June 22, 2009

Bronx, N.Y. - Fordham water polo coach Bill Harris announced four new additions to the Fordham water polo squad today, as driver Jake Bakas (Miami, Fla./Belen Jesuit), utility player Cashel Barnett (Carmichael, Calif./Rio Americano), driver Daniel Barron (Darien, Ill./Fenwick), and two-meter player Ali Arat (Istanbul, Turkey/Sisli Terakki Secondary (Koc University)) will join the team in 2009.

Bakas, a 5-11 driver, played six season of varsity water polo at Belen Jesuit High School. He was a Third Team NISCA All-American 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-American 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-American 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-American 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 All-American in 2007, and a two-time CSF Academic Scholar (2007-08).

"Cashel is a strong offensive two-meter player and a two-time All-American, 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-American 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.

Arat, who will join the team as a graduate student, has been a member of the Turkish National Team Program since 2003, playing for the Senior National Team from 2006-08. Over his stint with the Senior National team, he has competed in tournaments in Italy, Poland, France, and Thailand, where the team's best finish came at the 2006 Poland Cup, where they placed second. In addition to the Turkish National team, Arat, a 6-6 two-meter player, is also a member of the IYIK Club, which is one of the pioneer sports clubs for swimming and water polo in Turkey. Prior to his stint with the National team, he was captain of the Sisli Terakki Secondary School swim team, competing in the freestyle and butterfly events.

"Ali brings immediate size and skill to the two-meter position. He should be a great addition to the squad with his international experience at a very high skill level," said Harris.