition than most, returning all of its starters with one exception, that one spot was perhaps the most critical one in the pool: goalie. Still, just as new talent emerges in all of the previously mentioned groups, the Tigers have been buoyed by their newest netminder.

After the graduation of All-American goalie Peter Sabbatini '05, sophomore Scott Syverson eagerly dove into the position, recognizing his chance to support his teammates.

"[Scott's] been playing well, and he's made improvements since last season, after a tenacious off-season training regimen," senior utility Mike McKenna said. "Scotty seems to just know what he's doing."

The transition, however, has not been effortless. Not only does Syverson have to adjust to facing an onslaught of strong shots day in and day out, but he also has to ensure that he is completely comfortable with his teammates and their set plays.

"There's a lot of learning going on," Syverson said. "It's a lot of hard work."

Familiar challenge

Syverson can take solace in the fact that every new player must go through the same learning process. In fact, Sabbatini also stepped into the role of starting goalkeeper as a sophomore and was also attempting to replace one of the team's strongest players. In 2002, Sabbatini was called upon to start after the graduation of John Pharris '02, an all-conference goalkeeper.

"[Sabbatini] was a hard worker," Syverson said. "Peter was a great goalie. Peter had a great work ethic, and he was very strong. He gave me something I could work toward. I'm not there yet, but [senior goalie] Gant Morgner and I are working toward it."

For Morgner and Syverson, this sense of camaraderie and teamwork is nothing new — the two attended Coronado High School in Coronado, Calif., together, along with senior captain Jamal Motlagh, and battled for the same position there as well.

"Gant taught me how to play," Syverson said. "It's kind of cool to be together again."

With Morgner's guidance, it seems as if Syverson's hard work is paying off. As of Sept. 27, Syverson had played in all 10 of the Tigers' matches, posting 48 saves in the process.

Teammates make it easy

Syverson feels that the statistics he has recorded are a credit to the strong defensive corps in front of him.

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"We have a high number of field blocks so shots don't ever reach the cage, so that's definitely a plus," Syverson said. "A goalie is really nothing without a great line in front of him."

Though Syverson acknowledges the importance of a strong defensive unit, he also does not shy away from the critical part he himself plays. In the water, Syverson said he has to take control because "he's got the best view."

Out of the water, however, Syverson is happy to defer to his teammates.

"We're friends," he said. "The team is really close, and we all look to the older guys, the seniors and juniors."

For the rest of the season, the team looks to continue to foster the unity necessary for success. With the ultimate goal of a national championship in mind, the Tigers understand that they will need steady contributions from each and every player — especially from their sophomore goalie.

Though Princeton will lose a substantially larger percentage of its starters to graduation this year, water polo fans can take solace in the fact that Syverson will return with a year of experience, ready to help the newest players establish themselves.