Wilson High School canceled the remainder of its boys water polo season and withdrew from the CIF Southern Section playoffs following a hazing incident that left multiple student-athletes injured. The Long Beach Unified School District announced the decision on Oct. 20, halting a campaign that had previously secured a Moore League title and a top-tier ranking in the division.
Hotel Room Incident Stuns Coaches and Parents in San Jose
The hazing occurred on Oct. 9 inside a hotel room in San Jose while the team participated in the Memorial Cup tournament, according to sources. Wilson coach Zac Polmanteer detailed the events in an Oct. 12 email to parents titled “Statement on Hazing,” noting that multiple student-athletes faced humiliating acts and sustained injuries from being physically struck by their teammates. Polmanteer learned of the incident after returning to Long Beach on Sunday evening and immediately notified school administration, prompting individual interviews with players conducted by the athletic director and coaching staff on Monday.
Disciplinary Suspensions Sideline Roster Ahead of Playoffs
The fallout from the investigation reshaped the Bruins’ lineup immediately. During a league game against Long Beach Poly on Oct. 13, 13 players from the September roster were absent, including most of the seniors who previously formed the starting squad. While district officials confirmed that school administrators and coaches devised disciplinary suspensions for involved students, the exact breakdown of missing players linked to hazing versus injuries remains unclarified by the district.
Wilson finished the season with a 17-10 overall record and a 5-0 mark in league play. The team won subsequent games against Long Beach Poly and Lakewood but forfeited nonleague road matches against Loyola and Mira Costa.
District Enforcement Faces Confidentiality Limits
District spokesperson Elvia Cano stated that the Long Beach Unified School District does not tolerate hazing and that the cancellation reflects a commitment to student safety. However, officials noted that the ongoing investigation and privacy laws regarding confidential student and employee records restrict the release of further details regarding specific disciplinary actions or the total number of students involved. The team was previously ranked fourth in the CIF Southern Section and stood as a likely contender for the Open Division playoffs before withdrawing.