Titan water polo player is all about scoring

If you ask Aaron Voggenthaler what the best part of playing water polo is and he will unhesitatingly answer.

He loves scoring goals.

In the pool, Voggenthaler, a senior at Poway High, has the scorer’s mentality. A missed scoring opportunity means you head down to play defense before your next scoring chance pops up.

“I love scoring goals like nothing else,’’ Voggenthaler said. “It’s the best feeling in the world. I also love playing two-meter defense against a guy like me. You don’t win as many games with scoring. You win games with defense.’’

That Voggenthaler is even an athlete is amazing, at least in his mind.

He gave soccer and baseball a shot, but he couldn’t wait to quit.

It was not an instant love affair with either sport.

“My older brother and sister were super athletes,’’ Voggenthaler said. “I sucked at sports.’’

But the first time Voggenthaler hit the pool, the 8-year-old knew he had found his new home. He was suddenly an athlete.

Now 6-foot-5 and 200-pounds, Voggenthaler has helped the Titans to a fast start this season. Winning the first four games of the season, they reached the finals of the Rancho Bernardo Bronco Invitational, losing in the championship game to Bishop’s 19-4.

Bishop’s had an added incentive, playing the game for coach Doug Peabody, who recently suffered a heart attack and could not participate in the tournament.

“We beat Torrey Pines and Carlsbad in the semifinals before Bishop’s got us,’’ Voggenthaler said. “I’ve known Doug since I was 11 and he’s been part of the San Diego Shores community longer than that. I was heartsick when I heard about his heart attack, but at least he’s recovering.’’

During the 4-1 start, Voggenthaler led the way with 17 goals and dishing out eight assists. He also has eight steals.

More importantly, Voggenthaler is 13 goals shy of claiming the school record of 275 goals.

“He’s awesome and his reaction to situations is pretty quick,’’ first-year coach Crystal Patterson, who is also the girls water polo coach at Poway. “Very few young players have such a great idea of how the game should be played. He has that.

“From last year to this year, he’s gotten much more offensive with his shot.’’

Fortunately, Voggenthaler has the size to survive in the constant struggle that is water polo, especially in scoring areas in front of the net.

“I was an awkward, tall kid who couldn’t run on the soccer field or shoot baskets,’’ Voggenthaler said.

“This is definitely a sport for legs. If you have strong legs, you have an advantage. Strong legs allows me to play defense with my base.’’

Playing in college is the next step for “Voggie,’’ as his teammates call him. He has yet to select a college to continue his playing career, but his desire is to play in California.

Born and raised in Poway, though, Voggenthaler has already dealt with the idea of finally leaving the only home he’s ever known.

“By staying close to home, I can keep playing in this weather,’’ he said. “I’ve played against guys from the East Coast and they have to quickly learn how to play outdoors because they mostly play indoors.’’

Voggenthaler admitted his goal for senior year is to claim a Palomar League championship so the 2018 season will be listed on the water polo banner in the gym.

“We want our year on the banner so badly,’’ Voggenthaler said. “It’s so crazy to be a senior. I didn’t ever see myself being in this position.

“I’ll definitely miss Poway. I love Poway.

“College will be a big responsibility. I know I’ll be ready for all of it when it comes.’’

He’s not ready for college just yet.