The Desert Aquatics boys 18 and under travel team captured first place in the National Junior Olympic Tournament this month. After nine games played during a four-day event at four different sites, the team captured first place in the National Challenge Bronze Division. In the final, Desert beat Santa Clara Valley, 7-3.

The team was represented by many of the players who will be playing high school polo starting next week. Members of the championship team include: Zack Rhodes, Ben Ostland, Brian Gleeson, Michael Van Wieren, Ryan Bikis, Jon Claridge, Beau Grutz, Jason Leath, Bryce Ramos, Augie Sullivan, Zach Hudgens, Brett Shepard and Ryan Sawyer. 

Coach is Tim McElrath, who heads up the aquatics program at Shadow Hills High.