“ASUA Cup demonstrated the strength of our team,” commented Azevedo, “but World Championships will be the real test of our distributed training program.”
With nine of their core athletes playing in European leagues, six in residential training and five balancing college with weekend training, Azevedo has only had 14 athletes from his 18 team training roster together on a regular basis to train for the upcoming tournament. “With our distributed roster, we have had to become innovative in terms of our team’s training regimen. Our coaching staff has developed a series of videos and written material to ensure every member of the training squad has access to the same information. In doing so, we’ve been able to track each athlete’s development and determine the best fit for our World Championship roster.” Azevedo continued, “This format worked well for us at ASUA Cup and we are confident that the additional substance we’ve put in place will once again provide a successful outcome.”
Azevedo, who was hired in 2006, brings with him 24 years of experience working with the National Team programs, including working as assistant coach for the 1996 and 2004 Men’s Olympic Teams. After four World Championship appearances as assistant coach, this will be Azevedo’s first time as head coach. Assisting Azevedo on the deck will be assistant coaches Ryan Brown and four-time Olympian and Hall of Famer Dr. Terry Schroeder. During Schroeder’s career as a national team player, Team USA finished second to Yugoslavia at both the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games and placed fourth at the 1986 and 1991 World Championships. The team also captured the 1991 FINA Cup in Barcelona, downing longtime nemesis Yugoslavia in the title game.
This year’s World Championship team is a mix of young and old, with seven Olympians back from the 2004 Summer Games including leading scorers Tony Azevedo, Jesse Smith and Jeff Powers. Ryan Bailey has had a great year and will manage the center position one more time with Merrill Moses and Genai Kerr adding depth to the team in the goalie position. In addition to these veteran players, Peter Varellas, Kevin Witt and Dreason Barry look to make their own contributions at their first World Championship event. Both Varellas and Witt have had successful seasons in Europe and should increase Team USA’s score output with their ability to run a balanced offense. With his 6㤒” frame, Barry has proven to be an unstoppable force at the post position and his power and speed will make him a difficult match up even against the most seasoned competitor.
2007 Men’s World Championship Roster
- Merrill Moses Goalkeeper Los Angeles, CA
- Peter Varellas R-Driver, LH Long Beach, CA
- Dreason Barry Defender Eugene, OR
- Jeff Powers& Center San Luis Obispo, CA
- Adam Wright& Attacker Seal Beach, CA
- Kevin Witt R-Driver, LH Glendale, CA
- Ryan Bailey^& Center Long Beach, CA
- Tony Azevedo^& Attacker Long Beach, CA
- Rick Merlo Defender Fresno, CA
- Layne Beaubien& Defender Coronado, CA
- Jesse Smith & Defender Coronado, CA
- Brian Alexander Defender Santa Ana, CA
- Genai Kerr & Goalkeeper Imperial Beach, CA
- alt John Mann Center Newport Beach, CA
- alt Spencer Dornin R-Driver, LH Laguna Beach, CA
(^2000 Olympian; & 2004 Olympian)
The 12th FINA World Championships will be held from 17 Mar - 1 Apr 2007 and five aquatic disciplines will be contested - Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Diving, Water Polo and Synchronized Swimming. The FINA World Championships will be the last major worldwide swimming and aquatics competition in the lead up to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The USA Men will face Australia, South Africa, then Croatia in their bracket play. The top teams in each group will advance to the semifinals and then the final. The 14 day event will commence Monday, March 19th at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Center with the women's and men's competition alternating each day. The men’s first game on Tuesday, March 20th is against Australia, the event host and a strong contender for this year’s championship title.
Team USA at a Glance:
- Current roster boasts seven returning Olympians
- First place at 2006 ASUA Cup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Fifth place at 2006 FINA World League Super Finals in Athens, Greece
- Eleventh place at 2005 World Championships in Montreal, Canada
- Seventh place at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece
- Sixth place at 2003 World Championships in Barcelona, Spain
- Third place at 2003 FINA World League Super Finals in New York, N.Y.
- First place at 2003 Pan American Games in Santo Domingo
- Seventh place at 2001 World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan
- Sixth place at 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia
- Silver medal at 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games
- Bronze medal at 1924, 1932 and 1972 Olympic Games
For the latest on the upcoming 12th FINA World Championships, keep an eye on http://www.melbourne2007.com.au. For more information on USA Water Polo or its National Team programs, please contact USA Water Polo.
USA Water Polo, Inc.: A not-for-profit corporation and is the national governing body for the sport of water polo in the United States under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). The mission of USA Water Polo is to grow the sport of water polo throughout the United States and win gold medals in Olympic, World Championship, and Pan American Games.
