Brazil/USA: Final Thoughts

[Barefoot In Kailua]

HWY101 said:

As a reminder, Thomas hit negative in that match and Hochevar was roofed on gamepoint (game 1) and matchpoint by the 'tude girl! ;D

Hey HWY, them's fighting words! Well not to me.

[sIsam]

sistahsledge said:

So what kind of "system" do you suggest for the national team? Cuba and China, I believe, are the only teams whose players train together year-round. Doesn't every world-class player play in a pro league during the season then assemble for international competitions?

This is correct. You can add Russia to the list as well I guess since many of their players are at Uralochka and they use that team as a means to train their Nat'l team.

Many NTs get together after their season is over since everyone plays professionally somewhere. Thus I do not think Team USA is at a disadvantage here. On the contrary they at least have some of their players training together regulary which many of the other countries do not. One should not forget that these players are professionals and need to make a living.

European players who play for top European NT and top Italian teams play a much more hectic schedule than their American counterparts.

To give an example, Angelina Grun of Germany finished off 2002-2003 season with Bergamo (she was in camp all summer with Germany before this due to WCH), was at camp for ECH all summer, then went to Italy to her team (playing league and CEV Cup - in both competitions they played the maximum number of matches which lasted forever), played OG Qualifier in Baku in between which they won and has been in camp all summer long for OG. Piccinini's schedule was even more hectic since she also played WC in addition to all of the above tournaments. Both these players will be back with their team soon training for the upcoming season where they will again play a similar schedule.

For the Baku qualifier, Serie A suspended matches for only one week and the matches there lasted sthg like 5-6 days so you can see noone had much time for preparation.

I have no idea how the national team pay-out system works. Does anyone know how much players around the world get paid by their federations? Your post implies that team USA is at a disadvantage for finacial reasons yet USA was beaten by the Dominican Republic!!! A third-world country whose players probably feel fortunate to have a change of uniforms and a gym to practice in.

Many national teams do not pay their players to play for them. At least this is the case on this end of the world. Sure they do get bonuses and such for success at tournaments but otherwise no payment is involved. I have heard that Russia just recently started to pay salaries to their NT players but I do not know of any other country who does.

[beachman]

Our "system" is better than it has ever been, in all probability, but it is still light years behind that of many of the other competitive countries in the world of athletics. Corporate America has come forward to some degree, but we still lag far far behind......as far as Colorado Springs is concerned, I have been there, and if this is the "most advanced" facility on the planet, elephants will soon evolve into humming birds! I can tell you, without hesitation, that many of our players really hate the place.....nothing to do, and just not ideal for life off of the court! Privately, and from anecdotal information, both coaches would move TOMORROW, if they could figure out how to get the hell out of there....Toshi, well his move will probably not be voluntary, as I expect him to be "booted out" by the morons at USA Volleyball.....Beal, whose teams have underperformed in the past will probably be able to stay due to the unexpected success of this team....hell they could still win the gold!
As far as Logan Tom is concerned, I hope she moves on as she is still a disruptive force in this program and many involved with it would tell you "privately" that they would love to see her move on! Sorry Stanford fans but that's the way it is!!!!! Both Brittany Hochevar and Elisha Thomas were the last two players cut, and I really hope that they return, albeit I expect Brittany to move on, probably to Beach, where she could do well with the all around game that she has as well as her tremendous work ethic.....Elisha has improved greatly this past year and certainly has a better future with this program that do Bown or Bachman! BUT LOGAN HAS TO GO!

[sistahsledge]

Beachman said:

Our "system" is better than it has ever been, in all probability, but it is still light years behind that of many of the other competitive countries in the world of athletics. Corporate America has come forward to some degree, but we still lag far far behind......

So who are these many countries that are light years ahead of us in athletics and what can we do to catch up? They must be hauling in dozens more Olympic medals than USA. What's their secret?

Seriously though, what needs to be done? If it's a matter of sponsorship, corporate America isn't going to toss money at a group of 12 women unless they do something high profile like win a gold medal. It's a catch-22 but that's how marketing works.

I've never been to the OTC. Just saw some episode on the Discovery Channel that showed the gyms, weight rooms, cafeteria, swimming pools and the high-tech training etc. It looked pretty spiffy but they could have been putting their best foot forward for the sake of the cameras. If the place is crumbling to disrepair, the USOC should be notified.

