Santana water polo players carry on brothers’ legacies in pool, at playoffs

SANTEE — Santana High School senior Davis Jesperson became a water polo goalie to follow the path of his older brother, Braeden, who played on the only Sultans boys team to win a CIF San Diego Section championship.

Senior Hunter Stuart also followed his sibling, Jordan, in the sport. Junior Cody Nelson likewise took the path of his brother, Donnie.

The older siblings won the Division 2 crown in the pandemic-delayed 2020-21 season. Now the younger brothers are helping lead the Sultans to further heights.

The fourth-seeded Sultans have qualified for their third straight berth in the Open Division playoffs that begin Wednesday at La Jolla High School’s Coggan Aquatic Complex.

The Sultans (23-4) open against No. 5 Carlsbad (16-10) at 5:15 p.m. Seeded first is two-time defending champion Cathedral Catholic.

Brotherhood has long been a tradition at Santana. Coach Rod Bowen estimates that 75 sets of siblings have played for the Sultans in his 31 years at the helm, including his own sons Alex, now a two-time Olympian, and Eric.

This year’s team includes 11 players whose older brothers played for the Sultans.

“The kids are playing well,” Bowen said. “It’s a young group of guys who came together as we’ve kept playing games, which has been really good to see and fun to coach.”

Two decades ago, Bowen augmented the schedule by adding an out-of-county tournament to face state powers. There was a pause about 10 years ago, but following the section title, one was resumed, then a second added, and this season, a third. The schedule upgrade gives Santana validity as an elite team.

The Sultans must finish in the top five in the Open Division to advance to the Southern California Regional championships. They reached the Division 2 semifinals the previous two years.

Midway through his season, Santana won four straight one-goal decisions. Included were a comeback from a 6-1 deficit against Valhalla and a golden-goal win over Carlsbad in extended overtime. Overall, the Sultans are 5-2 in such tight contests.

“This team just keeps on pushing,” said Stuart, Santana’s one returning starter. “We keep on finding ways to win ball games, and that proves how much we like each other, and outside of the sport, how much we enjoy hanging out with each other.”

As a team captain and third-year varsity member, Stuart spearheads the squad.

“Just teamwork is my No. 1 priority,” said Stuart, an attacker. “It’s making sure everyone’s getting involved, making sure everyone has good energy, just supporting my teammates.”

Jesperson split time in goal last season with then-senior Marshall Parkhurst before taking over the full assignment this year. The pressure of playing in goal has allowed him to grow beyond the sport.

“It has really changed me as a person because it has taught me dedication, and it has definitely taught me diligence,” Jesperson said. “The most valuable lesson I learned is that you may not see success immediately, but after a long time, eventually you’ll see the fruits of your labor. And, as you continue to work, you’ll just learn that it takes time for good things to happen.”

The job of guarding the opposition’s top offensive threat usually goes to Nelson.

Among the first reserves to enter games last season, Nelson has secured a leading spot this year.

“The fun thing I love about this sport is it’s never going to get easy,” said Nelson, whose older brother now coaches youth water polo in the East County. “It’s always going to be a challenge. You’ve always got to try your hardest and push and get as good as you can.”

Freshman Sebastian Trinidad has secured a starting role, while fellow newcomers Axton Rasmusson and Demetrius Golden are poised as ready reserves.

“If one guy is not having a great game, somebody else is picking him up,” Bowen said. “So it’s not relying on just one guy. We have guys off the bench that are scoring more goals than starters. And nobody really cares. It’s very unselfish.”

All in the Santana brotherhood.