Saturday, 2 Nov 2024

USA Volleyball Announces U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Team

More than a decade after his Paralympic debut, Captain Eric Duda from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, hopes to lead the U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Team to its first Paralympic medal in Rio de Janeiro. Alongside Duda is Chris Seilkop from DeLand, Florida, the only other athlete who played on the 2004 Paralympic team. They are joined by a talented roster of players from across the United States, including Dan Regan from St. Louis, Missouri, and Ben Aman from Tacoma, Washington.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Greg Walker, the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team has been working tirelessly to prepare for the Paralympics. Despite finishing sixth at the World ParaVolley Intercontinental Cup in China earlier this year, the team is determined to make a strong showing in Rio.

Building a Strong Team

Head Coach Walker is excited about the changes he has seen in the players, even since January. The team has a new level of energy and commitment, and they have been focused on not only pushing for success in Rio but also building a culture of respect on and off the court.

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With an average age of 36.25, the U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Team is one of the oldest rosters of all the U.S. volleyball teams heading to Rio. Walker sees this age and the veterans’ experience as a strength, giving the team a competitive advantage.

“We really tried to minimize weaknesses at any given position,” said Walker. “I feel this roster truly gives us the best chance to compete for a medal. It’s so tough because you have guys who have given years of hard work. Ultimately, we can only take 12.”

The Road to Rio

The U.S. Men’s Sitting Team secured their spot in the Paralympics by winning silver against Paralympics-host nation Brazil at the Parapan American Games in Toronto last year. This will be their second attempt at Paralympic qualification, narrowly missing out in 2012.

The team is currently ranked 9th in the world, but they are eager to prove themselves on the Olympic stage. The schedule for the Paralympics is yet to be released, but the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team will face off against Brazil, Egypt, and Germany in the round-robin pool play tournament. The top two teams will advance to the semifinals, where they will compete against the top teams from another pool.

FAQs

Q: Who is the captain of the U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Team?
A: The captain of the U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Team is Eric Duda, a seasoned athlete who has been with the team since its 2004 Paralympic debut.

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Q: What is the team’s ranking in the world?
A: The U.S. Men’s Sitting Team is currently ranked 9th in the world.

Q: How did the team qualify for the Paralympics?
A: The team qualified for the Paralympics by winning silver against Brazil at the Parapan American Games in Toronto last year.

Summary

The U.S. Paralympic Men’s Sitting Team is gearing up for the Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro. Led by the experienced Captain Eric Duda and Head Coach Greg Walker, the team is determined to secure its first Paralympic medal. With a talented roster of players and a strong work ethic, they are ready to compete against the best on the Olympic stage. Stay tuned for the team’s schedule and be sure to support them as they represent the United States in sitting volleyball.