UNITED STATES QUAD RUGBY ASSOCIATION
United States Set to Begin Competition at International Wheelchair Rugby Federation World Championships
September 11, 2006
Christchurch, New Zealand - After 10 months of preparation and an undefeated run in this summer's tune-up
competitions, the U.S. Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby National Team has arrived in New Zealand for the 2006 International
Wheelchair Rugby Federation (IWRF) World Championships.
Twelve teams will compete for the chance to be called world champion. The teams will be separated into two pools,
with the third-ranked United States playing in Pool A against No. 1 New Zealand, No. 6 Germany, No. 8 Japan, No. 9 Denmark,
and No. 11 Switzerland. The U.S. opens pool play on Sept. 12 against Japan. Following three days of round-robin play within
the pool, championship round play begins on Friday, Sept. 15 and the medal games will be played on Saturday, Sept. 16. "It was a long trip over, but we've been here for a few days now and the team is acclimating well,"
said U.S. head coach James Gumbert (Austin, Texas). "Japan is a team that has a lot of speed and executes well. They will
be a good challenge for us to get started on our quest for World Championship gold." This team is comprised of a solid group of veterans, but also has five athletes making their debut on the U.S.
National Team. Mark Zupan (Austin, Texas), Andy Cohn (Tempe, Ariz.), Bryan Kirkland (Leeds, Ala.), Norm Lyduch (Austin, Texas),
and Steve Pate (Kalispell, Mont.) all return from the 2002 World Championships and all but Pate represented the U.S. in a bronze
medal effort at the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece, as well. Scott Hogsett (Phoenix, Ariz.) and Will Groulx (Portland, Ore.)
also were members of the 2004 team, but are playing in their first World Championships. Seth McBride (Juneau, Alaska/Portland, Ore.),
Justin Patterson (Salinas, Calif.), Chance Sumner (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Jason Regier (Denver, Colo.), and Nick Springer
(St. Petersburg, Fla./New York, N.Y.) are the five athletes playing in their first major international competition. "The competition from the other countries continues to get better and we definitely have something to prove," said Zupan,
a four-year national team veteran. "It's nice that we were able to beat most of these teams in a couple tournaments earlier
this summer, but now is when the games matter and our goal is to get back the World Championship title and we're going to
need everyone on the team to contribute in order for us to achieve that." The United States is the defending silver medalist from the last World Championships. Their upset loss to Canada in the
2002 final was the first loss suffered by a U.S. team in World Championship competition. Aside from the North American
teams, other top contenders for the gold medal include New Zealand, Great Britain, and Australia. For more information or to arrange an athlete interview, please contact
Susan Katz at susank@lakeshore.org. Complete game results will also available at www.wwrc2006.co.nz.
2006 U.S. Paralympics Wheelchair Rugby National Team Roster About Lakeshore Foundation U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site. For more information, visit www.lakeshore.org.
Will Groulx Portland, Ore.
Scott Hogsett Phoenix, Ariz.
Bryan Kirkland Leeds, Ala.
Norm Lyduch Austin, Texas
Seth McBride Juneau, Alaska/Portland, Ore.
Steve Pate Kalispell, Mont.
Justin Patterson Salinas, Calif.
Jason Regier Denver, Colo.
Nick Springer St. Petersburg, Fla./New York, N.Y.
Mark Zupan Austin, Texas
Lakeshore Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical
disabilities through fitness, recreation, and athletics. These programs help children and adults with physical disabilities
maintain healthy and active lifestyles, as well as develop stronger self-esteem and improve independent living skills.
The United States Olympic Committee designated Lakeshore Foundation an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site
in 2003. Along with the nation's other Olympic Training Sites, Lakeshore Foundation plays a critical role in the success of
U.S. athletes.
How to Contact us | Quad Rugby Central Index
Home Page | Rugby Calendar | Sports Page | Score Board | USQRA Zone | Files