No. 4 Emory defeated No. 1 Alabama today, when star Emory Club Water Polo player Zack Hoffman caught a pass deep in Alabama territory—with virtually no time left on the clock–and whipped it past Alabama’s goaltender, securing a victory and potential national championship berth for the Emory Eagles.
As Emory fans stormed the pool in joy, Alabama fans watched from the stands in silent disbelief, having just witnessed what will surely be remembered as one of the greatest game-winning plays in club water polo history.
The day began as a typical club water polo game day. Alumni came from far and wide to attend the tailgates and fraternity gatherings leading up to the game’s Tuesday afternoon start in the storied Woodruff Recreational Center.
“Savor it, current students. You don’t get this kind of atmosphere when you graduate. This is what college is all about” Said recent alum Gregory Steinberg. “In my four years, I never missed a home game. And I’m damn proud I didn’t miss this one.”
The win comes at an emotional time for Emory, as recent accusations of recruiting violations have tarnished the historic and proud reputation of Emory water polo. Players have also been accused of selling signed Water Polo uniforms for tattoos and discounted Maybachs, and even selling their 2011 championship rings on eBay to help fund the team’s debauchery.
Nonetheless, Emory Water Polo has made Emory proud, and given the nation a fantastic spectacle of sport. The game, watched by hundreds of thousands nationally on ESPN, achieved the highest ratings of any club water polo match this year. Color commentators have called the game one of the most exciting endings in the history of sport, narrowly edging out when the University of Chicago club squash team upset Washington University in St. Louis on a last minute ace in 1914.
BULLSHIT. THE REFS HANDED IT TO YOU. ROLL TIDE ROLL.
THAT FIVE METER IN THE THIRD PERIOD WAS CLEAR AS DAY! YOU CHEATING PRICKS NEARLY DROWNED HIM ON THAT BREAKAWAY!