Age only a number for local water polo stars

TERRIFIC TRIO-From left, Gary Trow, Rod Hormell and Kit Follmer finished in third place at the FINA World Masters Games.

Three Conejo Valley residents participated in the FINA World Masters Games in Palo Alto, Calif., in August.

Playing as team KAOS, Kit Follmer, Gary Trow and Rod Hormell competed in the FINA World Masters 50-plus water polo competition against teams from Croatia, Australia, Germany, Canada and the U.S.

After the opening round of bracket play, the team finished first with four wins and a tie.

In a fierce semifinal game against Dsseldorf, the locals were upset, 5-4.

The team's final game was played against a California rival Tri-Valley squad for third place.

With a near perfect defensive performance by Trow in goal, and the game-winning shot by Follmer, KAOS prevailed, 5-4, and received the Bronze World FINA Masters Medal.

This was the first time KAOS had ever received a medal in FINA competition. It was also the first international medal earned by Trow and Follmer. Hormell, who has participated

in almost every FINA World Masters since 1986, has received gold and silver medals in previous years within various age groups.

The next FINA World Master event will be held in Brisbane, Australia in 2008.