6/00

The setting was perfect.  A city surrounded by the snow capped Rockies of Colorado.  A superior facility whose purpose was the betterment of already elite athletes.  The gathering of 24 of the best athletes the United States has to offer for a weekend of head to head competition. This was the scene at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado on May 11-14, 2000 as the final selection of Team USA Wheelchair Rugby took place.

 The competition was in the words of many “intense”.  Never has this reporter seen such a fine selection of players going “all out”, to be a part of the  “Pursuit for Gold”.  It seemed as if every time you would expect a slowdown or break in play, the athletes would step up the pace and try and give that extra flash that separated them from their brothers in sport.

The camp began on Thursday evening with an informal question and answer session.  Much like previous camps, nerves were the order of the day.  As Coaches Reggie Richner and Wendy Gumbert informed the players of the upcoming days schedule, the players seemed to be yearning for information on who they would be matched up with.  All were hoping for someone that they would feel the “magic” of teamwork. with on the court.  It didn’t take long for the information to hit the Colorado chilled ears of the ruggers present, and no one seemed disappointed with their teammates.  After a brief introduction of the incredible staff assembled for the players, a team cheer of “USA-------------RUGBY” was screamed, and the camp was in the words of one rugger “on”.

Well if it was “on” than it was really “on” for some.  As the 6 a.m. wakeup knocks on the dormitory doors sounded, most players already were up and said thanks.  It seemed like no one slept.  I know many of you out there in rugby land can appreciate the struggle it takes sometimes to wake-up early, but not for the dedicated players.  The mountain air must have been a wake-up agent.  After a hearty breakfast prepared by the USOC kitchen staff that must have been awake at 4am, the athletes were off to the gym.  The majority of players were tapped and ready to begin even before the coaches arrived.

Familiar faces to Team USA like Soares, Crouch, and Chunn were tossing the ball and already seeing that the air, while conducive to waking you up, was thin.  The altitude would come into play later in the day and weekend, but it was evident in the beginning of the compulsories.  As each red or blue colored team went thru the mandatory skills test, a noticeable difference in this camp from the last – no down time.  While one squad was passing, the other was sprinting.  That brief reprieve on the first day that many had come to expect was gone.  With the amount of time the preliminary drills took, it wasn’t until after lunch that team play would begin.

After a satisfying meal that featured the added attraction of “the hill”- a steep inclined walkway to the cafeteria that took a toll on the players, the chair banging was about to begin.  The players began to work on the key offense and defense aspects of the game.  Coach Richner, expecting to see a strong key defense from several teams in Sydney, wanted to see who gelled together.  It was remarkable to see players who had not played together running “self called” plays.  The offense was definitely in the house as players Kirkland, Maccabe, Gloor and Soares showed the coaches that the key “O” was in good hands.

With the offense running on all cylinders it was time to see the key “D” step up.  And after a brief word from the coaches, it did just that ”with authority”.  It had to be tough as players were being pounded on by the likes of Pate, Gilliland, and Zupan.  First a goal for the offense, then a turnover caused by the defense - the action went back and forth.  All the while the day sped on, and the echoes of chairs crashing and tires popping reverberated through the gymnasium, a place where past Olympic winners and hopefuls had passed through.

Team USA Trainer Angie Seals, and USOC assigned Trainer Keith Harris encouraged more fluid and breaks for the athletes as the day wore on.  The coaches and selection committee agreed, and opted for an earlier dinner break to accommodate the needs as the sun set its final beams over the majestic mountains.

As the evening session began, the day’s activities, both mental and physical, began to take its toll.  Athletes had been comparing each touch of the ball and pick set for their teammates.  The intensity would increase as an emphasis on defense was placed on the players.  With defense, a great trap or double forces the offense into a position that most teams try to resist – passing.  And a trap can’t happen without a great low pointer.  Players Lyduch, Shadowens, and Guillou were talking and getting the traps and picks that make high pointers frustrated and embarrassed.

The first hiccup of the camp came shortly into the evening session. In what many regarded as the most in shape player at tryouts, Steve Pate was forced to the sidelines, and then to the floor.  It seemed that the altitude had been bothering him throughout the day, and a pounding headache was now taking its toll on the gentle giant.  Fluids, Advil, and the care of the trainers allowed Pate to continue after taking a prolonged break.

About an hour later as play was going on both courts, an errant turn and stumble found a second player down.  Sam Gloor who had been sending a message to other players on his squad found himself with a broken ankle.  The freak accident was untimely, but the remarkable staff was again immediately there to help.  Sam was X-rayed and seen by a doctor on site, and sporting a new cast within an hour of the perceived setback. 

