Top-Ranked California Water Polo Team Faces Hazing Probe as 13 Players Are Left Off Updated Roster

An investigation is under way at Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, after members of its boys' water polo team allegedly subjected teammates to humiliating and degrading acts during an out-of-town tournament.

The team, ranked fourth in the CIF Southern Section, is under scrutiny by the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) and school administrators following the reported incident at a hotel in the San Jose area.

Some players were reportedly injured after being struck by teammates. Reports noted that 13 players previously listed on the team's September roster were absent from a Moore League match against Long Beach Poly. This includes most of the senior starting line-up, though officials have not confirmed whether every absence was linked to the probe.

Coach Learned of Alleged Abuse After Tournament

Head coach Zac Polmanteer addressed noise complaints and curfew violations on the Saturday but said he did not learn about the alleged physical abuse until the team returned to Long Beach on Sunday evening.

In an email to parents on Monday night, Polmanteer described the behaviour as 'shocking, unacceptable, and completely contrary to everything we stand for as a program'. According to his email, most of the team had gathered in one hotel room on Friday night after winning two matches on the opening day of the tournament.

The school's athletic director and coaches interviewed players individually on Monday. The school and coaching staff subsequently imposed disciplinary measures, including school and athletic suspensions.

The district declined to identify the players involved, disclose individual penalties or confirm the extent of any injuries. Officials cited regulations protecting confidential student records. They also confirmed that the investigation remains active and reiterated the district's zero-tolerance stance on harassment.

Team Cancels Match as Investigation Continues

Asked about the missing players, Polmanteer referred to a 'situation that occurred at school' but declined to say whether those absent would return to the team this season.

The team has also cancelled a scheduled match against Loyola High School while the investigation continues.

Because the alleged incident took place during a tournament in the San Jose area, Long Beach police stated they were not directly involved. School officials declined to clarify whether law enforcement in the jurisdiction where the incident occurred had been notified.

The disciplinary measures have prompted questions from some online commenters about whether suspensions are sufficient to deter hazing.

Local discussion has also raised the question of whether physical hazing should be treated as a criminal matter. No allegations have been tested in court.

Coach Says the Entire Team Has a Responsibility

Polmanteer described hazing as a cultural problem. He noted that the entire programme had a responsibility to maintain a safe environment, even if only a small group of players carried out the alleged abuse.

Players and their families must sign anti-hazing contracts as a condition of participating in the sport. However, a parent has called for more open conversations about recognising harmful behaviour and intervening when it occurs.

The alleged incident occurred despite the anti-hazing contracts. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials yet to disclose the full extent of the alleged misconduct or the individual disciplinary measures imposed.