Fagrell named water polo team MVP at post-season banquet

Six of the seven starters on Fallbrook High School’s 2011 boys water polo team were seniors, so it is encouraging to the returning players, Fallbrook coach Bill Richardson, and the Warrior fans that junior Austin Fagrell was selected as the team’s Most Valuable Player.

Fagrell’s MVP award was presented at the team post-season banquet Dec. 15 at the school cafeteria. “It was a nice evening,” Richardson said.

Fagrell, who was on the varsity for the first time in 2011, is a utility two-meter driver. His 92 goals placed second on the team, and his 41 steals ranked second among field players. He earned second-team Avocado East League honors. “Austin did a great job all year,” Richardson said.

“Good defender. Just kind of a go-to guy,” Richardson said of Fagrell. “Just an all-around hard worker and great player.”

Senior Mike Maryn, who also earned second-team all-league recognition, was selected as the team’s Most Inspirational Player. “Mike’s one of those guys who’s always first in the water, doesn’t have to be asked to clean up after practice,” Richardson said. “He’s just one of those kids who never backs down, never gives up, works as hard as he can.”

Maryn, a senior driver, was a third-year varsity letterman. In addition to his 29 goals and 17 assists, he had 30 steals. “He was a great defender for us,” Richardson said.

Senior driver Jordan Harmer was the team’s Most Improved Player recipient. Harmer was on the junior varsity team in 2010. “He really worked hard throughout the summer and the season to improve,” Richardson said.

Harmer’s highlights of the season included scoring the winning overtime goal against San Pasqual. “Had one of the best outside shots on the team,” Richardson said.

Awards were also presented to junior varsity and novice squad players. Bobby Guerra was the junior varsity’s MVP; Tristin Curnow was the JV’s Most Inspirational recipient; and Derek Deming took home Most Improved for the JV. Connor Kuhn received the novice MVP award; Most Inspirational recognition was given to Shaun Kilcrease; and Austin King was selected as the Most Improved Player for the novice squad.

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