9/00

With every successful organization there is always a group that is rarely seen, and without these trained individuals a group like Team USA Rugby would be nothing more than just a name. These volunteers who have given countless time, money, and sacrifices have readied the 12 top Wheelchair Rugby athletes in the country for battle. And while much of the work is fun, there are also many challenges along the way.

Seeking the Gold has been filled with challenges. And John Bishop, Team Leader for the US contingency has removed many of these obstacles for the athletes. He says, "Coordination of training camps, and attention to details with respect to the athletes and their travel is by far the hardest part of my job". More times than not it's a thankless job. Bishop, who puts in long hours of tedious work, says he will find his rewards when he sees the guys come home with a Gold Medal.

Angie Seals, Trainer for Team USA (who is affectionately known as Team Mom) says her hardest day to day struggle has been getting the athletes to tell her what their specific needs are. Says Seals, "We have worked hard to establish a working relationship with the players and that has just taken time". Time certainly is a hard thing to deal with, not just for life in rugby, but outside of the sport as well. Her commitment has taken her away from family, friends, and work. Her love of the sport, and the pride that she takes in seeing the players at their best shines through in all that she does both on and off of the court

A staff member that sees a lot of late night duty is Team Nurse, Kathy Nelligan. She is the person that is responsible for all the medical miracles that take place on this team. A sport like Wheelchair Rugby is prone to have athletes with injuries and sickness. Kathy is always ready with the sports rub and antibiotics to get the sore shoulders and the infected wounds clean and fresh for the next battle. The team, who travels without a M.D., has the next best thing in Nelligan. Her biggest challenge? "Staying abreast of all the continuing changes in the prohibited drug substance manuals". "They are constantly changing and adding new drugs to the banned list", she says.

Nancy Lehrer, (PCA) (Ass't Trainer) (Medical Staff) says that one of her greatest challenges has been "understanding best how to integrate her abilities with the expectations of the coaches, staff, and athletes." Nancy who was part of the 1999 World Wheelchair Games US Rugby Team expresses a sincere desire to see the athletes compete at their highest level. Her hope is that the players worry about nothing except playing the game.

Jane Thomas (PCA) (Ass't Trainer) (Medical Staff) has faced challenges of a different kind. In addition to helping the athletes stay in top shape, Jane is engaged to Team USA athlete Wayne Romero. Says Thomas " It's hard from the respect that we both live in different cities, and for some time we have not been able to see one another except for at camps". It's a tough chore putting the love of life on hold for the dream of your life.

In observation, it is easy to see why these individuals made the "choice" to share the dream of winning the Gold. It's not a glamour position with high pay. No, it's a tireless, thankless job. A sentiment echoed by all of the staff. Mike (Shoeless) Box, Equipment Manager for Team USA says for him, "Having to repair a chair that was severely damaged in a short amount of time" has been the toughest hurdle he has had to overcome. "I want to be prepared for these guys to come at me with any problem and already have an answer". Mike's job is one of feast or famine. He is either bombarded by problems and questions, or left alone to perform mundane tasks like airing athlete's tires.

Without these staff members Team USA does not run - it derails. Much of the shine of the team is put on in the late hours of the night with a computer keyboard or a human touch as opposed to using a rugby ball on the court. The beauty of this group is the unselfish giving of time and dedication to the athletes and the sport in general. "It's our place of refuge from the rest of the world", and "here we are a family and it's like were on vacation all the time" say staff members. In short, Team USA Rugby works because it comes from the heart as one voice with unbridled passion - win, just win.

For more stories on Team USA visit the Sports Page

Paralympic Rugby Schedule - Click Here

How to Contact us | Quad Rugby Central Index

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