American Water Polo

Northern Virginia Powers Through Competition

 

Long Beach WPC Takes Over Pacific Coast League Lead

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Long Beach Water Polo Club took over the lead in the Pacific Coast Water Polo League standings on the evening of Thursday, June 23, as the squad squeaked past host Lions Water Polo 9-8 on the campus of Loyola Marymount University to improve to 4-2 on the season.

The victory marks Long Beach's second of the week as the team went 1-1 with a victory over Bruins Water Polo (10-8 W, Shootout) on Sunday, June 19 and a 19-17 loss to Santa Barbara (19-17 L, Shootout) on Saturday, June 18 as part of a 10-game event at Santiago High School in Riverside, Calif.

Long Beach, which fell to Lions Water Polo 11-10 on June 4 at the University of California-San Diego, avenged the defeat to take over command of first place in the standings by points (8) over Lions WP (3-1, 6 points).

In other action over the weekend, Bruins Water Polo went 2-2 with wins versus Santa Barbara (9-3 W) and Xtreme Water Polo (15-6 W), while falling to Long Beach (10-8 L) and Pepperdine (8-5 L).  Santa Barbara also finished 2-2 over the weekend, downing Xtreme (12-6 W) and Long Beach with losses to Pepperdine (12-9 L) and Bruins.

Xtreme went 0-2 to fall to 0-5 on the year with losses to Bruins and Santa Barbara, with Pepperdine moving to 3-2 in the wake of victories versus Santa Barbara and Bruins.

Complete results of Pacific Coast League competition to date are available on the PCL homepage.

(Photos courtesy Allison Delgado and Meghan Rowland)

Lehigh Valley Water Polo Set for this Summer

ALLENTOWN, Pa. -- Athletes in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania will have new opportunities to enjoy the sport of water polo as the inaugural summer season of the Lehigh Valley Water Polo league kicks off on June 30.

The brainchild of Justin Houck and Ken Vincent, in conjunction with the City of Allentown's Recreation Department, American Water Polo and the Kingfish Water Polo foundation, the league offers introductory competition for all levels of water polo athletes entering the ninth grade and older.

All sessions and competitions will be held at Cedar Beach Pool, located at Cedar Parkway and W. Linden Street in Allentown.

The first sessions of competition will consist of scrimmages on Thursday, June 30 and Thursday, July 7 from 6:30-to-8:30 p.m.

Players will then be divided into evenly matched teams based on age and ability.  The teams will be scheduled for a minimum of five games to be played either on Thursday evenings (6:30 pm or 7:30 p.m.) or Saturday mornings (between 8 a.m. and noon).  The summer league will end on Saturday, August 6.

All competition will be held under current NCAA water polo rules.  All rules will be reviewed during the first two week instructional sessions and scrimmages.

The entry fee is just $45 for the entire summer program.  Current American Water Polo members receive a $15 discount.  The entry fee includes insurance through American Water Polo and a t-shirt.  The entry form and fee (checks made out to “Lehigh Valley Water Polo”) must be submitted at the first session attended.  As space in the league is limited, please email your name, age, and address to lehighvalleywaterpolo@gmail.com to hold your spot in the league.

Contact Lehigh Valley Water Polo at:

Email: lehighvalleywaterpolo@gmail.com

Telephone: Justin Houck at 610-858-6270 or Ken Vincent at 484-223-7243.

 

Pacific Coast League Gets Xtreme

BRIDGEPORT, Pa. – Xtreme Water Polo head coach Rick Rowland is true to his club’s name in regards to the Pacific Coast League: Extremely excited about the league’s potential.

Xtreme, the summer water polo club of California Baptist University, will experience something which Rowland and his squad have rarely competed in during the summer, regular and highly competitive games.

“It is exciting for the club to have a chance to play some of the best players in the country during the summer,” notes Rowland.  “In the past, we formed the club and typically played in some games against Masters’ teams, but they were spread out over the summer.”

One of the benefits for Rowland is the Pacific Coast League’s defined schedule of games.

“Now we are playing on six weekends during the summer.  Previously, we did a lot of training, but it was hard to keep the guys motivated because there were not enough games.  In this format, we are playing the University of California and other Top 10 teams, while also getting games against the Olympic Club and some of the best Masters players in California.“

The level of competition is a big draw for Xtreme, due to the potential of facing the best in California during the season.

“Each weekend the guys are playing either ex-All-Americans or the best collegiate players in the country.  This is great for our development and the team is focused, something which did not happen with our past schedule of sporadic games.  We have our current players and some alumni, probably 18-22 guys in all, coming back on a weekly basis to compete while working around their jobs and the rest of their lives. That may not have happened with our past structure.”

The low cost to compete are also significant factors in Xtreme’s perspective on the league.

“ For $30 each not only do they have an opportunity to play against the top guys, but each member of the team gets a t-shirt too, which I think they are most excited about, ” quipped Rowland.

Unlike past players experiences, including Rowland who reminisced about being part of collegiate teams that played every other weekend against other collegiate programs year round, the set-up for collegiate water polo over the past few years in California did not feature a competitive league for teams.

“This is a big boast for collegiate water polo in California.  We needed someone to form the league and set-up the structure so the collegiate teams could have a chance to continue the momentum from the season.  I give the credit to Dan Sharadin and Tom Tracey, as they are a reason all of us have a chance to play at this level during the summer.”

Cal Baptist, which does not fund the summer club program, is still in the midst of a transition from NAIA to NCAA.  However, the Xtreme players are no strangers to the upper-levels of competition during the varsity season as Cal Baptist consistently ranked in the Top 20 over the past few seasons, rating at anywhere from No. 12-to-20 during the course of the past few years.

“Teams used to kind of smirk to play us,” states Rowland. “When I started at Cal Baptist, Dan was a huge help in getting us games against the top level teams.  The Pacific Coast League is another example of Dan and Tom helping not only us (the Pacific Coast teams), but the sport to grow.”

In terms of “Players to Watch”, Rowland’s analysis of the team starts with goalie Austen Ramer, who ranked in the Top Five in the nation in saves, assists and steals last season.  Add in the presence of Brent Troutman, who finished third on the team with 40 goals last year, and Extreme appears well positioned on both offense and defense.

