Fordham Announces 2009 Men's Recruiting Class

Bill Harris

BRONX, N.Y. -- Fordham University men's water polo coach Bill Harris has announced three new additions to the Rams' water polo squad, as driver Jake Bakas (Miami, Fla./Belen Jesuit), utility player Cashel Barnett (Carmichael, Calif./Rio Americano), and driver Daniel Barron (Darien, Ill./Fenwick) will join the team for the 2009 season.

Bakas, a 5-11 driver, played six season of varsity water polo at Belen Jesuit High School. He was a Third Team NISCA All-America selection his senior season and helped his team to the state championship. He was a three-time All-County pick, and named to the Desmet All-Tournament team twice. Bakas also played club water polo for the Miami White Caps, where he helped his team to the 50’s Gold Bracket Championship, as well as to a second place finish at the Commerce International Invitational. He was also a four-year varsity swimmer at Belen Jesuit.

"Jake is a savvy player who will have a fine college career here in New York,” said Harris. “An All-America selection this season, Jake has many years of playing experience under his belt, competing both on his high school and club teams in Miami.”

Barnett, a 6-2 utility player that can play driver or the two-meter spot, was a four-year varsity water polo player at Rio Americano High School. He earned All-America status twice (2007-08) and was a three-time All-CIF Northern California and First Team All-League selection (2006-08). A two-time First Team All-Section selection in 2007 and 2008, as well as a Second Team All-Section pick in 2006, Barnett was named All-Metro First Team in 2007 and selected twice as League MVP and Varsity Offensive Player of the Year (2007-08). He played club water polo for American River Water Polo, and was a member of the 2006 Central Valley Zone Cadet team and the 2008 Central Valley Zone Junior Team, and attended the 2007 Olympic Training Center 2-Meter Camp. He was also a three-year varsity swimmer, earning All-America honors in the 200 and 400 freestyle relays. Away from the pool, he was a member of the National Honor Society, a USA Water Polo Academic selection in 2007, and a two-time CSF Academic Scholar (2007-08).

"Cashel is a strong offensive two-meter player and a two-time All-America, who will help to fill the void left by Todd Conway,” said Harris. “He brings size, skill and speed to the squad, along with a strong work ethic.”

Barron, a 6-0 driver, will join his former Fenwick teammate Andrew McKernin on the Fordham squad. A four-year varsity water polo player at Fenwick High School, he helped Fenwick to four consecutive state championships, and was selected as an All-America as a junior. A two-time All-State performer, earning Second Team as a senior and Third Team as a junior, he was also a two-time All-Conference selection. Barron played club water polo for Windy City Water Polo, helping Windy City to a seventh place finish at the Junior Olympics in the 16U Tournament (2007). He was also named to the Midwest Zone Team for five years.

"Daniel is going to help balance our attack as a left handed driver and will add to our counter attack with his speed. Daniel is a hard worker who will be a good fit for our team,” said Harris.