Hamden Hall Country Day School
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
Educating Students in PreSchool through Grade 12
News Detail
Water Polo's Debut Season
Want to know a little bit about Water Polo? Do not ask Eric Huang or Michael Ferneini, because they will tell you Everything! Thanks to both for their comprehensive input and coverage of the new HH program.
The team, in turn, is thankful for the efforts of Andy Lewandowski who founded the Hydras Water Polo program in 2014 and has now created an interscholastic team that merges Hamden Hall swimmers with the Hydras. Lewandowski was a high school All American and a 4-time All-Ivy League selection at Yale, where he later coached and was named the Collegiate Water Polo Association's National Coach of the Year. Assisting Coach Lewandowski was Martha Phelan, who is already with the HH swim program as well the Hamden Hall Aquatics Club, and Mr. Doug Cuchiarelli, father of junior captain Patrick.
The team enjoyed a very successful rookie season. The varsity finished at 7-4-1and the JV was a respectable 1-6-1. Varsity starters included senior captain Michael Ferneini, who helped anchor the defense, freshman brother Anthony, and Patrick Cuchiarelli, along with Hydras members Jack Ruggerio, Ethan Hipsky, Owen Lee, and goalie Connor Jermain. Brothers Evan and Eric Huang, who had never played before, also were goal scorers for the varsity.
Several contests highlighted the potential and growth of the team. In a showdown against Staples HS, one of the strongest public school programs, the Hornets gave a terrific account of themselves and were actually leading in the final frame before having to settle for an 11-11 tie.
The experience provided the grit that they then needed when facing off against crosstown rival Hopkins.In the first match up, the Hornets sought to spoil the Hilltoppers’ Homecoming. In front of a packed house, the Hornets fell behind 6-2 by halftime; however, they clawed their way back into the contest in the second half and trailed by a single goal with 25 seconds remaining. Anthony Ferneini then made a key defensive steal and fed Cuchiarelli for the score that tied it at 8-8. In dramatic fashion, the Hornets then captured the victory in overtime. The rematch was even more thrilling. Trailing throughout the contest, at one point by 4, the Hornets scrapped and fought their way back to trail by 1 with 2 seconds left. But with captain Michael Ferneini urging on the team from the sidelines, having previously fouled out, it was left to Anthony to send a Hail Mary shot from midpool that somehow found the back of the net to send the teams into another wild OT. Unfortunately, this time the Hornets came up short and the Hop got their revenge.
The experience provided the grit that they then needed when facing off against crosstown rival Hopkins.In the first match up, the Hornets sought to spoil the Hilltoppers’ Homecoming. In front of a packed house, the Hornets fell behind 6-2 by halftime; however, they clawed their way back into the contest in the second half and trailed by a single goal with 25 seconds remaining. Anthony Ferneini then made a key defensive steal and fed Cuchiarelli for the score that tied it at 8-8. In dramatic fashion, the Hornets then captured the victory in overtime. The rematch was even more thrilling. Trailing throughout the contest, at one point by 4, the Hornets scrapped and fought their way back to trail by 1 with 2 seconds left. But with captain Michael Ferneini urging on the team from the sidelines, having previously fouled out, it was left to Anthony to send a Hail Mary shot from midpool that somehow found the back of the net to send the teams into another wild OT. Unfortunately, this time the Hornets came up short and the Hop got their revenge.
Though the JV squad was not as successful, their growth was impressive, especially as most had never played before. The team was led by Evan Huang, who tallied 8 times, plus brother Eric, as well as Luke Celentano, Kai Chometa, Grant Evans, Calvin Gormley, and Copper Zebrowski. Their lone victory was a well earned decision when they topped the Hop 2-1.
In looking back at the experience, freshman Eric Huang commented, “It was such an amazing experience that I can't wait for next year. As a swimmer, I didn't really understand the thrill of a team sport until I tried water polo. The sense of accomplishment after winning, and the motivation to work harder after losing, were things that I just didn't get from swimming. I spent more time on water polo than my regular swimming. I have to admit that I spent hours watching water polo techniques and games on YouTube when I should have been sleeping.”
In appreciation for his coach’s efforts, Michael Ferneini remarked, “Coach made so many sacrifices to help us. We were so lucky because he truly instilled a love of the sport into everyone who played this season. I am excited for the future of the Hamden Hall Water Polo team.” Congratulations to all the players and coaches on such an exciting debut season.
1108 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden, Connecticut 06517
Phone: 203-752-2600
Fax: 203-752-2651
admissions@hamdenhall.org
Hamden Hall Country Day School, located less than two miles from Yale University, is one of the best private schools in Connecticut to enroll elementary, middle, and high school students. Our nurturing and inclusive community provides a dynamic learning environment that promotes academic excellence by understanding each child and fostering their individual growth.