In addition to the active Cal Baptist players, Extreme may receive an infusion of scoring later in the season from All-America alum Aaron Steiger.

Steiger, California Baptist’s first ever 300 and 400 goal scorer, was the only non-NCAA Div. I player named to the first, second, or third team in the Fall of 2010, no small feat as he also led the nation in goals (126) for the second time while posting a 38-game scoring streak.  On top of that he paced the team in steals (57) and added 26 assists. 

“Our top two scorers from the fall graduated, so our juniors are going to have to step up and fill the void.  Playing against this type of competition should give them a challenge.”

Make that an Xtreme challenge.

EWPL Schedule Now Available

BRIDGEPORT, Pa. -- The schedule of games for the 2011 Eastern Water Polo League is now available online by clicking here.

Teams will play regular season games during two weekends and a third championship weekend as competition will take place on June 25-26, July 12, July 16-17 and July 19 before the championship on Augustt 6-7.

Established in 1988, the Eastern Water Polo League is the largest organized water polo summer league east of the Mississippi River and features some of the top collegiate and senior players on an annual basis.

Games are held at Villanova University between June and August. Teams are guaranteed 11 games which take place during the course of three weekends. Please review the general information on the EWPL page for specific details including costs, league rules and competition dates.

Pacific Coast League Schedule Change for this Weekend

BRIDGEPORT, Pa. -- The schedule of games for the Pacific Coast League this weekend at Santiago High School in Riverside, Calif. has been adjusted due to opponent changes.

Fans and teams should check the complete Pacific Coast League schedule by clicking here for the most recently updated schedule and results for the league.

Last Day to Register Senior Team for EWPL

Today marks the deadline for registering senior teams for the 2011 Eastern Water Polo League.

Teams are asked to fill out the registration form by the end of today (June 10) to guarantee their inclusion in the league schedule.

Teams will play regular season games during two weekends and a third championship weekend. Teams entering must commit to all three weekends in order to participate.

Competition will normally take place between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (game times are subject to change dependent upon day, location and number of teams). All efforts will be made to answer specific request by teams as well as a later start on Saturday for teams traveling a great distance.

Competition for women will be offered in single tournament invitational events.

Established in 1988, the Eastern Water Polo League is the largest organized water polo summer league east of the Mississippi River and features some of the top collegiate and senior players on an annual basis.

Games are held at Villanova University between June and August. Teams are guaranteed 11 games which take place during the course of three weekends. Please review the general information on the EWPL page for specific details including costs, league rules and competition dates.

Peering Into Polo's Past with Andy Burke

Photographed on June 5, 2010 at The Olympic Club where the 1957 and 1959 National Championship Teams were honored. Photo Courtesy of Andy Burke. 

From Player to Leader in the Sport
Perspective by Andy Burke 

I was introduced to the sport of water polo in 1945, when I was asked to join the San Francisco Olympic Club as a junior member and a swimmer. I was also swimming at Commerce High School. The coach of the Olympic Club was George Schroth, who was a long-time swimmer and water polo player, having represented the U.S. on the 1924 (Bronze Medal) and 1928 Olympic Teams. He was (is) one of the finest gentlemen I have ever known. In 1948, George moved to the University of California-Berkeley, where he had a successful career as the Golden Bears coach.

The Olympic Club had a very active water polo program in the fall of each year, fielding a senior team that played the local colleges and a junior team that played against the high school teams on the San Francisco Peninsula. Thus began my lifelong love affair with water polo.

As I remember it, the pools were usually 25-yards long, with the restriction that you could not be within the four-yard line from the goal unless the ball was already inside the area. In many cases, the pool had a shallow end, but you were not allowed to use the bottom for assistance. Otherwise, a technical foul was called and the ball turned over. 

The attacking was done primarily by the Center Forward, who would struggle with his defender to get off a shot. When fouled, the CF would pass out to one of the other two forwards who were swimming into the attack area, and they would either shoot or pass back to the CF. The defensive backs or guards seldom went into the attack area as it caused too many people to be in the area and the congestion made it difficult to shoot. We worked out in the afternoons, and loved the game as a respite from the grind of swimming laps. Being able to travel to games on the Peninsula against the various high schools was a real adventure. 

At that time, whenever you graduated from high school, you went on to play in college and then returned to the Olympic Club. While in college, you could not play for the Club during the school year but only in the summer. The Club’s senior team was made up mainly of athletes who had played in college and wanted to remain involved. In the fall of 1946, I was invited to come down one evening and workout with the senior squad. What a thrill for a young high school athlete.

We didn’t know a lot about what was happening in water polo other than what the senior team was doing whenever they played, plus what was taking place at Berkeley, Stanford and San Jose State. At the 1948 Olympic Games in London, the U.S. Olympic Team was made up primarily of players from the Los Angeles Athletic Club. One of these players, Rutledge “Bob” Bray, moved to our area and joined the Olympic Club’s senior squad. We were all amazed at his ability and skill level. He played the Center Forward position and was truly ambidextrous, able to shoot forehands and backhands with either hand.

At some time during the late 1940’s and/or early 1950’s, a new type of game was introduced. When the whistle blew for a foul, all players had to come to a complete stop and could not move until the ball was again put into play. You tried to get an advantage over your opponent by “drifting” a very short distance. If the referee noticed what you were doing, he would eject you from the game until a goal was scored. It was a short-lived experiment, but an interesting one, and then we returned to the old rules.

At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Finland, the U.S. was represented by a group of young athletes from the El Segundo Swim Club of Southern California. Coached by Urho Saari, they won the Olympic Trials and were augmented by players from the New York Athletic Club, Illinois Athletic Club and Whittier Swim Club. At Helsinki, they finished fourth. The AAU Nationals were held in the fall of that year at the Los Alamitos Naval Air Station, which in the early 2000’s became the USA Water Polo National Training Center. Several of the players from our U.S. Olympic Team participated in these championships, and the Olympic Club sent a squad on which I was privileged to play and help finish in second place.

The next few years passed with few changes until the Olympic Trials of 1956, held at the Los Angeles Swim Stadium, site of the 1932 Olympic Games’ swimming competition. Nine teams were entered but the major difference to us (and most others) was that you went from the normal 25-yard pool to the international standard of 30 meters by 20 meters. You also used a leather ball. The ball was similar to a soccer ball, and after two hours of practice, it was waterlogged and very heavy. Each of us on our team had to take care of one ball, and after practice we would bring it home, dry it out and then rub it with Neetsfoot Oil. 

