Baucum would know. He's one of them. He began playing the game in Oregon when he was 11 years old. He eventually took his talents to the Division I level at Loyola Marymount University before transferring to Utah in pursuit of a doctorate.

Because eligibility rules on club teams differ from NCAA regulations, Baucum was able to extend his playing career. He served as player/coach on last fall's 9-3 team that earned a national ranking as high as No. 17.

The pharmaceutical researcher also managed to find time to serve as an assistant coach for the boys team at Kearns High.

Skyline claimed Division I titles in both boys and girls earlier this spring, while Cedar City's boys and Bear River's girls took top honors in Division II. Kearns (boys) and Skyline (girls) claimed JV crowns.

Baucum expects continued growth, especially in an Olympic year, as people learn how fun, exciting and unorthodox water polo can be.

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Water Polo 101

According to southwestwaterpolo.com, the sport can be confusing for spectators. Referee whistles are constantly blowing and play never stops, not even for ejections on penalties.

As a guide to watching a game, the Web site offers a quick tutorial:

• Each team has six field players and a goalie.

• Field players can use only one hand to touch the ball; goalies can use two.

• The game consists of four seven-minute quarters.

• The object of the game is to score goals. Players may move the ball by swimming or passing.

• Each goal is worth one point.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com