Rond Plans to End a Playoff Dry Spell at Thousand Oaks

Thousand Oaks High hasn’t qualified for the playoffs in water polo for three years.

Not the longest drought in history, but for a once-proud Lancer program that is a long streak indeed.

Craig Rond is ready to see it end.

Rond, a key player from the Thousand Oaks team that advanced to the third round of the Southern Section playoffs in 1982, took over as the Lancers’ coach three years ago after the program hit rock bottom with a record of 1-18.

In his first year, Thousand Oaks was only slightly better at 4-19. But last year the Lancers were 12-13 and this season they are 3-2.

There have been faster turnabouts, but Rond wasn’t looking for a quick fix anyway. He is more interested in long-term results.

To that end, Rond and assistant Jeff Warshaw, another former Lancer player, started a youth water polo organization that they hope turns into a breeding program for top talent.

They also promoted water polo at school functions, trying to spark interest in their team.

Of course, the team had to be worth watching once people started paying attention.

Practices, even during the off-season, are intense.

During a 10-day program the Lancers call “Courage Week” players spend six to eight hours a day running, lifting weights and swimming.

“They just could not believe the things I was asking them to do,” Rond said. “They were so blown away when I told them what I expected.”

Rond and Warshaw also preach a team-first philosophy they previously found missing.

Thousand Oaks’ solid start includes a fourth-place finish earlier this month in its own 16-team tournament.

“We played against some powerhouse teams in that tournament,” Rond said.

“Games we probably would have ended up losing, 25-2, a couple of years ago.”

Added Warshaw: “Those were some of the most energized games I’ve been at in years.

“The fan response has been tremendous. The popularity of water polo is definitely on the rise in the community.”

Dana Christensen, a senior who was with the team through its lean years, credits his coaches for turning the Lancers around.

“Before the team was very dysfunctional,” Christensen said.

“There was no real, true leader. We didn’t have a coach that cared, the attitude was very laid back and losing was acceptable.

“Now we have team bonding and togetherness. They’ve built the team up to give 100%.”

Thousand Oaks probably isn’t a serious threat to 15-time champion Royal in the Marmonte League just yet, but Rond believes the Lancers have been rapidly closing the gap.

“We’re a small jump away from the caliber of Royal,” he said.

“But I’m real comfortable about where we’re at.”

Christensen, an all-league selection last season, and senior Craig Medlin are the Lancers’ team leaders and top scorers.

Eric Shafer, an All-American sprinter in swimming, adds speed to the mix.

“Our strength is that we do a lot of little things well,” Rond said. “We don’t have just one way to attack.

On defense, Thousand Oaks will platoon juniors Patrick Fisher and Charles Austin in goal.

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AT A GLANCE

* THE PROVEN: All-Mission League senior David Stone leads a group of seven Harvard-Westlake starters who swim the 100 freestyle in 52 seconds or faster. Chris Richeson, a junior Olympian the past two years, hopes to lead Royal to its second consecutive Division IV title. Alfonso Tucay, who scored 115 goals last season, is back for Division III semifinalist Burroughs. Crescenta Valley Coach Pete Loporchio calls All-Pacific League goalie Brian Hasbrouck “the finest to play at CV.” La Canada junior Brendan Naeve led his team in scoring and assists as a sophomore. All-Ventura County selection Noah Bookman returns for an improved team at Agoura.

* THE PROMISING: Sophomores Peter Hundt and Billy Strickland are two of three Harvard-Westlake players 6-feet-5 or taller. Junior Loran Leidenger, a transfer from Burbank, should provide plenty of support for Tucay at Burroughs. Charles Chang and Michael McDay lead a group of four sophomores on the La Canada squad. Sophomore Justin Payne adds speed to Crescenta Valley’s attack.

* FAST FACT: Royal has not lost a Marmonte League game at home since 1989 and has won 15 consecutive league championships. The Highlanders’ Division IV title last season was their first Southern Section championship.