The game itself was played in two halves of ten minutes each, with five minutes of halftime. Substitution was allowed only at halftime, and if you were excluded for a major foul, you had to stay out until a score was made by either team. An interesting side note to the time element of the game was that there was no visual clock for the players to see. The time was kept by an official at the desk, and you did not know how much time was left in each half until the gun went off to end the half, or the game. You tried to keep an idea of the amount of time having been played – and how much remained – to assist with your strategy, but it was always a guessing game.

In 1956, the Olympic Trials final game ended as a tie between the Southern California Water Polo Club and the Illinois Athletic Club. The former was declared the winner by comparing goal averages, a method used for breaking ties in the past. Southern Cal placed seven players on the U.S. Olympic Team, with the four alternates, or subs, being selected from the Illinois AC. The team finished fifth at Melbourne, Australia. One of the bright stars of that squad was Bob Hughes, who was entered in both water polo and swimming, where he competed in the 100-meter breaststroke. He would swim the first 50 meters underwater, make the turn, and then resurface. He was 6’-6” and probably about 240 pounds, very strong and extremely hard to guard. 

These Olympics also marked the famous “blood bath game” between Hungary and the Soviet Union. Following the Games, most of the members of the Hungarian and Romanian teams defected and came to the United States. They toured around the country raising funds to assist the players. While in Northern California, they rode around in a Greyhound bus and played our Olympic Club in a series of matches. One game was held at the saltwater Fleishhacker Pool, which at that time was the largest pool in the world, being 1,000-feet long and 33-yards wide. A course was set up across the pool at the deep-end, and we played there.

One of the memorable things that amazed all of us was when we lost the ball in our offensive end to Hungarian Ervin Zador, the player who had been cut in the “blood bath.” He took off with the ball, being chased by our fastest player and actually opened up water between them while dribbling with the ball. Most of the Hungarian players returned to Hungary, while many of the Romanian players remained in the U.S. Several of them joined us at the Olympic Club, and two of them were on our 1957 National AAU Championship Team. 

The next four years proceeded with the U.S. playing the “American game” in 25-yard pools, but each summer, usually in August, we went to the international course of 20-meters by 30-meters for the AAU Nationals. These were dubbed the “Outdoor Nationals.” The major clubs playing in this event were the New York AC, the Illinois AC, the Olympic Club, El Segundo (located near Los Angeles) and Southern California Water Polo. At that time, the AAU also conducted an “Indoor Nationals,” held primarily in the East in the early spring and attended mostly by local teams. The true championship was considered to be the “Outdoor Nationals.”

From 1957 through 1959, our Olympic Club senior team compiled a record of 63 wins and just six losses, with the losses all coming in national competition. In 1957, and again in 1959, we won the AAU Outdoor Championships, going through the tournament undefeated in 1959. Note: this fall, this group will be inducted into the Olympic Club Hall of Fame.

Although there was great rivalry during the late 1950’s, the players were still part of the “water polo family.” We wanted the top Southern California teams to play against, so if they traveled north, or we south, we would host each other in our homes. The rivalries were intense, but outside the pool we were all friendly. 

The “Outdoor Nationals” usually had 16 teams entered and were played over four days. Teams were seeded into four groups of four each for round-robin play. At the conclusion of the first round (two games on Thursday and one on Friday), the bottom two teams in each group were eliminated, and the top two moved forward to a new group with the top two teams from another group – A-with-D and B-with-C. The results of the games between the teams moving forward went with them so you only needed to play the two teams from the new group. These games were played on Saturday, with the bottom two teams from each group eliminated and the top two advancing to the semifinals. 

The winner of each group played the runner-up from the other group in the semifinals on Sunday morning. Then in the afternoon, the winners played for the National Championship and the losers for third place. These games were usually over early in the afternoon, and there was a big party afterwards hosted by the tournament committee for all the participants. Those of us who were playing at that time in U.S. water polo history still have many good stories to tell from those “social activities.”

The 1960 Olympic Trials were again played at the Los Angeles Swim Stadium, with 12 teams entered. The major change in the rules was that in the event of a tie in points between teams, it would be decided by goal differential (the numerical difference between goals scored and goals given up) rather than goal average (goals scored divided by goals given up). Editor’s note: yeah, confusing, which is why we have either overtime or a shootout nowadays.

The U.S. Olympic Team consisted entirely of players from Southern California – Lynwood Swim Club (the winner of the Trials) and the Los Angeles Swim Club and El Segundo. In the Games at Rome, Italy, our team finished seventh, winning four games and losing three. The consensus was that the difference between the U.S. and the best European teams was the Euros’ experience in top international play. In leading up to our own Team Trials, our Olympic Club team worked out at Fleishhacker Pool, mentioned previously, and at Searsville Lake, behind Stanford University. At Fleishhacker, if our coach was unhappy with our work ethic, we got to do a three-man ball drill down the pool (1,000 feet), across the width, and back up. Very exhilarating! At Searsville, we built a 20-meters by 30-meters course in the lake, and our coach would stand in a rowboat at the halfway mark and referee our scrimmages. On Sundays, we had a morning work-out, and those with families would join us for a picnic lunch, and then we would have an afternoon practice.

In 1961, I was fortunate to be elected to the U.S. Olympic Committee and its Water Polo Committee, of which I was chosen to serve as Chairman. In early meetings, we realized that just selecting the winning team’s seven players from our Team Trials plus four alternates, or subs, was not sufficient for succeeding against the experience of the Europeans, so we decided to select the winning seven players plus nine alternates for a three-week training camp, where our Olympic coach would select the final eleven players for the Olympic Team. 

The 1964 Trials were held in Astoria, New York, in conjunction with the Swimming and Diving Trials and the New York World’s Fair. There were sixteen teams entered, and the Trials ended in a three-way tie that necessitated a round-robin playoff, with El Segundo winning on goal difference. The three-week training camp was held at Los Alamitos Naval Air Station, where Head Coach Urho Saari selected the final eleven players for the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. At the Olympics, I served as Manager of our team. In the preliminary round, we lost to powerful Yugoslavia 2-to-1, beat Brazil 7-to-1, and then lost to Holland 6-to-4, eliminating us from further competition. 

