I was lucky enough to participate in an alumni water polo game at my old high school yesterday. It was a wave of nostalgia as I walked onto the campus of the old Alma Mater. Warm greetings from old teammates and coaches complimented the sunny and warm California day (I have the sunburn to prove it). Meeting the next generation of water polo players was a comforting thought that the hodgepodge, motley crew team that we put together back in 1997 had progressed to a legitimate program.
Of course, I had to make myself feel like an old man with stories like, "When I played here, we only had PVC pipe goals that were held down with sandbags and broke by the second game of the season" and "We played the game with only seven guys, not twelve like you spoiled brats!" Then I realized that if I continued trying to play this game, I might break a hip.
As for how I felt after the game...well, I'll let Iago show you.
So, it is with much emotion and a humble heart that I announce my official retirement from the game of water polo. A game that has given so much to me. A game that I hope I have given back to.
And as a special retirement bonus, here is a shot of the sexiness that was Your Humble Observer circa 2000 back in the true water polo days.
Eench eyeenk, eench yeghank.
