Going into the 2014 season, the Bellevue Wolverines boys water polo team knew they needed a reliable goalie in order to compete for their fourth consecutive water polo state championship. Wolverines’ senior Quinlan Hughes, who played hole-defender for the past three seasons, volunteered to make the switch from the field to between the posts. The process to getting accustomed to his new position began in the off-season and continued through the summer and even early season practice sessions.
“We knew we didn’t have a goalie that would be continuing on to the varsity team from last year because both of our goalies were seniors. When I was doing my off-season training my coaches told me it might not be a bad idea to try out some goalie,” Hughes said. “I knew we were in desperate need of one so I put in the work to do it. It wasn’t until the season started that the work I put in really started showing. Being a goalie is completely different. It feels like I’m contributing to the team a lot more now than I was when I was playing back at hole-defender. It was a great decision by the coaches.”
Bellevue has put together an overall record of 10-4 through the first 14 games of the season thus far. Hughes admitted there’s an added pressure when you’re the last line of defense for your team.
“I was a little apprehensive at first because it felt like there was a lot of pressure coming on to me. The biggest transition is going from a lot of swimming drills to leg drills to prepare for the switch,” he said.
Recently the Bellevue Reporter had an opportunity to ask Hughes a few questions about his life away from the pool:
Bellevue Reporter: What is your favorite movie of all time?
Quinlan Hughes: “Ironman” is one of my favorites. There is a lot of nostalgia with that movie.
BR: What is your biggest pet peeve?
QH: Silent car rides. I just want to turn on the music, zone out and drive. I hate silent drives. They are the worst.
BR: Who is your pick to win the Super Bowl in February of 2015?
QH: I’m definitely picking the Seattle Seahawks. There is no doubt about it. I believe in my boys.
BR: What is something unique about you that nobody would know?
QH: I took Taekwondo from third grade until seventh grade.
BR: What is your favorite hobby away from water polo?
QH: I’m a huge video game fan. When I’m not watching Netflix, doing homework, water polo or school activities, I’m usually playing video games.
Shaun Scott: 425-453-5045; sscott@bellevuereporter.com