One of the highlights of the U.S. versus Holland game occurred when a penalty shot was awarded to the Dutch star, Fred Van Dorp. The U.S. goalie was his brother, Tony Van Dorp. Tony blocked the shot, and his explanation to the press corps later was a real classic. Tony said, “When I was preparing for the shot, I thought that Fred knows that I know that he always shoots to his right, so he will go to his left, and I’ll play it that way. But then I thought that he would also realize this and not shoot to his left, so I went to his right … and there was the ball.”

During our time in Tokyo, I was able to arrange for our team to at least scrimmage against the top teams that we did not meet in the actual competition. It was my feeling, based on the Olympics, we would need to develop a system to select a National Team and National Team Coaches, so that the U.S. players could get as much training as possible together and travel to Europe to gain international experience.

During this time period, in 1962, I was also elected as Chairman of the AAU’s National Men’s Water Polo Committee. Initially just a sub-committee of Swimming, I was able to get water polo established as a separate committee. In 1964, I created a separate Women’s Water Polo Committee and named Dave Rivenes as chair. The next year, Dave became involved with the Junior Olympics program, so I replaced him with Chuck Hines. Chuck served in this capacity through 1976.

I presented a plan to the AAU for the establishment of a National Team, with a National Team Coach.  Suffice it to say that this was not warmly greeted by the coaches, who felt they would lose an opportunity to be a Pan-American and/or Olympic Team Coach by virtue of their teams winning the Trials. I also established a fund under the AAU to pay for our team’s travel to Europe. 

In 1965, I was approached by the People to People organization with t he opportunity to send coaches to Europe. Seeing that it would be a lot cheaper to send coaches rather than a full team – and we did not have too much money in the fund anyhow – I convi nced Harry Hainsworth at the National AAU Office to use this opportunity, and we sent Bob Horn to Hungary and Art Lambert to Czechoslovakia and East Germany to learn from their coaches. This paid off as both Bob and Art became top club coaches and Olympic Team Coaches - Art as head coach in 1968 and assistant in 1972 and Bob as assistant in 1968. 

(To be continued next month)

Editor’s Note by Chuck Hines:  Andy Burke built San Francisco. Well, not quite. But in his profession, his real job, at which he worked for 37 years, he provided the City with concrete. It is impossible to tour San Francisco without seeing some of Andy’s handiwork, including the Transbay Tube (BART), all 212,000 yards of it. He also has been a super husband to his wife Carolyn, and together they’ve raised four children, all boys and all successful. Now 81, Andy, a San Francisco native, and Carolyn reside in San Carlos, Calif., where they spend as much time as possible with their 14 grandchildren. Through it all, dating back to his teenaged years, Andy has been one of water polo’s most avid and stalwart supporters. In fact, I do not know ANYONE who has contributed more to the sport over the past 50-60 years than him. We will tell you more about Andy next month. Hopefully, you enjoyed the first of two articles he kindly submitted to American Water Polo reviewing his experiences in the sport. 

Lions WP Shines in First Pacific Coast League Weekend

SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Lions Water Polo head coach John Loughran and his squad made a definitive point to roar out of the gates on the opening weekend of the Pacific Coast League hosted by the University of California-San Diego on June 4-5.

The Lions, who are comprised largely of the Loyola Marymount University varsity team, opened the Southern Division competition with a 3-0 mark as the squad downed Long Beach Water Polo (11-10 W), Pepperdine (11-8 W) and Xtreme Water Polo (9-5 W).  Long Beach trumped Pepperdine (10-9 W) and Xtreme (13-8 W) to finish 2-1, while Pepperdine handled Xtreme (14-4 W) to conclude the weekend with a 1-2 mark.

Complete results of the weekend and the upcoming Pacific Coast League schedule are available by clicking here.

Competition will continue throughout the summer at Santiago High School (Riverside, Calif.), Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, Calif.), Mira Costa High School (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), Stanford University (Palo Alto, Calif.), Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, Calif.), Long Beach State University (Long Beach, Calif.), California Baptist University (Riverside, Calif.), University of California (Berkeley, Calif.) and Pepperdine University (Malibu, Calif.).

Lions Water Polo Set to Roar in Pacific Coast League

BRIDGEPORT, Pa. - As the Pacific Coast League launches its inaugural season this weekend, Lion Water Polo head coach John Loughran sees the structure as a launching pad for his program's future success.

The head coach of the Loyola Marymount University men's water polo team, Loughran is no stranger to success having led the Lions to a combined 15 WWPA titles (7 for women, 8 for men) and 15 trips to the NCAA Championship as LMU has risen to become one of the top programs in the nation.

But, the success of the past meets the present day as LMU graduated eight players in 2011, and will turn to its returning players to add another title to Loughran's resume: Pacific Coast League champions.

Sponsored by American Water Polo, the new summer league provides the highest level of competitive opportunities for top level men's student-athletes and Master's athletes on the West Coast.

"This league structure provides things which we had to worry about in the past," notes Loughran.  "It provides an organized structure so we don't have to worry about team's not showing up for games.  The table will be staffed, and we do not have to worry about officials showing up and the quality of the officials that are assigned to our games."

"In the past, we played in whatever tournaments were scheduled.  Things were thrown together, but with the Pacific Coast League, all of those issues are taken care of."

Featuring many of the top teams and student-athletes in collegiate water polo, including squads from the University of California, Santa Clara University, the University of California-Davis, Stanford University, the University of California-Los Angeles, Pepperdine University, Loyola Marymount University, the University of California-Santa Barbara and Long Beach State University, along with the top Master's athletes in the state, the league will provide competitive opportunities for both current and past student-athletes in the minimal number of dates while maximizing developmental opportunities.

Teams are divided into North (Cal, Santa Clara, UC-Davis, Stanford, Olympic Club) and South (Xtreme, Loyola Marymount, UC-Santa Barbara, Pepperdine, UCLA, Long Beach) Divisions with both intra and inter regional competition taking place throughout the summer. All teams play each other at least once with additional games against opponents within their respective regions. At the close of the regular season, the top eight teams qualify for the championship at Pepperdine on July 30. Seeding at the championship is based on regular season won/loss records, as each goal, field block, save and game will matter during the course of the season to determine the championship seeds and pairings.

