LONG BEACH — The Wilson High School boys water polo team is being investigated for a hazing incident during an out-of-town tournament last weekend, according to the Long Beach Unified School District.
An email sent to parents in the Wilson water polo program by head coach Zac Polmanteer said some athletes were hurt after being physically struck by their teammates. It was described as humiliating and physically harmful acts that were shocking and unacceptable.
Wilson (16-9, 4-0) has had two matches since the allegations came to light.
The Bruins defeated Long Beach Poly 11-6 in a Moore League game Tuesday, using several players from the junior varsity team that were moved up to varsity for the game.
Wilson forfeited a nonleague game against Loyola on Wednesday. It was recorded as a 5-0 loss, per CIF Southern Section rules.
“Long Beach Unified is investigating a hazing incident involving members of Wilson High School’s Boys’ Water Polo Team during an out-of-town tournament last weekend,” Long Beach Unified School District spokesperson Elvia Cano wrote in an email. “Hazing is not allowed and has no place in our schools or athletic programs. Wilson High School continues to reinforce expectations for student safety and respectful conduct. Because this is an ongoing investigation and the details involve confidential student and employee information, the District is limited in what it can share about the individuals involved and any specific actions taken at this time.”
Polmanteer did not respond to the Press-Telegram’s request for comment.
Wilson head coach coach Zac Polmanteer leads his team to a 11-6 win in a Moore League boys water polo game against Long Beach Poly on Tuesday October 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)
On Monday, Polmanteer sent a lengthy email to parents, titled “Statement on Hazing,” that shared a detailed timeline of events.
Polmanteer’s email said the hazing incident took place Friday, Oct. 9, at approximately 10:30 p.m., after the team’s curfew, in a hotel room in San Jose. The varsity team was in San Jose to participate in the Memorial Cup tournament.
“During this gathering, multiple student-athletes were subjected to humiliating and physically harmful acts,” Polmanteer wrote. “Some athletes sustained injuries from being physically struck by their teammates.”
“Out of respect for the students and families involved, I will not disclose further details,” Polmanteer continued. “This level of behavior is shocking, unacceptable, and completely contrary to everything we stand for as a program.”
Polmanteer told parents the hazing incident would be met with disciplinary action, which would include suspensions from school and water polo.
“Right now, as we process and dissect the individual accounts of these events,” Polmanteer wrote, “the school administration and coaching staff have devised consequences and an action plan moving forward to ensure that these events never occur again.”
Polmanteer wrote that restorative justice practices will take place with affected families.
“I take this matter extremely seriously,” Polmanteer explained in the email. “The responsibility entrusted to me as Head Coach of this program extends far beyond the pool. I care deeply about the young men in this program, their development, and their safety. No athletic accomplishment, competitive result, or tradition will ever take precedence over their well-being. We will confront what happened, hold ourselves to a higher standard, and work to ensure that our program is better because of how we respond. I will continue working closely with school administration to ensure that appropriate actions are taken and that the students and families affected are supported throughout this process.”
Wilson’s next scheduled game is Tuesday, Oct. 20, at home against Lakewood in a Moore League finale.