With players struggling from the exertion of the day, the coaches had seen enough.  A final blow of the whistle and the day was over and entered into the record books.  Coach Richner later said, “we couldn’t afford to lose anymore players today”.  Day one not only answered the question of whether the athletes were ready for this, but it left a resounding “yes” in your ears.

It is interesting to hear athletes as they roll away from a hard day on the court.  Some are silent, perhaps they said all they had to say on the court.  While others seem to replay the hits and misses of the day to each other, and sometimes just themselves.  It was spiritual to watch these ruggers as they unwound, good day or bad, it did not seem to matter as the look of satisfaction was on the faces of most.  As the call for lights out went through the hallway, the smell of sports cream and the sound of snoring filled the air.  Sleep was everyone’s brief friend as day two came knocking on the door of the 24 American rugby warriors quickly.

Day two, you might think would begin to take it’s toll on some.  But, true to the first day, athletes were up, ready and out the door before most of the country was awake.  Their muscles tight from the previous day and thin air, many stocked up on Advil and a high protein breakfast before the stresses of getting ready for battle.  

A word mentioned a lot by athletes and staff was separation.  A defining term that meant everything.  Players questioned themselves as to whether or not day ones performance showed or allowed separation between themselves and others within their respected classes and groups.  Some felt confident after a night’s sleep that they would leave little doubt on the court today as to the separation between them and all others.  Confidence seemed to be riding high as the soulful tunes of Cameo greeted the ruggers in warm up laps. 

A process often taken lightly, or sometimes overlooked by players – stretching - was a mandatory exercise before each session of play.  Little argument or disdain was displayed as the now seasoned veterans of the high altitude recognized the need for an elongation of tight muscles and rotation of stiff joints. 

With the warm ups and needed information behind, the athletes day was set to begin.  Play would center around four groups of 6 players each.  Many players had dream lineups while others were excited to work with guys they had not had the opportunity to play with as of yet.  With Coaches Richner and Gumbert however, questions were encouraged and answers forwarded in a timely manner, leaving coaching to a minimum.  In short it was time for leaders, thinkers, players, and what this reporter likes to call the lovers (heart of the team), to step up and be accounted for. 

Both a boost and a challenge to others came when Sam Gloor, broken foot and all, rolled on the court.  Many had written the young red haired ramming machine off after Day One’s accident.  But there he was cast and all, daring others to come up to his level.  His unspoken challenge was answered by resounding crashes and masterful passes throughout the day as players punished their already tired bodies to perform a little more.  

Draney, Williams, and Falk were exhibiting awesome defensive play on court one. Court two showcased the talents of Farrington, Cohen and Kearley.  It was impossible to stay focused on a single court for more than a few minutes as a cheer or frustrated gasp would emit from both sides in a succession that to a fan of rugby sounded like a perfect Bach symphony. 

Frustration.  The referees began to see it first.  Instead of transitioning, players were beginning to question the calls of veteran refs.  Calls of “Cmon ref”, “it was what”?, and stares that could mame were happening more and more.  Veteran referees Dennis Snook and Tres Smith had both stated the obvious, that players when frustrated commit mental errors.  This was exactly what the selectors were looking for, mental breakdowns.  But something else they saw put smiles on their faces as fellow group members were calling for their teammates to not “worry about the call”, and “forget it, we’ll get it back”, began to come from players stepping up into the leadership roles. 

Lunch was served in the gym on Saturday to make it easier on the athletes.  During the break many began to show the signs of wear and stress on them.  The silence was eerie.  Only the sound of Mike Box pounding on chairs with a hammer seemed to break the quietness.  Hunger seemed to be a good diversion to the thoughts that were running through the minds of the warriors.  

In meetings the previous night a decision by staff and coaches was made to extend Sundays length of play.  This would allow a shorter day on Saturday, and hopefully provide the players with a fairer chance to show their stuff, and offer a better look to the selection committee.  The decision was heralded by the medical staff, but created another challenge as many players flights had to be rebooked to depart on Monday.  In the end it all worked out as if by design. 

That better look came in the form of a one-court set up, and players subbing in for like class players.  In the words of the selectors, “hard looks were beginning to be made at some key positions.”  Obviously there were no positions filled at this point, but some players had already left favorable memories at the halfway point of tryouts.  The close looks were coming up in the middle of the classes.  The 2.5’s, 2.0’s, and 1.5’s had only a few players that had some separation.  Spots on the roster seemed to be up for grab.  Bob Lujano and Bob Martinson showed outstanding defense.  Players were getting their chance to shine along with their new teammates as well. 

