Richardson transitioning to water polo mentality

Bill Richardson last coached a Fallbrook High School water polo team in 2003, but he will be the boys’ varsity coach when the Warriors open their 2011 season Sept. 8-10 at the Poway Invitational tournament.

Water polo practice began Aug. 15, forcing a transition for Richardson.

“The newest thing for me is getting used to coaching water polo again,” he said.

Bob Lamont had coached Fallbrook’s boys’ and girls’ varsity water polo teams. Lamont is pursuing a public management certification through the University of Indiana and is currently splitting time between Fallbrook and Indiana. Richardson, who has coached Fallbrook’s varsity boys swim team for the past 16 years, initially had no aspirations to replace Lamont.

“The idea grew on me as we approached needing a new coach,” Richardson said. “I was sold to do it on the idea of working with the kids.”

Approximately three dozen players tried out for the varsity, junior varsity, and novice squads. Richardson began practice with 16 players seeking berths on the varsity team, although he will likely send some of those players to the junior varsity. Twelve of those 16 players swam for Richardson during the 2011 swim season.

“I think it gives me an advantage over maybe somebody new coming into the situation,” Richardson said.

Although Richardson is more familiar with those swimmers’ speed than their water polo skills, he is also aware of their work ethic. Richardson has also been around the pool during recent water polo seasons. “It’s been fairly seamless,” Richardson said of the coaching transition.

Richardson coached Fallbrook’s junior varsity girls for one season before spending five seasons as the varsity girls coach. Sean Redmond, who is also Fallbrook’s girls’ varsity swim coach, will replace Lamont as the girls water polo coach.

Although Richardson will send some varsity aspirants to the junior varsity, he will not be making cuts.

“Everybody will get to play,” he said.

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