(LEBANON, Ill., Apr. 18)--McKendree University head men's water polo coach Gregg Emde has announced three student-athletes who will join the Bearcats' inaugural program for the 2016-17 season.
 
The three signees are from California: Joey Cope from West Valley College, Robert Esson from Huntington Beach High School, and Daniel Peralta from Lakewood High School.

"I am proud to announce this latest group of recruits for water polo for the 2016-2017 season," stated Emde, "They all have a variety of backgrounds, but have all been in the center for water polo in the United States. I expect great things and leadership from these three players. They have been able to play high-level games more often than not which will benefit the team, especially those coming from other parts of the country with less water polo. These men represent the quality of our athletes at McKendree not only in the pool but in the classroom and throughout the community as well."

McKENDREE UNIVERSITY MEN'S WATER POLO SIGNEES –
 
Joey Cope (Hometown: San Jose, CA)
West Valley College
Attacker
Member of the West Valley Club…played in the Junior Olympics with West Valley Club 16 and 18U…co-captain of St. Francis High School team…All-Conference in the Coastal Conference
Coach Emde on Cope: "Joey is an experienced player transfer from northern California. Coming from West Valley College, Joey will be providing some experience at the collegiate level. We are really excited to have Joey and know that he will be one of the leaders of the team going forward, both in and out of the water. He has size and strength that will be good to help control the center."


Robert (Robbie) Esson (Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA)
Huntington Beach High School
Center
Four-year honor roll recipient for swimming and water polo…named CIF Sunset League Champion 2014-15…played in the Junior Olympics with Vanguard WPC 16U won platinum…named Most Valuable Player at Huntington Beach…named Oiler (Character) Award winner at Huntington Beach…three-year varsity letterwinner.
Coach Emde on Esson: "Robbie is going to be one of the anchors on our team as a primary center on our offense. He has proven himself in the toughest conferences in high school water polo in Huntington Beach. Robbie has size and speed that will be important in the counter attack and establishing a solid base for the team. Robbie's job in the off-season also keeps him in shape as a beach life guard at Huntington Beach."
 

Daniel Peralta (Hometown: Lakewood, CA)
Lakewood High School
Attacker
Named Athlete of the Season in 2015…named Most Outstanding Player in 2014…named to second-team All-Moore League 2014-15…member of the International Club…son of Sergio and Linda Peralta
Coach Emde on Peralta: "Daniel is a perimeter player that I have been watching for a while.  He comes from the Los Angeles area and has played in Junior Olympics and other predominant tournaments in that hot bed of water polo. Daniel has proven to be committed to the team and also to making himself better. He has a nice outside shot that will open the middle for our centers as well as scoring a lot of goals for the team. I know that Daniel will be a force on the team for his four years!"

The Bearcats' home meets will be held at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex, a new facility under construction in O'Fallon, Ill.. The McKendree Metro Rec Plex will serve as the home for the University's water polo teams, swimming and diving programs, and ice hockey squads.