Waubonsie's Zuponeck goes for triple crown
Athlete seeks All-American in swimming, water polo, and academics
AURORA -- Jim Zuponeck has high aspirations.
The Waubonsie Valley senior's goal is to earn All-American status in swimming, water polo and academics before he graduates from high school next month.
After a seventh-place finish and All-State honors in the 100-yard breaststroke earlier this year and a preseason All-State water polo nod, he may be on his way to fulfilling his goals.
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"If he can do that," said Waubonsie Valley water polo and swimming coach Chad Ganden, "he would be the first guy at Waubonsie to do that. We have never had a guy get all three."
According to Ganden, he reached the consideration point in swimming, is on goal for academics and in polo it depends on how he does this season.
"It is definitely feasible," Ganden added. "He's a real smart kid."
Ganden and Zuponeck were a bit surprised but appreciative of the preseason first-team honor.
Typically that kind of recognition is doled out on polo players from Fenwick and Brother Rice, but as the sport has taken root in the Western suburbs, DuPage County athletes are beginning to infiltrate the upper echelon.
"He is really beginning to get respect in Illinois," Ganden said. "It is a really high honor."
Zuponeck, like many swimmers, started playing water polo as a nice diversion from competitive swimming.
The high school water polo season begins the Monday after swimming ends and runs through mid-May.
It gives swimmers a chance to play in a team sport, continue to swim and condition and is a nice mental break.
"I don't think I could keep swimming," Zuponeck said, "if I didn't take a break and play water polo.
"It's good to take a break now and then."
The aggressive sport which includes fast breaks and long periods of treading water is much like a soccer game in water, with wrestling added in. Good players need to be adept in the water and possess excellent ballhandling skills.
It was evident early on that Zuponeck excelled in these disciplines.
"He has always been a really solid player," Ganden remarked. "This is the first year he is the go-to guy."
With the graduation of Warriors' leader Kyle Drake, Zuponeck and teammate Jack Poletto took over the role as team leaders.
"This is the first year he has to shine," added Ganden.
Last season, Zuponeck scored 53 goals.
Zuponeck admits his recent success in the pool has left him "motivated" and ready to lead Waubonsie Valley.
"Our goal is to get to state this year," Zuponeck said.
The Warriors are currently ranked 12th in state and Zuponeck earned Illpolo.com "baller" honors (a player of the week) recently for scoring a hat-trick against Oak Park River Forest during a 10-8 Waubonsie Valley win.
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