Eagle Players Embrace Extra Sessions

Interesting article via Goff (subscription required) about the USA Men’s Olypmpic Eagle Team bonding.

Boulder, Colo. August 2, 2007 – After the NA4 in Vancouver and the USA squad was pared down to its current list, Mike Hercus brought the players together and suggested that perhaps the time they had together might not be enough.

“We haven’t had a lot of time together,” said Hercus. “It’s tough to replace game time, but even with game time it’s got to be productive, it’s got to be beneficial,” Hercus said. “Personally I’m a big believer in team culture and team dynamics. After selections I merely made a suggestion – I encouraged them to do whatever they can to be the best prepared they can be for the World Cup. I said to them that afterwards for the rest of their lives they would think, ‘what could I have done better?”

The result was that more than half the pre-World Cup squad have remained in Boulder, Colo. to train on their own. They are actually living in dorms together and under the supervision of USA coaches, but it’s a completely voluntary act.

The rest of the article can be read here.

What a great opportunity, but the sacrifices these players are making cannot be ignored. Jobs, lives, lovers and old clubs are suffering because of their decision. Perhaps they will be able to come together and be a team like the USA has been hoping for all these years. We are a country that is living and growing rugby everyday, but we struggle to play well internationally. Our Women’s team has had great successes, but our Men’s team has not. Perhaps this will be the change?

I think it is a great idea I am sure their sacrifices will be worth it! Good luck TEAM!

Check out the Team’s Daily Log from the Aspen Training Camp here.
Also photos from the camp are here.