Competition begins on June 4-5 at UC-San Diego and will continue during the season along the entirety of the Pacific Coast at Santiago High School (Riverside, Calif.), Loyola Marymount (Los Angeles, Calif.), Mira Costa High School (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), Stanford (Palo Alto, Calif.), Santa Clara (Santa Clara, Calif.), Long Beach State (Long Beach, Calif.), California Baptist University (Riverside, Calif.), Cal (Berkeley, Calif.) and Pepperdine (Malibu, Calif.).

But it is the opportunities and the meaning to the games which the league provides that will be of most benefit according to Loughran.

"Sometimes the practices during the summer can be a grind.  With the Pacific Coast League and the competition against players which we will see later during the (varsity) season, it adds meaning to all the games.  That will help our workouts because we know each game will either help or hurt us in the standings."

Leading the charge into the summer season is a quartet of returning veterans in senior Edgaras Asajavicius, junior Jon Colton and fifth year-seniors Max Schlegel and Charlie Horton.

Asajavicius, a 2009 Third Team and 2010 Honorable Mention Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) All-America selection, will see his first summer action in the United States in the Pacific Coast League as a new generation of Lions assumes more prominent roles.

"After graduating eight guys this year, there is a new group that is taking over the leadership role on the team.  Edgaras is from Lithuania and this is the first summer he is not going home," noted Loughran.  "Max Schlegel and Charlie Horton are both fifth-year seniors, while Jon Colton has been having an outstanding spring and summer so far."   

In goal, the Lions will need to replace arguably the best goalie in the nation as All-America netminder Andy Stevens was lost to graduation.  Taking over the position as the last line of defense will be the tandem of Gavyn Wild and recent Golden West Community College player Kyle Testman.

In terms of whom Loughran expects to be the Lions chief competition, some familiar names remain near the top of the list.

"California and UCLA will be near or at the top. Besides them, one of the benefits of the league is the Olympic Club and the Masters clubs which are involved.  From a competition standpoint, it is a great experience for our guys to play against as many of the players that are or have been on the National Team."

 "As the league gets a foothold, I expect to see more Masters teams getting involved and the league really growing into something which provides a benefit well into the future."

Job Announcements from Around the Country

BRIDGEPORT, Pa. -- As a service to the league coaches and membership, thte following is a list of known open positions around the country for coaches.

Collegiate Varsity Positions

Connecticut College Assistant Water Polo Coach (June 2, 2011)

Connecticut College, a highly selective private liberal arts college in New London, CT, and a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), is accepting applications for the position of Athletics Intern in Men’s and Women’s Water Polo.  This is a two-year position reviewed for reappointed annually, beginning September 1, 2011.  Requirements include a bachelor’s degree, a valid U.S. driver’s license, and water polo playing and/or coaching experience.  The successful candidate will assist with all facets of the Division III men’s and women’s water polo programs, as well as facility supervision and home event management responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Athletics.  The successful candidate must have the highest ethical standards with regard to the NCAA and NESCAC rules.

Connecticut College educates students to put the liberal arts into action as citizens in a global society.  Located mid-way between New York and Boston, the College is notable for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus.  The College’s Board of Trustees, President, administration, faculty and staff share a commitment to diversity: we foster the values of equity, inclusion, and respect for all human differences, for these are essential to the fulfillment of our mission.  The College is also an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation will include a stipend, a limited meal card, and tuition remission for coursework (if accepted as a Special Day Student). Interested candidates should forward a current resume and cover letter to: Head Coach JJ Addison at  jaddison@conncoll.edu. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. 

Bucknell University Assistant Water Polo Coach (June 1, 2011)

Bucknell University seeks an assistant coach responsible for on-deck coaching and recruitment of academically-qualified student athletes for a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Men's and Women's Water Polo programs, within the guidelines, rules and regulations of Bucknell University, the NCAA and the Conference.   

Duties include:

1. Lead training and practice sessions, ensuring that all appropriate safety guidelines and standards are maintained. Perform specific coaching responsibilities during athletic events. Attend coaches preparatory meetings and implement strategies resulting from these meetings.

2. Assigned responsibilities within the daily operations and overall administration of the sports program.

3. Develop a comprehensive and functional knowledge of the sport and maintain a thorough and continuing familiarity with all applicable University and NCAA regulations.

4. Scout and recruit quality student-athletes under the guidance and direction of the head coach and coordinate all recruiting activities with the head coach and with appropriate Departmental personnel. Be responsible to identify, cultivate and assess for a specific geographical area or position group

5. Serve as an Academic Enhancement staff member responsible for all facets of the sport specific academic program, including the monitoring of individual student-athletes academic progress as expressed by the faculty. Demonstrate an active interest in the academic progress of student-athletes. Work closely with all appropriate Departmental personnel to assure academic success of student-athletes.

6. Work with student-athletes to monitor adherence to rules and regulations regarding conduct, appearance and behavior. Provide individual counseling to student-athletes when appropriate and direct the student-athlete to professional staff when needed.

7. Work closely with the athletic training staff to insure the safety of all student-athletes.

8. Perform other duties as assigned.

9. Teach in Departmental wellness program as assigned.

10. Represents the sports program to various institutional programs and externally to the media, funding agencies, students, parents, faculty and the general public.

11. Maintain current CPR and First Aid Certifications. 

Minimum qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills combined with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and student-athletes having a range of backgrounds, interests, and perspectives.  

Preferred qualifications include:

• Collegiate playing/coaching experience preferred.
  
• 
  
• Proven integrity, leadership, and a thorough knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations is essential.
  
• Candidate should possess a strong commitment and ability to motivate, teach, counsel, and recruit academically qualified student-athletes.  

 

Bucknell University values a diverse college community and is committed to excellence through diversity in its faculty, staff and students. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, Bucknell University especially welcomes applications from women and minority candidates.

To apply online, click here

---

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Men's Head Coach (May 27, 2011)

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) seeks a part-time head men's water polo coach. 

