First Round Of Men's National Team Tryout Program Hits Southern California
2/21/2009 12:00:00 AM
Santa Ana, CA - February 21, 2009 - Athletes from all over the country descended upon Santa Ana Valley High School in Southern California for the opening round of the USA Water Polo Men's National Team Tryout Program. A progressive program that will eventually determine athletes on the Men's Senior National "A" and "B" Teams as well as help determine the rosters for the FINA World Championships and World University Games this summer, athletes were placed on squads based on geographic location to take part in a host of matches over the weekend.
Men's Senior National Team Head Coach Terry Schroeder was joined by assistants Robert Lynn, Ryan Brown, and team leader Rick McKee to evaluate the athletes for possible inclusion in the national team program. The Men's Senior National Team is coming off a very successful 2008 that saw their best ever finish at the FINA World League Super Final with a Silver Medal which was followed by their first Olympic Medal in twenty years as they claimed Silver at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. This weekend marks a return to action for the men's national team program. "I'm excited about getting started again, we are getting going again this weekend, taking a look at some new players, seeing where players are," said Schroeder.
This program replaces the traditional Premier League from past years, a move necessary due to NCAA regulations according to Director of Olympic Development Guy Baker, who was also on hand. "It's a brand new program, replacing the Premier League due to changes in the NCAA interpretations and we had to make a number of changes to what we do. With anything new there are going to be adjustments but our plan is to develop the best program we can that will have true value for our national team," said Baker.
The program will reduce the number of athletes over the coming weeks to 80 athletes for the second round, 60 athletes for the third round with eventual selection of the "A" and "B" teams. Schroeder hopes the recent success of the program adds to the excitement of athletes wanting to get involved, in addition this program will aim to keep more athletes involved and create a deeper pool of players to call upon. "I hope there is alot of young players that see the national team possibilities, with getting the "B" team going and events like the World University Games there are going to be more opportunities for more players for years to come," Schroeder said.
In addition to developing players the weekend also served as an opportunity to develop up and coming referees. Each of the tryout weekends will feature a mixture of experienced referees along with those on the rise as the referees look to grow and improve their group as well.
Mens' National Team