The Skyline Men’s Water Polo team has been known as one of the best in the state. Shockingly, due to a lack of players, the team has recently faced dramatic change, forcing them to merge with Pioneer’s team.
Before Skyline’s player count became a major problem, the Eagles were rivals with the Pioneer team, ending the 2022 spring season with two wins and two losses against them.
This joint team has been supported by most players on both sides. “I support the merge [with Pioneer],” said goalkeeper Matthew Christiansen (‘25). “I think it works out and gives a lot more people opportunities to play.”
Players on both sides warmed up to each other quickly, making strong friendships through tournaments and games.
“The whole team was…our rivals,” said Christiansen, “[but] once we merged…friendships formed really easily, and I think the teams…merged really quickly too.”
The Pioneer team and coaching staff were equally friendly about accepting former rivals into their ranks.
“We’ve been happy to welcome the Skyline guys into our program,” said Pioneer Head Coach Don Packard. “I think they fit in really well, and certainly when we work together, you know, it always gets better.”
The team has certainly found success, being ranked top of the state by the Michigan Water Polo Association with an impressive 27 wins and only 7 losses.
The lack of players was caused by many senior players graduating, the Covid-19 pandemic preventing games and practices for new players, and a lack of recruiting for the team during the pandemic.
“We didn’t do… a lot of recruiting,” said Christiansen. “I think during Covid, some interest for the sport definitely died out.”
Next year, Christiansen hopes “they can stay merged…because if they don’t, I think it would leave some players [in] a pretty bad situation.”
