Nicholas Cargola - Section 4: Nicholas Cargola has served as a water polo referee since 2008 and has officiated for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA), USA Water Polo, American Water Polo, Collegiate Water Polo, WWPA, and MPSF. Distinguished referee for IHSA Water Polo and named official of the year in 2016, Nick has officiated thousands of IHSA contests and seven Illinois State Final championship games. Nick served eight years as Zone Head Referee for the 13 states of the USA Water Polo Midwest Zone, Nick has recruited and developed many new referees via mentorship, evaluation, classroom instruction, and strategic assignment. When not on the pool deck, Nick is an IT executive and lives in Elk Grove, IL with wife Amie and two boys, Joey and Charlie. Nicholas is completing a four-year term for a former NFHS Water Polo committee member which ends in 2024.

Alberto Escalante - Section 6: Alberto Escalante is in his first year as the Aquatics Coordinator in charge of diving for Northside Independent School District (ISD) in San Antonio, Texas. In his role, he oversees the high school diving programs, as well as the club diving program, Northside Diving Academy. He also oversees the lifeguards and ensures safety protocols are being met daily. Northside ISD is the largest school district in San Antonio and the fourth largest in the state of Texas. It has two aquatic facilities that serve the thirteen high schools, club swim and dive programs, and numerous community programs. Prior to joining Northside ISD Aquatics, Alberto was the head swim and water polo coach for Boerne ISD, both Champion High School and Boerne High School. While in that position, Alberto helped lead his teams to multiple district championships, regional top 3 finishes, and state top 10 finishes. In 2023, his Champion boys' water polo team finished 2nd in the state, and he was named the Texas High School Coaches Association Water Polo Boys State Coach of the Year. Alberto was a high school swim and water polo coach for 14 years before becoming an Aquatics Coordinator. Alberto and his wife, Stacey, live in San Antonio with their two sons, Kayden and Weston. Alberto’s four-year term on the NFHS Water Polo Rules Committee ends in 2027.

Andres “AJ” Martinez - Section 6: AJ Martinez is currently an Assistant Athletic Director at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) for the last six years. His roles at the UIL include Director of Football (first Hispanic ever in this role), Baseball, Wrestling, Golf, and Water Polo. He is responsible for rules, finances, and regional and state events for the sports listed. In addition to being an NFHS Water Polo Rules Committee Member, Martinez also serves on the NFHS National Coaches Advisory Committee. Prior to joining the UIL Martinez coached various high school sports including three district football championships. AJ graduated from Odem High School in 1996 where he was a five-sport athlete, football, basketball, baseball, golf, and track. He graduated from Texas A & M Kingsville with a B.S. degree in 2002 and pitched for Javelinas from 1997 – 2001. AJ obtained his M.ED. in Education Administration from Lamar University in 2016. AJ and his wife Brenda have been married for 20 years and have three children, Breanna, Marcus, and Javy. AJ’s four-year term on the NFHS Water Polo Rules Committee ends in 2027.