2008 OTC Holiday Camp Comes To A Close
12/22/2008 12:00:00 AM
The USA Water Polo Annual Holiday Water Polo Camp concluded over the weekend after four days of training in Colorado Springs, CO at the US Olympic Training Center. From December 18-21, 2008, 105 seventh & eighth grade athletes and 36 student-coaches from all 11 USA Water Polo Zones converged on the state-of-the-art, high altitude indoor natatorium. The camp concluded after four days with the Snowball Classic where all the athletes had the opportunities to work their new skills into game situations.
Under the supervision of Guy Baker, the Olympic Development Program Director, Kyle Utsumi, the Head Women’s Junior National Team Coach, and Doug Peabody, the Head Men’s Junior National Team Coach, the athletes and coaches attended seven water session and many lectures each designed to increase the knowledge and skill level for all involved. All participants came away with new appreciation for the sport of water polo. Additionally, sessions were held on Strength Training and Nutrition administered by United State Olympic Committee staff.
Silver Medalist Patty Cardenas and Men’s National Team athlete Adam Hewko were on hand to provide in water demonstrations and support. All of the athletes enjoyed the one on one interaction throughout the four days. Both Adam and Patty were very accessible with their water polo knowledge, but they both also shared their stories from the first years of water polo to playing for their country on the international scene. Ivan Munoz of Northern Illinois WPC, Edwin Barrera of South Florida, and Brad Peercy of Kearns Water Polo in Salt Lake City rounded out the camp staff and insured that all the athletes and student coaches received the proper instruction.
The Holiday Water Polo Camp is truly one of the special events USA Water Polo has operated since Dennis Fosdick founded the camps in the early 1980’s. Throughout the years, coaches from around the country have come to Colorado Springs to work with and train developmental athletes and coaches. This camp has been one of the leading factors in the growth of the sport at the younger age groups. From the tireless hours put forth by Dennis in the beginning and continued for many years by Stan Sprague, the Holiday Water Polo Camp continues to produce top athletes and prepare them for the next step in the water polo journey which may one day be representing a USA Water Polo National Team on the world’s stage.
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Olympic Development Program