10 Questions With ... Charlie Shobe -- Men's Water Polo

Our next "10 Questions With ..." feature is courtesy of Orange Coast College men's water polo player, Charlie Shobe.

1. Tell us about your involvement with men's water polo. When did you get started? What is it about the sport you love so much?? Are you a swimmer who plays water polo or are you a water polo player who also swims?

"Basically, I had never competitively swam growing up and I began playing water polo as a freshman in high school. I had to require a fulfillment of competing in a sport instead of taking PE and my friends told me about water polo. Growing up I wasn't really an aquatic athlete – I played club volleyball – but I stuck with it all four years and now it's something I really love and want to continue to pursue at the four-year level. My swim stroke isn't the best, but it's something I'm working on constantly to get better."

2. For those not familiar with water polo, tell us about the position of Center? What's the responsibility of this position?

"Being a center is a lot different than most of the other positions in the pool. There's a lot more wrestling that goes on, that's for sure. Everything is about holding position as a center and your goal is to get the ball and score or get an ejection of your opponent, which gets us an advantage. I'm not the biggest center out there at 5-foot-10, but I work a lot in the weight room. I work hard and put a lot of work in the pool as well as working out."

3. Water polo is definitely a sport that isn't on everyone's radar … for someone who doesn't know much about the sport, tell us about just how much work is put into every contest and every practice??

"It is a lot of work! Half the days, you're doing lots of swimming, approximately 3,000-4,000 yards a day, plus working out. Doing leg work on land compared to doing leg work in the pool … the two are really different. It's a huge, full-body workout and when the games come, you have to be prepared for the swimming or the wrestling or anything else that goes on in the pool."

4. Since I'm a rookie follower of water polo … I hear rumors of the dangers that go on UNDER the water. Are those dangers indeed true?? And if so, what's the worst thing that's ever happened to you and the worst thing you've ever inflicted on someone else?

"To be honest, I would say it's a bit of an exaggeration. A lot of it depends on who you're playing. Sure, there is some grabbing of the Speedo and things like that, but I don't like playing that way. I'm here to play the game and not get into a fight with anyone. But, if they DO do that, then I'll up my physical game a bit, but still try and keep it as respectful as possible. The referees are going to see and the other team will have an advantage. It's good to be aggressive, but you're not there to fight and start anything … you're trying to win." 

5. In addition to the COVID situation, you also have had the added bonus of learning from a new head water polo coach. How has the transition been so far and what has Coach Matulis showed you during these early stages of the season that excites you for this upcoming season?

" Actually, it's been really cool … I do really like Dan. He's a coach with great organization and he really focuses on skill and technique. During this time, I don't think there are that many JC coaches that are spending that much time on the things that we are working on. I really think he's going to be a great coach. He really knows his stuff and he really has passion for the sport and for the guys on the team."

6. If I gave you a 24-hour pass from COVID and you could do anything that you used to do, what would it be?? What do you miss the most from this isolation??

"I guess I'd have to go with going back to the pool and training with friends. We haven't been able to do that for months and I really miss it. Plus, we all can't wait to jump into that new pool and work out in all that space. We keep getting on our zoom meetings, hoping that Dan says that we are finally allowed to go back. Generally speaking, I just being able to be in larger groups with friends. It's always more fun with friends. Honestly, I also miss the atmosphere of being in a normal classroom and being with everyone in the same room."

7. All kids like to eat … what are your favorite meals??
   1. Favorite food in general – "It's hard to beat a good cheeseburger. I also love pasta."
   2. Favorite pre-game snack – "In water polo, you definitely can't eat too heavy before a contest. Maybe a nutrition bar or some Gatorade. You can't go up and down the pool on a full stomach."
   3. Favorite post-race meal – "Honestly, anything! After an all-day tourney or even just one game, I'm eating everything in sight!"
8. When you're not playing water polo, what do you enjoy doing?? Any hobbies or interests???

"I enjoy playing the guitar … I really love doing that. Mainly I love playing rock music like Sublime or Arctic Monkeys.  I also enjoy surfing or anything that involves working out."

9. In this COVID world there has been a LOT of TV binge watching going on … what are some of your favorite shows you've been hooked on over the past several months?

"I watch a variety shows, but I still love the Seth McFarlane shows like Family Guy and American Dad."

10. What are some of your plans after OCC?? Perhaps a career beyond water polo??

"I want to get into psychology or anything like that as long as I'm helping people. I could see myself going into research, but just understanding people. My sister works for a children's hospital in Seattle and that's perhaps something I'd like to pursue. Whether it's therapeutic or behavioral … as long as I'm helping someone. For school, I'd love to go to UC Irvine or Chapman and continue to play and continue my studies in psychology."