Northwestern humbled by men's club team
Weekly scrimmages against NIPC good for both squads

One Wednesday at Northwestern's pool, Oliver Ricaille picked up the ball, spun around and shot a backhand into the corner of the goal.

Players dispersed around the pool and along the sideline watched Ricaille's "Helicopter shot," gaping with their jaws wide open at the display of phenomenal skill.

Ricaille is part of Northern Illinois Water Polo Club. Northwestern's men's team scrimmages NIPC every Wednesday at 9 p.m. at Northwestern.

Playing NIPC helps Northwestern because Northwestern's players learn new tricks from NIPC players.

Northwestern captain Dmitry Lubensky said: "They kick our ass, but you improve and learn so much when your ass is kicked."

In one scrimmage NIPC shut out Northwestern for the entire hour of scrimmage. Yet, despite nipc's dominance, the players enjoy having an opportunity to play Northwestern.

"When you play the same people, you know their tricks," Ricaille said. "When you play someone different, you improve your skills, you kind of get to know your own team. It’s kind of interesting for us."

NIPC comprises about 35 players who practice twice a week in Buffalo Grove, Ill. About 15 players are from Stevenson and Mundeline high schools, and NIPC allows them to play water polo when high school season is out.

Some members of NIPC wanted to play more competitively other than just the twice-a-week scrimmages. They formed United, a group of invited, extra-motivated water polo players that spend extra practice time preparing strategies for competition.

"We never really get ready for any tournaments," Ricaille said. "We put up good opposition, but with United we want to have more regular things and have a real strategy."

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