[sonofbarcelonabob]

Beachman said:

WAAAAH! WAAAAAH! WAAAAH!

Dear Beachdork,

I have forwarded your name/address to the cluebird. I sincerely hope it pays you a visit real soon. You are in dire need of a clue.

V/R,
SoBB

[sonofbarcelonabob]

sistahsledge said:

Beachman said:

I've never been to the OTC. Just saw some episode on the Discovery Channel that showed the gyms, weight rooms, cafeteria, swimming pools and the high-tech training etc. It looked pretty spiffy but they could have been putting their best foot forward for the sake of the cameras. If the place is crumbling to disrepair, the USOC should be notified.

I live in C. Springs. Been to the USOTC on a regular basis (the exhibits/tours are cool, too). There is nothing wrong with the training facilities, they are top notch.

The dormitories/cafeteria are in older buildings, as the USOTC was built on a former military base. But they have been renovated and are more than adequate.

As for the some players whining about life in C. Springs (according to Beachdorks accounts), they should learn to deal with it.

[Go Iowa]

I've been to Colorado Springs and Long Beach. I'd pick Colorado Springs anyday... except that I won't move from Chicago. I think they should just move the OTC here. Bring Ogonna back home.

[beachman]

Go said:

I've been to Colorado Springs and Long Beach. I'd pick Colorado Springs anyday... except that I won't move from Chicago. I think they should just move the OTC here. Bring Ogonna back home.

Given the fact that you live in CHICAGO(and obviously like it there), I can understand your comments ;D

[beachman]

SonofBarcelonaBob said:

Dear Beachdork,

I have forwarded your name/address to the cluebird. I sincerely hope it pays you a visit real soon. You are in dire need of a clue.

V/R,
SoBB

Hey SOBB, how is Barcelona Bob these days?

[Go Iowa]

Beachman said:

Given the fact that you live in CHICAGO(and obviously like it there), I can understand your comments ;D

Well, I guess I would live in Long Beach if Clay decided that's where we should live. It's completely up to him, of course. ;D

[sonofbarcelonabob]

Beachman said:

Hey SOBB, how is Barcelona Bob these days?

She's doing great. Working on her cut shot in anticipation of a breakout beach career, Walsh has told her offline that she'll dump Misty in a heartbeat if she can be BB's partner-of-choice when BB hits the tour.

[beachman]

SonofBarcelonaBob said:

She's doing great. Working on her cut shot in anticipation of a breakout beach career, Walsh has told her offline that she'll dump Misty in a heartbeat if she can be BB's partner-of-choice when BB hits the tour.

GO FOR IT!

[sonofbarcelonabob]

Beachman said:

GO FOR IT!

Thanks, Mr. Balboa. Loved that Rocky V movie you put out awhile ago. Great Flick.

[PukaPants]

BeiBei said:

Sure, the 2 great LBSU all americans who led Long Beach to a first round defeat in 2002

Was it 2001 they all wore slutty make up?
When Logan shut down Cheryl Weaver?
When Nishimoto served the ball long which gave Stanford game point on the second game?
When the Stanford band started chanting "It's your fault! It's your fault" and pointed at Nishimoto?
When Ogonna tattooed Lindsay Phillips in the face?
When Logan stuff blocked Hochevar for championship point?

I think I'll have to start digging in the video vault.......

[rightsider]

Beachman said:

...as far as Colorado Springs is concerned, I have been there, and if this is the "most advanced" facility on the planet, elephants will soon evolve into humming birds! I can tell you, without hesitation, that many of our players really hate the place.....nothing to do, and just not ideal for life off of the court! Privately, and from anecdotal information, both coaches would move TOMORROW, if they could figure out how to get the hell out of there...

Um, let's see, the Chinese and the Russians will be playing for the gold and silver medals. Wonder how much they'd complain if they had to train at Colorado Springs? And with nothing to do.

Maybe our little sweethearts could've done a little bit less of "something to do" and more of keeping their mind on their business. What, really, is the need for those luxury cars in the OTC parking lot?

Oh yeah, and the diva attitudes. Logan's got one, you say. Wait 'til Cheryl, Kristee and Kim show up. If our players could get over themselves, and their entertainment, and their Euro fashions, and Euro cars, maybe they could actually concentrate on their volleyball game.