By Wendi Reardon Price
Staff Writer
wprice@mihomepaper.com
LAKE ORION — Three Clarkston High School student-athletes senior Ben Guzal, junior Blake Davidson and junior Connor Quinlan are enjoying the new experiences they have had.
All three play on the Lake Orion/Clarkston Unified Water Polo team, which practices and plays their home games at Lake Orion High School.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and carpooling to and from practice at Lake Orion High School with my Clarkston friends, Ben and Connor,” Davidson shared.
Quinlan added, “I have enjoyed meeting new people from other schools and the family like atmosphere of the team.”
“I have enjoyed getting to know the sport and my teammates over the years,” said Guzal.
The trio shared their favorite part of the season has been the weekend tournaments especially the first tournament in Grand Haven.
“We played some games and then went to the beach,” Quinlan said. “Also, our alumni game where we got to play against some of the old players.”

“The weekend tournaments where we got to play teams we otherwise wouldn’t and spend time as a team,” Guzal added.
Guzal became interest in the sport because his brother played water polo for three years and had a great time.
“I wanted to make similar memories and friendships, and learn a new sport,” he added.
Davidson shared he joined the water polo team because he wanted a fall sport.
“It looked fun,” Davidson said. “Now this is my second season of polo.”
Quinlan added he joined water polo because he was looking for another physical team sport after playing football for a few years.
Through learning a new sport, the trio have also learned a lot more.
During his two seasons, Davidson has learned the value of teamwork.
“If we can work together as a team, we can take on much better teams,” he shared.
“I have learned the importance of teamwork, communication and time management,” Quinlan added.
Guzal shared he has learned how to play as part of a team.
The Lake Orion/Clarkston Unified Water Polo team hosts Senior Night on Thursday. Varsity plays at 6:15 p.m., JV follows.

  water polo