CYPRESS, CA –Chargers men's water polo is excited to see both John Howard Zeff and Sawyer Nering commit to four-year programs. Zeff will be attending the University of California, Merced and Sering will be playing at the University of La Verne come fall.
Q: Alright Howie, go ahead and tell us where you are going and how was your time here at Cypress College?
A: "I am going to UC Merced. I spent two years here at Cypress and I have been on both the water polo and swim team. I have enjoyed my time a lot and it has been a lot of fun. Whenever I needed help, I've alway been able to reach out and get it. Outside of that, it's been amazing."
Q: Do you have a favorite memory here at Cypress?
A: My first summer coming here, I was doing the water polo boot camp that we have and it was such a huge change from my high school team. Coming to a higher level of play it was just a breath of fresh air and it was awesome.
Q: Why did you choose UC Merced?
A: It is right next to Yosemite and my family has been going to Yosemite for years. It is a really cool campus and it looks like it is going to be a lot of fun.
With ties to the UC Merced area from fond family memories, Howie is thrilled to study and compete as a Bobcat. After graduating from Cypress High School and completing two years at Cypress College, Howie is prepared to move upstate.
Q: What excites you the most about being a part of the waterpolo program at UC Merced?
A: I am always excited to play water polo but something that stands out would be playing on the East Coast. The farthest I have traveled to play is a couple of hours and the idea of playing across the country really excites me.
Q: What do you feel best prepared you for the next step during your time at Cypress College?
A: I think that choosing Cypress College has been one of the best things I have done for myself. The most important lesson Cypress has taught me is how to advocate for myself. If I am struggling in a class I need speak up and ask for resources that will help me. I have learned so much and I feel ready for any challenges that I might I have at UC Merced.
Q: What will you miss most about your experience as a Charger?
A: I will definitely miss a lot of the amazing people at Cypress. The coaches are all top notch that have amazing support from their administrators. The trainers are always spot on, friendly, and have kept me injury free. In high school I wouldn't haven't dreamt about such an amazing support system.
Cypress will miss Howie's positive presence on the pool deck but is incredibly proud to have had him contribute to the men's water polo program. The center represented what it means to be a Charger in and out of the water during his time at Cypress College and the program is delighted to see him continue his journey.
Cypress men's water polo and swim is proud to see Sawyer Nering attend and play for the University of La Verne in the fall. Captain of his teams, the center guard is excited to compete at the next level of his collegiate and athletic career.
Q: Where are you going? How was your time here at Cypress?
A: "I am attending the University of La Verne next fall. And my time at Cypress has been the best two-years of athletics of my life."
Q: Do you have a favorite memory here at Cypress?
A: "I do. Beating South Western in the San Diego tournament at their home pool, when they scheduled us for the second time in the same year because they thought they could beat us. But we ended up beating them two times in the same year."
Q: Why did you choose the school you are going to?
A: "Coach Mark (Canner) and Assistant Coach German (Lopez), both believed that I could play there and I would succeed. So I gave it a shot and they both gave me confidence and I appreciate them for that."
Q: What excites you the most about being a part of their program next fall?
A: "I am excited to play at the next level. To see what is different with a new coach, new team, new school and everything that comes with it."
Q: What do you feel best prepared you for the next step during your time at Cypress College?
A: "I would say the leadership aspect that both Coach Frisk (Driscoll) from the swim team and Coach Mark (Canner) instilled in me. To learn to have confidence in myself. Going into my athletic experience at Cypress, there was no way or thought that I would even go play at the next level. And both of them helped me prepare for that, both physically and mentally."
Q: What will you miss most about your experience as a Charger?
A: All of my friends, all the ones who graduated last year and the ones that will still be on the team next year as well.
The Chargers will miss one of their Captains of the two aquatic programs. But from his leadership, the team will continue to grow and compete amongst the Orange Empire Conference. His Coaches, teammates and Cypress College are happy to see Nering make this big step into the next level.
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