Responsibilities include management of all facets of the men’s varsity water polo program to include but not limited to: administration, budget management, alumni stewardship, recruiting, scheduling of competitions, team travel, weekly practice sessions, counseling of students, and compliance with NCAA and conference rules and regulations.

Requirements include one to three years coaching experience preferably at the college/university level. A Bachelor's degree is required: a Masters degree is preferred. Proven experience in recruiting to a highly selective institution desirable. Administrative, interpersonal/communication skills and computer skills are essential. Appropriate certifications in First Aid, CPR, AED, and Biohazards are required within an appropriate time of hire and must be completed (per NCAA regulations) before the beginning of the competitive season. Employment is conditional upon successful completion of a background check.

Application deadline is June 15, 2011. Please submit cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three references.

Apply electronically at: http://web.mit.edu/jobs/

MIT is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

The mission of MIT is to advance knowledge and educate students in science, technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the nation and the world in the 21st century.

The Institute is committed to generating, disseminating, and preserving knowledge, and to working with others to bring this knowledge to bear on the world's great challenges. MIT is dedicated to providing its students with an education that combines rigorous academic study and the excitement of discovery with the support and intellectual stimulation of a diverse campus community. We seek to develop in each member of the MIT community the ability and passion to work wisely, creatively, and effectively for the betterment of humankind.

---

University of Hawaii Women's Head Coach (May 20, 2011)

JOB SUMMARY: Under administrative direction, the Head Coach is responsible for planning, administering, and evaluating the overall operation of the NCAA Division I Women’s Water Polo Program to include, but not limited to, academic achievement of student-athletes, on deck coaching, recruitment of qualified prospects, supervision of assistant coaches and other staff assigned to the program, compliance, program management (eligibility, scheduling, travel, budget, equipment), and student-athlete welfare. The Head Coach assumes full responsibility for ensuring that team performance is competitive in the affiliated conference with the goal of achieving post-season competition. Additionally, the Head Coach must maintain collaborative working relationships with administrators and coaches in the department, other college offices, and appropriate members of the media, donors, and other individuals interested in the sports program. Reports to the Director of Athletics or designee.

1. Promote the institutional position on intercollegiate issues as determined under administrative policy and procedures adopted by the University, Conference or the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

2. Provide leadership and oversight for the academic progress and eligibility status of student-athletes.

3. Organize and evaluate practices and intercollegiate competitions. Teach necessary skills from the basic fundamentals to the techniques and strategies of team play. Direct the conditioning and training of student-athletes to ensure proper preparation for intercollegiate athletic competition.

4. Plan and supervise the recruitment and selection of qualified prospects capable of competing in the classroom and on the deck. Recommend scholarship awards for student-athletes to the Athletics Director.

5. Evaluate, recruit, and select qualified prospects who have the ability to compete in the classroom and athletically. Actively seek out and encourage a diverse group of prospects and assist them through the application process. Work collaboratively with the Compliance, Student Affairs, Academics and the Admissions Office staff to qualify and process prospects in a timely and efficient manner. Make recurring contacts by telephone, written correspondence, off-campus visits and evaluations, and coordination of campus visits.

6. Promote the physical and mental welfare of all program participants.

7. Promote and foster a positive team environment, appropriate behavior, and sportsmanship by team members. Responsible for the conduct of team members both on and off the deck.

8. Recommend budget and administer approved allocation.

9. Oversee the selection, purchase, fitting, and upkeep of team equipment.

10. Exercise functional and administrative supervision for any assigned assistant coaches and other support staff, to include their compliance with NCAA, Conference, and University rules and policies which govern the conduct of the Intercollegiate Athletics program.

11. Prepare data and reports as necessary in support of University requirements.

12. Arrange a competitive competition schedule as approved and coordinate travel arrangements needed in support thereof.

13. Organize and participate in sports clinics, exhibitions, and camps as approved.

14. Recommend future schedules, personnel, financial and facilities requirements for the sports program to the Athletics Director.

15. Actively participates in fundraising, sports promotional activities, speaking engagements, and alumni events as requested or approved. Participate in public relations activities that strengthen the relationship between the University and the Community.

16. Know, recognize, and comply with the laws, policies, rules, and regulations governing the University of Hawai‘i and its employees, and the rules of the NCAA and affiliated conferences as now constituted or as may be amended in the future. Immediately advises the Director of Athletics or designee if there are reasonable cause to believe violations, whether by employees, students, or others, have occurred or will occur.

17. Perform other duties as assigned.

TO APPLY: Submit cover letter indicating how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications, resume, Employment Application Form-UH Form 64 (Form can be found at(http://www.hawaii.edu/ohr/bor/forms/form64.pdf) and names of 3 professional references to the address below. Application can also be faxed to (808)956-4637 Attn: Human Resources.

ADDRESS: University of Hawaii Athletics Attn: Human Resources 1337 Lower Campus Rd Honolulu, HI 96822

DEADLINE TO APPLY IS MONDAY, JUNE 6, 2011.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university.

Three (3) years experience coaching water polo at the college or university level.

Knowledge and ability to organize, implement, and develop a Water Polo Program as played at the intercollegiate level.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Successful Division I Water Polo coaching experience.

Demonstrated ability to coach and recruit the highly skilled student-athlete.

---

Brown University Assistant Water Polo Coach (May 19, 20011)

Brown University seeks an assistant men's and women's water polo coach. 

This position assists the Head Coach in all phases of the Men's and Women's Water Polo programs. This includes coaching, assisting in recruiting, and administrative responsibilities that include compiling and maintaining student-athlete participation and prospective-student recruiting logs and other NCAA/Ivy compliance information.

All department employees are required to demonstrate exemplary ethical conduct and conformance to NCAA rules and regulations; the duties of the position are to be performed in compliance with all NCAA, Ivy League and ECAC rules and regulations; and any rules violations on behalf of themselves or any knowledge of violations within the department are to be reported to the appropriate parties. Coaching positions are required to pass the NCAA Coaches Certification Test. 

The work schedule is established at July 16 - December 15 which then resumes from January 16 - May 15. Varied hours including early mornings, evenings and weekends. 

