Press Release: Idaho Central Aquatic Center Hosts Successful Mountain Madness Water Polo Tournament
Boise, ID – The Idaho Central Aquatic Center, which opened two years ago, has quickly become a hub for aquatic sports in the Treasure Valley. This weekend, it hosted the Mountain Madness Tournament, organized by USA Water Polo, featuring 14 teams from California, Utah, and local participants.
Water polo, a demanding sport requiring strength and agility, showcased its competitive nature during the tournament. Hunter Rissell, goalie for the Treasure Valley team, emphasized the skill required: “The best teams are the best sprinters and swimmers who excel at getting after the ball.”
The collaboration between USA Water Polo and Visit Boise began in the fall of 2023, paving the way for this pivotal event. Emma Griffith from USA Water Polo expressed her excitement: “I was immediately in and said let’s host a tournament after seeing the beautiful facility.” As the first sanctioned water polo event in Idaho, the tournament marks the beginning of a new regional signature event, with plans already in place for a return in 2026.
While the Treasure Valley U-18 boys faced a tough challenge against a Salt Lake City team, losing 20-3, the sport is steadily gaining traction locally. Rissell noted, “It has grown a lot in Boise… A lot of kids are showing interest, so it is really exciting.”
As the sport evolves, initiatives like forming a U-14 mixed team have started, accommodating the growing interest among younger participants. "It’s super exciting to see where this sport goes," remarked U-18 player Kaleb Tuckett, highlighting the benefits of hosting events close to home.
The Idaho Central Aquatic Center is not only enhancing local water polo but also attracting significant swim meets, enriching the aquatic scene in the Treasure Valley.
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