It was certainly hard to see a difference in a majority of the performances.  There could be no really bad choice as all the athletes were bringing in their “A” game”.  While on the court you had your chance to shine, watching seemed to take its toll in many ways.  No one wants to root against a teammate, and no one wants their group to lose, yet everyone wants their time on the court, and rightly so. 

One of the little mind games that goes on in the heads of the players after watching other ruggers play is, “have I already been cut”?, or “could I possibly have played well enough to already make the team”?  This is another aspect of tryouts that few see from the sidelines, but it continues to takes its toll on the athletes.  While this game continued, the play went on and a new enemy started to show itself.  Time. 

With the day coming to a close another hiccup happened.  Freddie Williams, who had been one of two players not on a top 8 team, suffered a strained shoulder and would face the hard decision of choosing to bow out of tryouts.  In what had to be a terribly hard choice, Williams opted to save his shoulder and give his fellow athletes a chance for a better look.

With the day done and another replenishing meal under there belts, the weary warriors hit the  showers.  It was a chance to wash the troubles of the day away, and look forward to a chance for a fresh day on Sunday.   

While the players contemplated their possible positions on Team USA, the coaches and staff were busy behind the scenes preparing a special treat for the weary warriors.  Player representative Angelo Mongiovi came up with an idea that was fun, and gave the players a chance to truly match up to other members in their class.   

In what will forever be known as “class wars”, a mini tournament of players from the same classes going head to head with others in the opposing classes, was an instant hit from the time the idea was posted on the dormitory halls late Saturday night.  Immediately players were smiling and carrying that cockiness that comes with confidence.  The 2.0’s were odds on favorites because of more numbers in their class, plus the ability of their players to play both offensive and defensive ball.  Cases were also being made for the high low lineups.  Many believed that these classes were just to stacked to be stopped.  And then came the classes that many overlooked, the 2.5’s and the 1.5’s, who would pose a serious threat many echoed.   

Without a doubt, the rugby players now had more to think about in their brief sleep before the final day of tryouts would begin.  A chance to separate.  A chance to step up.  A chance to live the dream.  A chance to become an Olympian. 

Day Three, a day like no other at tryouts.  All you’ve done as an athlete up to this point has been building.  Trying to lay the foundation as to why you should be selected.  All the passing, picks, weaves, meat grinders, key offense and defense and team play lead up to Sunday.  This was the day to put the polish on your work, to “shine”. 

The music that greeted the players on Sunday for warm-ups was different, a more energized mood was raging as metal was the sound to stretch to.  The nerves were being stretch as well.  Players feeling that they could’ve, should’ve, would’ve done something different on the previous days were dismissing these destructive thoughts in favor of, “It’s mine for the taking”. 

“Class Wars” started the final day of looks.  In many peoples minds spots on the team were won and lost in the mini tournaments.  The games, while spirited and fun, also showed the selectors some crucial differences in the play of the athletes.  Players were once again put into a role of cheering for their competition while showing their stuff on the court.  It didn’t take long for the competition to heat up.   

As expected, the 2.0’s came up with a good game plan.  They seemed to score well and played defensively smart.  However, the lack of definition and the need to get each rugger quality time in the 12 minute running clock quarters hurt the mid pointers.  Substitutions usually occurred during “TV timeouts”, you got 1 every 4 minutes.   

The 2.5’s and 1.5’s while missing newcomer Freddie Williams, would rise to the occasion and play very competitively.  The lack of depth on the 2.5’s bench would take its toll in the later games however.  The high low lineups faired somewhat better.  The 3’s and 1’s showed great role definition, and played well together as 5 of the 6 players had significant high low experience.  Their biggest deficit was no 3^rd set of hands on the court.  The same could be said for the 3.5’and the .5’s.  Strategy would be a big issue for the highest and lowest point value on the court.  A tough aspect for this line would be in bounding.  Use a low pointer and risk a low trap on defense, use a high pointer and face only one set of hands on the court.   

The games were spirited and extremely competitive.  All classes suffered at least one loss.  When the dust had settled it was the high low line of the 3’s and 1’s that rolled away with the inaugural crown of “class wars”.  Players like veteran Dean Maccabe commented, “It was awesome to go head to head with the other guys”.  While others like Steve Kearley said “it put some fun into a tense situation”.  

