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Iona's Vidale Finds Success in Trinidad & Tobago
NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.
-- Former Iona College men's water polo standout Chris Vidale is
making waves as he travels the world as a member of the Trinidad
& Tobago national squad. His most recent trip will be to Kuwait
City, Kuwait to participate in the second FINA Men's Water Polo
World Development Torphy tournament.
Vidale's parents were both born in Trinidad and Tobago before
moving to Florida where he was born. The Florida native began the
process of trying out for the national team in May 2008, spending
nearly two weeks in Port of Spain while playing in front of
committee members of the athletics board of the archipelagic state.
The national team trains at the Marlins Swim Club in Westmoorings,
a suburb of the Trinidadian capital.
"I never imagined playing in a FINA tournament or even playing in a
FINA tournament in Kuwait," said Vidale. "Heading out on a
13-hour flight to play in a country full of deserts. It's
definitely something I've I have never done and a place I have
never seen."
More than just competing is the opportunity to see the wonder of a
foreign country to Vidale.
"I just hope on my spare time I get to try amazing food, see the
culture and ride a camel," he added laughing.
Vidale is also aware that the level of competition will be stronger
than anything he faced during his collegiate career.
"I'm expecting good physical competition with this being an
international tournament. They let us fight a little more in the
water compared to college ball."
The trip to Kuwait is just the beginning of what could be a
historic trip around the world.
"Having dual citizenship has opened the world to me
literally. After this tournament I will be traveling to
Mexico for a tournament that could take the Trinidad national team
to the Pan Pacific International Tournament which would be a dream
come true."
Since joining the Trinidad & Tobago national team, Vidale has
been met with nothing but respect from his teammates. He also knows
that is a member of team with high expectations.
"My teammates have been nothing but great to me. The entire
polo community welcomed me and from the word go. They let me
into their brotherhood that has been established since they were
all young fellas. We are a group of young smart hard working guys
who hope to do big things in this FINA tournament."
Despite spending much of his life on American soil, Vidale knows
the incredible significance success in Kuwait can have on the
country of Trinidad & Tobago.
"Bringing the gold back to Trinidad would be an honor. Last
summer we placed second to Jamaica so playing them again is
something I am looking forward too. We all have something to
prove to ourselves but also to our country."
Prior to heading to Kuwait, Vidale has never lost the understanding
of how important water polo has been to his life.
"Trips like this are life changing and I never take them for
granted. I never thought polo would take me this far but here
I am and I'm loving every bit of it."
Beyond the FINA Tournament, Vidale has begun to look at potential
places to play around the globe.
"I hope to go abroad and tryout for pro teams this summer. I have
made several contacts and hopefully everything works out."
A 2007 graduate of Iona, Vidale appeared in 67 games during his
four-year Iona career, tallying 30 goals, eight assists, 56 steals
and 38 kick outs drawn. The defensive specialist had a breakout
senior campaign with 21 goals while leading the team with 37
steals. During Vidale's tenure in New Rochelle, the Gaels reached
the Eastern Championship in both 2003 and 2005.
Release courtesy Iona Athletic Communications
