Ramona boys water polo team ends season as Valley League co-champions

by Stephanie Ogilvie

The Ramona High School boys water polo team finished a strong season with a 14-14 overall and 5-1 league record, earning the title of Valley League co-champions.

The Bulldogs with head coach Don Williams began their Division III playoffs with a dominant 11-4 victory over Monte Vista, advancing to the quarterfinals. It marked the team’s first CIF playoff appearance since 2022.

They faced Sage Creek on Nov. 7 at the Coogan Family Aquatic Complex in La Jolla. The Bulldogs had a great start in the first half, scoring five of their eight goals, but lost momentum in the second.

After double overtime the Bulldogs fell short 9-8.

Junior Aeson Buckley led the Bulldogs with three of the eight goals in the second CIF playoff game against Sage Creek on Nov. 7. (Cori Richardson)

Junior Aeson Buckley led the team with three of the eight goals in the game.

“The playoff game stayed really close the whole time, and everyone came out with more energy and intensity than any other game over the season,” Buckley said. “Unfortunately, in overtime we lost by one, but everyone gave it their all the whole game.”

The Bulldogs’ season began Aug. 1, kicking off an intense preseason schedule that included six tournaments and several scrimmages against Division I and Division II programs. Over the course of 10 regular season games and the CIF playoffs, Ramona scored an impressive 230 goals for the season.

Coaches touted the leadership of Henry Pepich, a senior and co-captain of the Bulldogs water polo team along with senior Austin Fulghum, with helping the team capture the Valley League co-championship and make it to the Division III playoffs. (Cori Richardson) — Coaches touted the leadership of Henry Pepich, a senior and co-captain of the Bulldogs water polo team, with helping the team capture the Valley League co-championship and make it to the Division III playoffs. (Cori Richardson)

“The team was built on the backs of our two team captains, seniors Henry Pepich and Austin Fulghum,” said Steve Traverso, assistant coach. “Their leadership defined the culture of competitiveness and inclusivity to build a team that was genuinely family.”

Although their CIF journey and season have ended, the team closed a year that was defined by teamwork, leadership and perseverance, Traverso said.

“The overall season was an enormous success as we cultivated a group of young players who are going to be able to continue the development of the program and generate a culture of winning.” he said.

Pepich said he was proud of how the team has grown this season.

“The boys have made my senior season the best it could be and I’m excited to see them succeed next season,” said Pepich, one of four seniors on the team.

Julius Varela, a senior on the Ramona High water polo team. (Cori Richardson)

Fulghum said he has high expectations for next year’s team.

“This season has truly been amazing. The success we’ve had stems from the team’s hard work and dedication,” he said. “Every player has grown so much throughout the season and I’m excited to see what they will be able to accomplish next season.”