Fun and games aside, the time was drawing closer for the selection of the 12 who would represent the USA in Sydney.  Lunch would not sit well with many, as few had the appetitite to finish a full meal.  Many opted to lie on mats to rest and eat energy bars instead.  Little talk was to be heard.  Even Mike Box’s hammer had fallen silent. 

The silence was soon broken with the announcement of the afternoon’s squads, and the colors they needed to have on.  Still utilizing one court, the selectors took center court seats to view the dream lineups going head to head.  Tension was high as Soares, Chunn, Kirkland, and Crouch went up against a high low line of Gilliland, Romero, Falk, and Shadowens.  Quickly the high low line jumped up to a 3-point lead.  But the balanced line fought back and won the one-quarter test.  The match was followed by other dream match ups, athletes giving there all, selectors subbing to give everyone a chance.  The pace was as fast as day one.  And just as the weekend’s events hit a crescendo, the play and the music stopped.  Decision time was here. 

The time it took to make the choices was in reality only a little less than an hour.  To the players it was a lifetime.  All of the sacrifices players had made, the relationships that were put on hold, the time away from work, the money invested in gear and equipment, and the dreams that had been chased were now all in the hands of the selection committee.  As the Paralympic hopefuls started to take the tape off, dress the wounds and get out of their chairs, a sense of accomplishment would prevail.  One witnessing the entire tryout process would know that the choices made would be tough.  In the words of Coach Richner “You guys did not make it easy for us”.   

As the time crept by, players began to restlessly mingle.  Some with club mates, others with newfound friends,  “What do you think”? “Did you see that”? “I don’t know” all questions and statements being heard between the frazzled players.  The nerves were at a breaking point each time the gym doors opened.  “Was it them”? Not this time.  But the selectors did arrive, and with them the decisions that so many had been waiting for. 

An emotional and solemn selection committee entered the gym.  It was interesting to see the amount of pain that it took to make this decision.  “It truly hurts”, said Coach Richner.  “These guys, man they gave so much, it hurts that we can’t take them all”. A hard reality though, only 12 of the 24 would be selected. 

The players assembled, a brief chance to snap a few photos was taken.  No one seemed truly interested that this particular moment be caught on film. But after many shudders clicked, the moment had arrived.   

The announcement started at the top and went down; Steve Pate, Wayne Romero, Troy McGuirk, Dean Maccabe, Rick Draney, Brian Kirkland, Cliff Chunn, Bill Renje, Norm Lyduch, Ralph Shadowens, Eddie Crouch and Dan Guillou were the players selected.  Elation, gratitude, and joy filled the athletes.  It was tempered with respect for the athletes who did not advance.  Their efforts were no less important, their emotions no less worthy, their sacrifices no less than any others.  However, there could only be 12 selected. 

There is a tough choice in being a coach.  When working to win something as big as a Gold medal at the Olympics, you better have the talent that YOU feel you can win with.  The hard thing is that you can’t take all the players.  The incredible thing was everyone at this tryout could play for anyone’s Paralympic team.  “Why didn’t I make it?” “I thought I had it sewn up.” Or just a lost look showed the disappointment in the voices and faces of the remaining players.  Many unanswered questions and hurt emotions would dominate these athletes in the days and weeks to come.  But in the end, choices were made and a new Paralympic Rugby team would represent the USA. 

The selected 12 were asked to fill out some needed paperwork, and pose for a few group photos in front of the Olympic rings.  Words that seemed to not truly sink in were being said to the athletes by staff and coaches.  Barbara Emener of the US Olympic Committee spoke to the athletes and summed up the selection process well.  “This will not hit you for a couple days or weeks”. “But you will never forget this moment”  "You’ll never look at the American flag or hear the National Anthem the same way either”.  “The pride you will have in what you have done will be incredible” and “The pride the Untied States will have in you, will live with you always”.   

And so it was done.  From a city in the Rockies a chosen few were selected to go to a country “down under” and find Gold.  Would they be able to do it?  They had all the tools.  They had great guides.  It would take time.  Time to hone their skills and listen to their leaders.  Could they uphold the daunting records of past ruggers victories?  This answer and many others will come in just a few short months as the “Pursuit for Gold” continues.  For now, the focus is on the monthly training camps that will ultimately lead them to Sydney in October. 

How to Contact us | Quad Rugby Central Index

Home Page | Rugby Calendar | Sports Page | Score Board | USQRA Zone | Files