Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Women's Water Polo to Host Team USA on April 9
4/5/2004 8:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
April 5, 2004
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Arthur D. Kinney Jr. Natatorium will be the site of some more exciting women's water polo when the reigning World Champion, Olympic bound United States women's water polo team comes to Lewisburg to face the Bucknell Bison in an exhibition game on Friday, April 9, at 8 p.m.
Admission to the event is free and open to the public.
The National squad made history last year when it became the first National Team to ever face a collegiate team that was in season. This year, Team USA has expanded on that concept with a 12-stop, coast-to-coast tour against college teams that runs from March 20 through April 25, with Bucknell being the fifth stop on that tour.
BU head coach John Zeigler is excited about the opportunity presented to the Orange and Blue. "With the large number of young players on our team, all of whom play significant roles on the squad, I see this as a great opportunity to learn from the best in the most valuable way possible - actively competing at that level," commented Zeigler. "Additionally, this game gives us the opportunity to showcase the sport we love so much to the Bucknell and local community in a way that is just not the typical fashion. We are honored that we can help promote our nations Olympians in this way."
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"This game gives us the opportunity to showcase the sport we love so much to the Bucknell and local community in a way that is just not the typical fashion. We are honored that we can help promote our nations Olympians in this way."
- Bucknell Head Women's Water Polo Coach John Zeigler
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Last summer, Team USA became only the second non-European team to capture gold at the FINA World Championships, upending two-time defending champ Italy in the process. This year, head coach Guy Baker and company are the unmistakable favorites in a tough field of Olympic competitors. The collegiate games, according to Baker, are a huge part of his squad's preparation for Athens.
"This is definitely helpful for our Olympic preparation," said Baker. "It helps break up the monotony of our training in a game atmosphere. There are a lot of things that we'll work on between now and Athens and this is a place where we can try things out and see how they're working."
The event marks the second time in the last six months that members of the National Team make their way to BU's pool. In October of 2003, P.A.C.E. (Programs for Athletes and Coaches Education), the increasingly popular camps and clinics put on by members of Team USA, visited the University for a clinic.
Team USA's full collegiate tour schedule and more information on USA Water Polo can be found at www.usawaterpolo.com.