Job qualifications include:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Three to five years of coaching experience at the high school and/or collegiate playing experience; collegiate coaching experience preferred.
• 
  
• Ability to recruit within NCAA and Ivy League rules.
• 
  
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, oral communication, and computer skills.
• 
  
• Commitment to the student-athlete, passion for the game, and ability to coach and motivate.
• 
  
• Support all decisions made by the Head Coach.
• 
  
• The successful candidate for this position will be required to complete a criminal background and DMV checks satisfactory to Brown University prior to commencing employment.
• 
  
• More information, including salary data and all pertinent contact information for the Brown University Human Resources Department, is available at https://careers.brown.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/frameset/Frameset.jsp?time=1306416951886

---

Whittier College Swimming/Water Polo Assistant Coach (April 11, 2011)

Whittier College, a NCAA Division III institution and member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference in Whittier, CA seeks an Assistant Coach for its Aquatic program. 

This is a full-time, 10-month, benefited position.  Reporting to the Director of Aquatics, the assistant coach will be responsible for assisting the head coach in organizing, developing and administering the men’s & women’s water polo and swimming programs plus the supervision of two graduate assistants, recruiting and retaining student athletes and daily instruction in practice.  Must be dedicated to building a successful, respected program and exhibit a strong commitment toward adhering to Whittier College policies and guidelines.  

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree required. Previous experience in coaching is essential, preferably at the college level.  The ability to relate well to the college community, including students, faculty and alumni, as well as the general public and media is expected as is dedication to the full educational development of the student athletes in the program.  The candidate must possess a thorough understanding and working knowledge of NCAA Division III regulations.  Background check will be conducted: a valid driver’s license and good driving record required.  

How to Apply:  Mail or email a letter of application and resume including the names and telephone numbers of three references to: Director of Athletics, Robert J. Coleman, 13847 Earlham Drive, Whittier, CA 90602; rcoleman@whittier.edu.

---

Collegiate Club Positions

Michigan State University Seeks Head Men's Club Coach

The three-time National Champion (2000, 2006, 2008) Michigan State University men's water polo is in need of a head coach. All applicants should:

• Have prior coaching and playing experience, preferably at the collegiate level
• 
  
• Understand the priorities of a club program (may be discussed on interview)
• 
  
• Have strong interpersonal communication skills
• 
  
• Be able to engineer a season with specific goals and checkpoints to meet the team's ultimate goal of being as competitive as possible
• 
  
• Be able to present and explain past season's workouts designed by them

---

University of Pennsylvania Seeks Head Women's Club Coach

The University of Pennsylvania’s Recreation Department invites applications for the position of Women’s club water polo head coach.

Penn’s Club Sports program is designed to enhance the experience of members of the student body by providing an outlet to compete in sport with local schools, develop leadership skills and promote lifelong fitness. The position requires a competent understanding of the technical aspects of the sport, knowledge and compliance of all Conference/National rules, and the ability to successfully recruit quality student-athletes at the Club Sport level. The Women’s Head Coach is required to provide a positive experience for each student-athlete under his/her supervision.

Status:Part-time
Start date: Mid-January
Salary: Stipend

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Know, understand, and be responsible for all compliance with rules and regulations of the various conferences, and the University of Pennsylvania.
• Responsible for report of potential violations, eligibility problems, rules infractions, or disciplinary action of student-athletes immediately to the Associate Director of Structured Sports.
• Create a positive environment for student-athletes by communicating clearly and fairly with each student athlete on matters, which affect his/her, development including academic, physical, social, and athletic issues.
• Direct the organization of all aspects of an athlete’s development, including practice sessions, and preparation for contests.
• Communicate and cooperate with the Associate Director of Structured Sports on a regular basis on all developments with public relations potential.
• Active involvement in outreach and fund development activities as directed by the Associate Director of Structured Sports.

For interested candidates please send letter of interest and resume to: Michael Reno, Associate Director of Structured Sports, University of Pennsylvania, 3701 Walnut St. Philadelphia PA 19104.  Email mreno@pobox.upenn.edu. AA/EOE

---

La Salle University Seeks Head Club Coach

La Salle University’s Recreation Department invites applications for the position of club water polo head caoch.

La Salle’s Club Sports program is designed to enhance the experience of members of the La Salle’s student body by providing an outlet to compete in sport with local schools, develop leadership skills and promote lifelong fitness.

The position requires a competent understanding of the technical aspects of the sport, knowledge and compliance of all Conference/National rules, and the ability to successfully recruit quality student-athletes at the Club Sport level. The Head Coach is required to provide a positive experience for each student-athlete under his/her supervision.

Status: Part-time
Start date: September 2010
Salary: $3,000 (annual)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Know, understand, and be responsible for all compliance with rules, regulations, and philosophies of the various conferences, and La Salle University, including La Salle rules, regulations, polices procedures, handbooks and manuals, applicable to the program and to the students and athletes at La Salle.
• Recruitment of quality student-athletes who are qualified to compete successfully both academically and athletically at the club sport level.
• Recommendation of appointment/dismissal of Assistant Coaches in compliance with University employment policies; responsible for outlining their duties and responsibilities, orientation training, and evaluation; responsible for supervising their conduct as representatives of the University and for annual evaluation of
their job performance to the Athletic Director.
• Responsible for report of potential (violations), eligibility problems, rules infractions, or disciplinary action of student-athletes immediately to the Director of Recreation and the Associate Athletic Director.
• Create a positive environment for student-athletes by communicating clearly and fairly with each student athlete on matters, which affect his/her, development including academic, physical, social, spiritual, and athletic issues.
• Direct the organization of all aspects of an athlete’s development, including practice sessions, and preparation for contests.
• Communicate and cooperate with Director of Recreation on a regular basis on all developments with public relations potential, report anything controversial that may attract media attention. Respond appropriately with the media so as not to demean student-athletes, the University, the Conference and all parties connected.
• Accept no speaking engagement for money, endorsements, or any other outside employment at any time without prior approval of the Director of Recreation.
• Maintain expense reports for all scouting, recruiting and travel expenses.
• Active involvement in outreach and fund development activities as directed by the Director of Recreation or his/her designee.
• Assist in preparation of the annual budget requests and management of the approved program budget in collaboration with the Director of Recreation and club sport officers.
• Assist in ordering all equipment, uniforms, and supplies. Assist with the issue, care and return of all equipment.
• Assist in scheduling of contests and in planning and organizing itineraries for “away” contests.

