Those skills began to be honed the week of June 12, 2000. Team USA reported to its first official training camp in Warm Springs, Georgia. Immediately all in attendance displayed the wish for team "unity". After a media presentation on the Road to the GOLD and how Team USA was setting out to get there, the hungry ruggers took to the court.

Not afraid of the half-court game, Team USA ruggers from the 1999 and 2000 USQRA National Champions Lakeshore Demolition displayed a facet of their "Key D" which will have the opposition at the very least reconsidering their preparation of any type of predictability with the Paralympic ruggers from the USA. 

"The goal is to have a well rounded game," said Team Leader John Bishop. "With what I've seen displayed by our athletes this week I expect USA Rugby to be well prepared for its opponents when we get to Australia".

It was also noteworthy that throughout much of the time Team USA played crowd noise at increasing decibels in anticipation of a raucous crowd in Sydney. There have been varied reports about the possibility of a sellout for some of the games, and leaving nothing to chance the staff came prepared to simulate a surely loud crowd. It should be something on day two of competition as the US team faces the home crowd of the Aussies.

Most of the time at this camp was spent on the court or in the classroom developing the basics. While many of the players here have had great coaching, adapting to a new coaches style can sometimes take a bit of getting used to.

Apprehension seemed to be replaced with confidence as time sped on and the swagger of past Team USA rugby teams seemed to take mold. Player Dean McCabe (2.5), commented on the confidence he gained during the week, "it's great to have good coaches that are defining a plan that can take us to the top". By weeks end that plan seemed to be in place and running on all cylinders.

The only thing left to accomplish during the camp was how the group trained, ate, and rested in the times between camps. With Team Trainer Angie Seals present, a full program of nutritional foods was given to athletes and staff alike. In addition to presenting the sometimes-overlooked aspect of keeping your body fueled to its optimum levels, a training program of exercises and rotator cuff strengthening was also demonstrated.

In short, the training camp was "a great success" according to 2.5-team member Rick Draney. "We accomplished a lot in just a short amount of time, and I can't wait until the next camp". And the camp seemed to do just that as staff and team alike came away with a quite confidence that should grow as the time for battle down under draws nearer.