Our first inductee in the Class of 2009 is Chris Posthumus. Chris came to Grand Valley in 2004 and throughout his 4 years, helped the Lakers reach the pinnacle of collegiate club water polo! As a member of the 2005 National Champion Team, Chris can say that he helped achieve the goal that the original founders of the team set only 9 years prior in 2000.

A quiet and humble guy by nature, Chris's list of individual achievements are impressive: 4-1st Team All-Great Lakes Conference appearances, 2 Great Lakes Conference MVPs, 3-1st Team All-National Collegiate Club Championship Tournament appearances and 1-2nd Team along with a Tournament MVP award.  Most impressively, he was named National Player of the Year for the CWPA for 2006 and was a 2-time 1st Team All CWPA, as well as appearing on the 2nd and 3rd teams in his other seasons. Chris also captained the Lakers in the 2007 season.

Chris's unique collaboration of size, speed, and toughness, combined with determination and a strong work ethic helped him constantly improve. Chris did whatever was asked of him by Coach Ahrendt, including switching from 2-meter offense to 2-meter defense in his final season because it was what was best for the team. Chris currently is among the top 4 All-Time at GVSU in goals, steals, and assists. You didn't have to look very hard to find him in the water and in watching him for a few minutes; it would be hard not to be inpressed with his play. He was a leader in the pool, but is the kind of guy any coach would love to have not just becaue of his physical tools, but his selfless approach. Chris is the consummate team player, helping lead his team to back to back National Finals and bringing home the first National Championship in Grand Valley history.

I've gotten to know Chris more in the past year and as one of his friends and teammates on the 616 Water Polo team, I can say it's alwyas good to have someone with his size, ability, and toughness wearing the same cap color as you.