Why the Buhach Colony water polo team is winning in and out of the pool this season

The Buhach Colony boys water polo team has been accomplishing something special in the pool this season.

The Thunder’s 14-10 win over El Capitan on Wednesday night improved Buhach Colony’s record to a perfect 10-0 in the Central California Conference and clinched at least a share of its first league title since 2008.

It was business as usual for BC as Zacharie Fookes, Joe Bustabade and Luke Bird all scored three goals in the win.

Maybe even more remarkable is to see how a group of high school kids have come together to do some special things outside the pool. Things that go far beyond wins and losses.

With events organized by seniors Bustabade and Fookes, the Buhach Colony water polo program has found ways to give back to the community.

Bustabade helped plan a night for the team to cook and serve a dinner at the D Street Homeless Shelter in Merced. The varsity and junior varsity boys worked together to cook pasta, chicken and green beans one night after practice. The boys then served the meal at the shelter.

The boys were in charge of the first dinner in September. Thunder girls varsity and junior varsity water polo will do the same on November 11.

“The idea for it was just common sense,” Bustabade said. “We have an opportunity to help people who need help. It’s part of my character and personality. We have a capable group of young men and women. Why not get together as a water polo program and help people if we can.”

Bustabade also help put together a toiletry donation drive where members of the team donated toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and other goods to put together in packages to deliver to the D Street Shelter.

“I’ve been telling parents this is the best group of kids I’ve ever had and I’ve been coaching for 18 years,” said Buhach Colony boys coach Dan McIlhatton, whose team improved to 18-3 overall. “It’s just a great group of kids. They want to give back to the community as a whole.”

The Thunder’s generosity was on display earlier this year when Fookes and his family helped the BC water polo program participate in an autism awareness event in Visalia put on by 51 Fifty Energy Drink and Carlos Vierra Foundation.

“Our water polo team helped set up the event,” Fookes said. “We set up the games for the kids to play. It was really good for us to get out there and see what it’s like out in the world. We’re fortunate we’re able to live the lives we lead. I feel everyone should be out there trying to help. It was a good moral boost for the team. It gives you perspective.”

Bustabade says just hearing about the poverty rate in Merced makes him want to do what he can. He had helped out at the shelter a couple times before and thought it would be a great experience for his teammates.

He said they were all for it when he proposed the idea. The players all signed up to bring different things for the dinner.

“For kids who have never done something like that it was an eye-opening experience,” Bustabade said. “It’s kind of a different world. Not everybody gets to see the less fortunate up close. It’s not something you see every day at school.”

The events Bustabade and Fookes have helped put together has really helped bring the team together. It’s made the success in the pool even more special.

“It’s been an outstanding year so far,” Fookes said. “It’s been the best year ever.”

This story was originally published October 19, 2017 at 1:48 PM with the headline "Why the Buhach Colony water polo team is winning in and out of the pool this season."