Shingle Springs water polo team triumphs in contest to display senior flags

In the heart of El Dorado County, Ponderosa High School in Shingle Springs has a long-standing tradition of honouring its senior athletes through the display of their banners. However, a recent dispute over the water polo team's senior banners has caused a stir within the community.

The water polo team's senior banners, featuring athletes in their double line suits – considered compression garments – were deemed "inappropriate" by the school due to the uniforms. This decision sparked dissatisfaction among students, parents, and even the water polo athletes themselves.

Noah Kollenborn, a water polo athlete, expressed his discontent regarding the school's lack of support for the program and perceived attempts to "hide" the team. His sentiments were echoed by Brandy Kollenborn, a parent of water polo players, who argued that the uniforms show less than some other sports' uniforms.

The parents and students' protests were not in vain. Two days later, the school and district reversed their decision, determining that the water polo banners were appropriate and consistent with past practice. The El Dorado Union High School District provided a statement, expressing their commitment to working with sports boosters to create banners that appropriately honour athletes and celebrate their achievements.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) confirmed that water polo uniforms, including those on the banners, meet official requirements. Kollenborn, a parent, expressed gratitude towards our13 for bringing attention to the issue and making a difference.

Despite this victory, parents and student athletes are not resting on their laurels. They plan to take the fight further, appearing at the next school board meeting to push for a permanent policy ensuring senior banners are displayed for all sports programs in the future.

Principal Jeremy Hunt of Ponderosa High School stated that he wouldn't sanction hanging photos of students in Speedos or bathing suits. However, the school's initial decision to deem the water polo uniforms inappropriate has raised questions about the school's approach to sports and its commitment to supporting all its teams equally.

The superintendent of the El Dorado Union High School District involved in the dispute over the Ponderosa High School water polo team's senior banners is not explicitly named in the search results. The only superintendent mentioned in relation to El Dorado Union High School District leadership is Hoffman, who had led the district prior to 2014. It remains to be seen how the district will address the concerns raised by the community moving forward.