Bloomington, IN — Channel Islands United Water Polo Club proudly announces that its 14U Boys team earned the bronze medal at USA Water Polo’s prestigious Champions Cup, held this past week in Bloomington, Indiana. Competing against elite teams from across the country, CIU went undefeated through bracket play before a narrow semifinal loss to Shore Aquatics, the powerhouse program that ultimately won the national championship. The squad rebounded with a decisive victory to secure third place overall.

The team’s national success reflects the deep talent and exceptional training pipeline within Santa Barbara’s water polo community, anchored by Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club, widely regarded as one of the top youth programs in the United States for its competitiveness, coaching, and athlete development. The program is led by three-time Olympian Wolf Wigo, with CIU’s 14U athletes training under UCSB Assistant Men’s Coach Jamie Wolf and Olympic swimmer Mark Warkentin, whose leadership and technical instruction have helped shape the club into a consistent producer of high-level water polo athletes.

Players from Santa Barbara Premier Water Polo Club included Brixton Schmiess, Damian Reed, Gavin Gelman, Jan Ericson, Montgomery Prince, Tennyson Brine, and Wyatt Warkentin, joined by guest players Aiman Zaher, Nick Ignatczyk and Kumani Roth. Two CIU athletes earned special recognition at the national tournament:

• Wyatt Warkentin: Top Player of the Tournament
  Recognized for his dominant play, undefeated sprint performance, and scoring precision throughout the championship.

• Tenny Brine: Sportsmanship Award
  Honored for his exemplary attitude, teamwork, and respect for the game.

“This group showed incredible focus and composure from start to finish,” said Coach Mark Warkentin, assistant coach of the CIU 14U Boys. “They competed fearlessly against the best in the country and upheld Santa Barbara Premier’s proud water polo tradition with excellence.”

As one of USA Water Polo’s premier national events, the Champions Cup brings together the strongest age-group teams from across the country. For Channel Islands United, bringing home the bronze medal, after a semifinal battle with the eventual champions, is a significant milestone that reflects the club’s depth, discipline, and connection to one of the sport’s most respected youth development programs.

“We’re extremely proud of these boys,” said Mark Warkentin. “They carried themselves with integrity and determination, representing both CIU and the Santa Barbara Premier water polo clubs with distinction.” Channel Islands United extends sincere gratitude to USA Water Polo, Indiana University, and the families and supporters who traveled to Bloomington to cheer on the team.