NORTH PENN HIGH SCHOOL
BOYS WATER POLO TEAM 2004
PIAA AAAA STATE CHAMPION
Head Coach: Brian Faikish
Assistant Coach: Jason Grubb
Assistant Coach: Jeff Faikish
Captains: Sean Gallagher, Josh Kratz & Drew Palumbo
Season of Dominance
The 2004 North Penn Boys Water Polo Team accomplished something that had eluted the program since 1996 – a state title. Led by Coach Brian Faikish and assistant coaches Jason Grubb and Jeff Faikish, the Knights captured the State Championship topping off a season of dominance.
The Knights produced an impressive overall record of 28-1. In addition to winning the State Championship, they also captured first place in the Eastern Division as well as placing second at the prestigious Beast of the East Tournament, which is host to the best teams from the East Coast of the United States.
Early in the season, the Knights knew this year could be special based on the fact they were undefeated and had outscored their opponents 92-45 after only nine games. The only blemish of the 2004 season occurred during the 10th game when they lost their only match to the nationally ranked squad from Greenwich, CT. Due to the combination of outstanding leadership and hard work, this loss provided the team with the spark that fueled a 19 game winning streak as they pushed toward the end of the season.
The Knights had a strong senior class led by tri-captains Sean Gallagher, Josh Kratz and Drew Palumbo. Gallagher was one of the best goalies on the east coast and was the heart of our defense for three years. Quick in the water and clear decision maker, Kratz was the heart of our offense for three years and Brendan Fanslau sparked the offense with his quick aggressive drives. Andrew Jaycox, Palumbo, Tim McKeever, Kevin Ketterer, Adam Reynolds and Kyle Kushner added tremendous depth as drivers and outside shooters. Kelsey Britton was a tenacious 2 meter defender who was able to shut down the opposing teams’ best offensive players.
At the state championship tournament, the Knights went in as the top seed and did not disappoint. They won their bracket by defeating Erie McDowell (12-5), Wyoming Valley West (14-7) and Wilson West Lawn (10-6) advancing to the championship game. The Knights saved their best for last. In a dominating performance over Governor Mifflin, the Knights jumped out to a 6-1 lead in the first quarter and eventually won the game by the score of 14-10.
The senior members of this team played a large part in the success of the season as well as those to come. They will be remembered not only by the impact they had in the water but by the impact they made on their teammates. Two more state titles (2006 & 2007) and a runner up (2005) will be won by the underclassman of the 2004 State Champion Water Polo Team.
PIAA All State:
Brendan Fanslau, Sean Gallagher & Josh Kratz 1st Team All State
Kelsey Britton 2nd Team All State
Andrew Jaycox 3rd Team All State
Drew Palumbo Honorable Mention All State
MVP of the State - Mr. Water Polo: Josh Kratz
All Americans: Josh Kratz 1st Team, Sean Gallagher 2nd Team