Launching a new program in an area full of well-established teams rarely generates positive results during the first year.

South Kitsap is no different.

The Wolves’ boys water-polo team lost their first two games by a combined score of 44-2. But coach Dennis Anderson maintains an upbeat approach.

“I see a little bit of improvement every game,” he said. “I tell the guys, ‘Don’t get discouraged by the scores.’ I like to win more than anyone, but when you’re first starting out it’s about moving forward and getting better.”

Anderson said he already has seen improvement. After being held without a goal during its first match Sept. 15 at Gig Harbor, South scored twice Sept. 17 against Peninsula.

“They’re a really good group of guys,” Anderson said. “Sometimes, it’s tough when you’re first beginning. But they’re good listeners and they have a lot of fun.”

He said he knew there would be challenges with starting up a program. But Anderson, who competed in water polo for one year at Central Washington University, was intrigued when he heard that South Kitsap School District superintendent Michelle Reid wanted to add the program.

“I heard that and I thought, ‘That’s me,’ ” said Anderson, who also coached both the boys and girls swim programs for several years at South and also competed in that sport at CWU.

Anderson said he has been impressed with the interest level in the sport, as well. He said 22 boys turned out.

“There’s a lot of other teams that start up that have seven to 10,” he said. “We had a great turnout. I couldn’t have asked for anything better from a first-year team.”

Anderson said that extends to administration.

“Michelle Reid came to the first game to wish us good luck,” he said. “I really appreciated that. Having the support of the superintendent is really cool.

“I can’t recall ever seeing a superintendent at a swimming meet or diving meet. I was pretty impressed.”

As far as the composition of the team is concerned, Anderson said few of his players have any experience. He said one exception is senior Richard Bauleke, who has been enrolled in his water-polo classes.

“He has a great arm and kind of knows how to play,” Anderson said. “He’s been a nice standout so far.”

He said others who have stood out include senior Grayson Edsinger and juniors Nils Johnson and Wilson Sydenstricker.

Water polo long has been offered as a club sport at high schools in the area, such as Bainbridge and Curtis. But this is the first time the Wolves have fielded a team. Santos said SKSD administrators and coaches have discussed adding water polo in the past. The boys team competes during the fall season and the girls in winter.

He said the district was ready to add a sport at the high school and water polo was selected for multiple reasons, including student interest.

“We’ll run it just like a [sanctioned] sport,” Santos said.

While water polo is not a Washington Interscholastic Activities Association sanctioned sport, Santos thinks that could change.

“Some folks are just going to have to write an amendment,” he said. “Hopefully, we can push it through.”

A water-polo team consists of seven players, including a goalkeeper, in the water at once.

The game features four quarters where players attempt to score by throwing the ball into the opponent’s net.