Maranui
U16 Boys Team Led by American
Head Coach Ryan Holt (photo left) from Philadelphia,
USA, attended Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and was the assistant
coach at Mercy Hurst College in Eyrie, Pennsylvania.
Not only is Ryan a talented water polo
player and coach, but he also worked as a river guide at Ohiopyle State Park.
Ryan initially went to Wellington to play
for legendary coach Dante Detamanti in the Maranui Senior Men’s 2012 season.
Dante coached both the Maranui Men’s and Women’s National League Teams this
year.
Maranui put huge effort this year into
rebuilding the strength they once had throughout the Kilbirnie centered club. This year they had several American’s playing for both the men’s and women’s teams. Ryan
stayed on after the completion of the National league season to coach the U16 Boy’s team and
leaves for the USA this Friday.
The Maranui U16 team consists mainly of
boys from St Patrick’s College, Onslow College and Wellington College. A lot of
the players are all round athletes and play a variety of different sports and
in Ryan’s opinion this helps in the pool with athleticism and tactical focus.
He has been particularly impressed with his team’s defensive abilities.
The team manager raved about Ryan’s
abilities as a coach. Describing him as young, but very dedicated and relates
really well to the boys in the team.
Sounds like he will be missed by many, both
in and out of the pool. Maybe we will see him back for another season in the
future.
