First published in the Feb. 3 print issue of the San Marino Tribune.
Two San Marino High School graduates contributed mightily to Georgia Tech’s club water polo team capturing Collegiate Water Polo Association’s Southeast Division championship recently.
Georgia Tech senior Blake Castleman and sophomore Elijah Carlton played key roles as the Yellow Jackets defeated Alabama, 13-8, in the title game to finish their season with a 9-1 record.
Castleman, who graduated from San Marino High School in 2018, has been playing the sport for eight years. He was named most valuable player during his freshman year at SMHS and was rookie of the year during his freshman season at Georgia Tech. He will graduate this spring with a degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in automation and robotics. The son of Birgit and Robert Castleman, Blake is weighing opportunities for graduate studies.
“I have had a great experience here at Georgia Tech and have loved my time on the water polo team,” said Castleman. “I was able to stay focused on academics while still getting the water polo thrill I enjoy.”
Carlton, a 2020 graduate of SMHS, also played four years of water polo for the Titans and was captain for three. During his senior year, he received the California Interscholastic Federation’s (CIF) Spirit of Sport Award, which acknowledges student-athletes for exemplary sportsmanship, school and community service and leadership. The son of Gabrielle Carlton, Elijah scored two goals and posted three assists in the championship game.
“It’s really fun,” said Carlton, who wants to be an aerospace engineer. “I am having a blast out here.”
