Alameda bankruptcy attorney James Pixton loves a good 100-mile bike ride. That’s what keeps his heart pumping. But when he’s not helping clients in his bankruptcy office in Alameda, you can find him spending time with his four precocious kids. His oldest, Parker, is fifteen (in 2011) and a freshman as Encinal High School. In a moment of inspiration, Parker decided to go out for the water polo team. He was hooked from the first moment and so was his dad.
James says, “I wish they’d had water polo when I was in high school! I had no idea that a sport could be this fast-paced, physical and fun to watch!” Water polo is a mixture of football, soccer and wrestling–oh, and a little bit of swimming, too.
Parker came home after the first practice with a gleam in his eye and a smile on his lips. He was learning the rules and one of the basic rules is this: No rough play above the waterline. But below the waterline, anything goes! It’s the perfect sport for teenage boys.
Once Parker made it clear that he’d found his calling in life, his two sisters Emma (12) and Eliza (11) quickly joined the local club team and practice three time a week. They love the fun and excitement of polo and their parents love the fact that they’re exhausted and go to bed early after practice.
Little brother Porter is watching from the sidelines. He can’t wait for the day when he can join the club, too. In the meantime, James bought him his own mini water polo ball and throws with him out in the front yard. It’s a great family sport. Just remember the sunblock, right, Eliza?
