ask@otterpolo.com
History
The Seattle Otters have become a group of people that want to learn more about the sport of Water Polo, play effectively and have a good time doing it! Last year we had over 110 different people in the pool, some who know the game and many that have never experienced the sport. We feel that we are probably the most inclusive team in the state, everyone is welcome, everyone learns and no one is judged for their skill or lack of it. Many fine people have helped the Otters become more over the years. Past coaches include team co-founder Rene Oldrich (1990-92), Co-Captain Marvel Shoen (1992-94), Konrad Riberio (1994-95), Scott Rice (1995-96), Bart Daniels (1997)
1990 - Formed in 1990 as a Women's team to compete
in the Gay Games held in Vancouver, BC.
1992 -We became a co-ed team in 1992 when the annual International Gay and
Lesbian Aquatic (IGLA) Water Polo Tournament and Swim Meet was
hosted in Seattle by the Otters and the Orcas (Seattle swim team). A
few of the Orca swimmers joined the Otters so we could field a team
for our own event.
1993 -
IGLA '93 was played in the "Windy City" - Chicago - the Otters
placed 5th.
1994 -
In 1994, the Otters went to the Gay Games in New York City and
placed 4th.
1995 -
IGLA '95 followed with the Otters traveling to Montreal Canada,
placing 3rd.
1996 -
IGLA '96 was played in Washington D.C. and the Otters steadily
worked through the competition ending up placing 2nd against the
dominating West Hollywood Aquatics team.
1997 -
IGLA '97 saw the Otters flying to sunny San Diego for the annual
IGLA tourney. Our defining moment was in the Championship game, a
spectacular over-time win against the long time tournament champions
West Hollywood! The Otters became the first and only non-California
team to win this annual event. Read more about this Tourney on
the IGLA site.
1998 - was a year of rest and rebuilding for the Otters. The Gay Games were held in Amsterdam last summer and many players could not afford the high cost of traveling abroad. Instead, we concentrated on developing our newcomers and strengthening our competitive core players. Early in '98, we started the Seattle Otters International Open. We encourage everyone to play Water Polo. One goal for this tourney is to provide a quality tournament in the Northwest and a platform for all teams to be able to compete at their current level. By offering the three divisions, Coed, Men's and Women's, the Otters hope to encourage all teams to come out and play at their highest level, striving always to improve each year. The Otters did not stay silent during '98, we participated in the revived Puget Sound Water Polo League and really enjoyed it!
1999 - found the Otters hosting their second annual tournament at KCAC. We continued to participate in tournaments in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Our kick off for the 1999 summer was attending the IGLA tournament in Atlanta, where we earned the silver medal. Our team entered 2 squads in the 1999 PSWPL Summer Season. With one team placing 4th and one in 8th in the 9 team league.
2000 - Our schedule includes our tournament as well as tournaments in these cities: Vancouver; Victoria, BC; Spokane, WA; Corvallis, OR; Moscow, ID; Edmonton, AB
2004
The Otters were active in Tourneys around the Northwest.
2005
2005 - The Team introduced the new logo
2007 - We played in Tourney's in Vancouver, Victoria, San Francisco, Las Vegas and we hosted the 10th Annual Seattle Otters International Open.
2008 - This year we participated in events in Vancouver, San Francisco, Napa Valley Masters and we hosted the 11th Annual Seattle Otters International Open.
If you are interested in more information about the Otters, contact the Otter Hotline at 206-414-8797 option 3.
Our team practices at Medger Evers Pool located at 500 23rd Ave in Seattle. Click here for directions to the pool. Practice times are Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm . You must register with USWP. Your first practice if FREE!