La Salle University is a Roman Catholic university in the tradition of the De La Salle Christian Brothers and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute to our unique educational mission. For a complete mission statement, please visit our website at www.lasalle.edu. Send letter of interest and resume to: Matt Gionta, Director of Recreation, La Salle University, 1900 West Olney Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19141. Phone 215.951.1560, Fax 215.951.1694, Email gionta@lasalle.edu. AA/EOE

---

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Seeks Head Coach

The Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Water Polo Club invites applications for the part-time position of Head Coach. Direct report of the Head Coach is made to the Associate Athletic Director and the Club’s Executive Council. His/her duties will include, but are not limited to: developing and leading the implementation of a clear goal for the Club; conducting practices; and scheduling team matches, all with the aid of the club’s Executive Council.

Qualifications:

• At least two (2) years of coaching and/or four (4) years of playing experience.
• Proficiency with word-processing software and database management.
• Strong interpersonal skills- able to communicate effectively with a diverse community of students, faculty, coaches, administrators, and staff.
• 
  
• Ability to represent the Department and the College to off-campus constituencies, including alumni, friends, corporate partners, and donors.
• 
  
• Strong organizational skills.
• 
  
• Team-oriented individual with ability to take initiative

 

Salary is $500 per two-month period (September-October, March-April). There also exists the possibility of assisting the Varsity Swim Team- this post carries its own remuneration.

Kindly contact Alford Green (Club President), acgreen@wpi.edu for more information.

---

Saint Mary's College (Calif.) Seeks Head Men's Coach

Saint Mary's College invites applications for a part-time, ten (10) month (August-May) Head Coach, Men's Club Water Polo. Reporting to the Director of Club Sports, the Head Coach is responsible for planning, developing, administering, and evaluating the overall operation of the Men's Water Polo team; including team performance, supporting the academic achievement of club athletes, recruiting and program management (eligibility certification, event management, scheduling, travel planning, budget management, equipment, athletic training, etc.). The Head Coach is expected to participate in College and community service, supervise assistant coaches and program personnel, and ensure compliance.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's Degree preferred and three (3) to five (5) years of relevant experience as a head or assistant coach at the College level.
• 
  
• Proficiency with word-processing software and database management.
• 
  
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to effectively communicate with a diverse community of students, faculty, coaches, administrators, and staff.
• 
  
• Ability to represent the Department and the College to off-campus constituencies, including alumni, friends, corporate partners, and donors.
• 
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• 
  
• Strong organizational skills with ability to handle multiple, competing tasks, and priorities.
• 
  
• Team-oriented individual with ability to take initiative.
• 
  
• Understanding and supportive of the values and ideals of the Lasallian, Catholic, and liberal arts tradition.
• 
  
• Salary and benefits are competitive and subject to the availability of funding sources.

 

Please visit our website at http://jobs.stmarys-ca.edu for complete job details and application details (Recruitment #2010-6836).

This position is open until filled.

Saint Mary's College of California is an equal opportunity employer.

www.stmarys-ca.edu

---

Saint Mary's College (Calif.) Seeks Head Women's Coach

Saint Mary's College invites applications for a part-time, ten (10) month (August-May) Head Coach, Women's Club Water Polo.

The Head Coach is responsible for working with Athletics and Recreational Sports department personnel in planning, developing, administering, and evaluating the overall operation of the Women's Water Polo team. This includes, but is not limited to, team performance, supporting the academic achievement of club athletes, student leadership development, recruiting, program management (eligibility certification, event management, scheduling, travel planning, budget management, equipment, athletic training, etc.), College and community service, supervision of assistant coaches and program personnel, and compliance. The head coach is responsible for ensuring that team performance is competitive within their league with the goal of qualifying for postseason competition. The part-time, 10 month position reports to the Assistant Director of Athletics for Recreational Sports

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's Degree preferred.
• 
  
• Three to five years of relevant experience as a head or assistant coach at the College level preferred.
• 
  
• Proficiency with word-processing software and database management.
• 
  
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to effectively communicate with a diverse community of students, faculty, coaches, administrators, and staff.
• 
  
• Ability to represent the Department and the College to off-campus constituencies, including alumni, friends, corporate partners, and donors.
• 
  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use discretion.
• 
  
• Strong organizational skills with ability to handle multiple, competing tasks, and priorities. Team-oriented individual with ability to take initiative.
• 
  
• Understanding and supportive of the values and ideals of the Lasallian, Catholic, and liberal arts tradition.

 

Salary and benefits are competitive and subject to the availability of funding sources.

Please visit our website at http://jobs.stmarys-ca.edu for complete job details and application details (Recruitment #2010-6835).

This position is open until filled.

Saint Mary's College of California is an equal opportunity employer.

www.stmarys-ca.edu

 

Update on AWP Director Dan Sharadin

BRIDGEPORT, Pa. -- While it would be great to state that everything surrounding the Director’s recovery was moving along quickly, unfortunately that is not the case. Dan Sharadin was readmitted into the hospital last week due to complications resulting from the surgery. He was released this past weekend and they are continuing to monitor his condition through outpatient services and visits. As more information becomes available, we will keep you posted about his date of return.

A Note From AWP Director Dan Sharadin

For those of you needing additional details, hopefully this brief summarization will help. Since the surgery things have not gone as smoothly as hoped. Complications surrounding medications and issues with inflammation resulting in a fever have required several return  trips to the hospital, including the latest one in which I was readmitted for a couple of nights. The issues primarily surround inflammation from the surgery, continued loss of weight, and side effects from the medications.

I am home recovering now and the routine is pretty much the same. Since leaving the hospital over three weeks ago I am awake for about 2-3 hours at a time. I also sleep for no more than 3-4 hours at a time, so you can see it is not an optimal schedule for integrating back into the workplace yet. I am the eternal optimist, so I am hoping things will turn around and I can begin to get back into some work on a limited basis next week, but the reality is the setbacks have delayed my recovery time. It is still too early to say when I can begin limited involvement.

I appreciate everyone’s support and definitely apologize for the inconveniences created by my  absence. However, the good news is the health of my wife as she continues to recover at a much faster rate and looks better each day. Seeing her life restored helps me keep my perspective about work.