Water Polo: Lynn no longer coach at NBWPC
Robert Lynn is no longer coaching at Newport Beach Water Polo Club, it was announced to NBWPC families in an email Thursday night.
Newport Harbor High athletic director Mike Zimmerman said Friday afternoon that Lynn remains the Sailors’ boys’ water polo coach.
“What decision they’ve made is their decision,” Zimmerman said of the Newport Beach Water Polo Club board of directors. “As far as we’re concerned, Robert is still the coach at Newport Harbor High School.”
Lynn had been the technical director and head coach of the club since it was formed in 2011, but the NBWPC board of directors sent out the email Thursday saying that Lynn will no longer be coaching at the club, effective immediately.
“Practices and planned games will proceed as scheduled, including the High School Championship Tournament and Junior Olympics,” the email read. “Steps have been taken to provide sufficient replacement staff to ensure the club’s success through the end of the summer session, including the Junior Olympic Tournament. We will keep you informed.”
The email did not detail a reason for Lynn’s departure. It said to contact club president John Dobrott with any questions or concerns. Neither Lynn nor Dobrott returned phone calls seeking comment.
“I do know they had a successful trip to Italy this summer,” Zimmerman said of NBWPC. “In terms of the politics and that kind of thing, I haven’t been involved in that at all ... If they made a decision, that decision does not carry over to the high school program, as of now.”
The Sailors are competing in the California State High School Championships through Sunday. The USA Water Polo Junior Olympics are also upcoming for the club, with boys’ divisions competing next week in Northern California and girls’ divisions from July 31-Aug. 3.
Lynn, a two-time U.S. Olympic men’s water polo assistant coach, has coached the Sailors’ high school team for three years, going a combined 69-14. The Sailors advanced to the CIF Southern Section Division 1 semifinals last year for the second time in the three seasons.
