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Milford ends varsity competitive water polo program; athletics announces 'Night at the Nest' fundraiser
Summary
Athletics director Aaron Zutka told the board the varsity competitive water polo program will not continue next year because of declining participation and budget constraints; he also promoted a March 15 fundraiser called Night at the Nest.
Milford’s athletics department announced the district will discontinue its varsity competitive water polo program next school year, citing declining participation and budgetary pressures at the Jan. 16 board meeting.
Athletics director Aaron Zutka told the board the program, founded in 1990 after the district added a pool, has produced All Americans and state champions but has struggled recently to field full teams. “We have 30 kids last year in the program, boys and girls, 15 each. We’re graduating 14, and we had to let junior high kids come up for us to even field a team,” Zutka said. The board and athletics staff said the decision follows discussion with the finance committee and was not made hastily.
Zutka said ending the varsity program early will allow students to pursue club opportunities outside the district; water polo is not an Ohio High School Athletic Association sport. “There’s opportunities for them and the earlier they can make those decisions,” he said.
Zutka also promoted a rebranded fundraising event, Night at the Nest, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, at The Oasis. He described it as an active, on‑your‑feet fundraiser with entertainment, simulators and visibility for sponsors; proceeds will support athletic teams.
Ending: Zutka thanked alumni and current players for the program’s history and encouraged families who want to support athletics to consider sponsorship for Night at the Nest.
