The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) has announced that the Wilson boys’ water polo season will conclude on Tuesday evening with its final regular season contest against Lakewood.
Wilson is undefeated in Moore League play and has secured a 19th consecutive league title, but the No. 4 ranked team in the CIF-SS will not participate in this year’s playoffs.
Reports of a violent hazing incident within the program led to several players not participating in last week’s win over Long Beach Poly last Tuesday, and the cancellation of Wilson’s game at Loyola High the following day. An investigation into the hazing incident remains ongoing, and no further details were provided from the LBUSD or the school.
“Wilson High School’s Boys Water Polo team will conclude its season following tonight’s game and will not participate in the CIF playoffs,” reads an LBUSD statement. “Because the investigation is ongoing and the details involve confidential student and employee information, the District is limited in what it can share about the individuals involved and any specific actions taken at this time. This decision reinforces that Long Beach Unified does not tolerate hazing and reflects our commitment to student safety, well-being, and upholding expectations for respectful conduct.”
An email from Wilson High principal Suzanne Caverly and boys’ water polo head coach Zac Polmanteer went out to parents announcing the decision to withdraw the Bruins from the postseason.
“After careful consideration, Wilson school leadership and the Water Polo coaching staff have decided that the game against Lakewood will be our final game of the season. The team will not participate in the CIF playoffs,” the email began. “This decision reflects the seriousness of the hazing incident, the ongoing investigation, and our efforts to provide a safe and supportive environment for our students. We understand that ending the season brings disappointment and a range of emotions.”
In addition to Tuesday’s league game against Lakewood, the Bruins also had a scheduled contest at Mira Costa on Wednesday which will no longer take place. The CIF-SS brackets are scheduled to be released this Friday afternoon.
This is a developing story and additional reporting will follow as more details become available
