Silver still sweet for USA water polo





It wasn’t the gold medals they’d coveted, but silver will certainly suffice for the United States men’s water polo team.

After training at Oaks Christian and Cal Lutheran in the months leading up to the Summer Olympics, the U.S. squad, led by head coach Terry Schroeder, a Westlake resident, finished second to powerhouse Hungary in Beijing.

Entering the tournament ranked ninth in the world, the U.S. team defeated China, Italy, Germany and Croatia to advance to the gold medal match, where they were upended by Hungary 14-10 on Sunday.

It was Hungary’s third consecutive Olympic gold. The U.S. won its first medal since 1988, when the Americans, led by Schroeder as team captain, brought home silver.

On Monday, speaking from an airport in Beijing where his team was preparing to board a plane to return stateside, Schroeder said the USA’s pulsepounding Olympic run was something very special and unique.

“I am proud of what they accomplished,” said Schroeder, who was expecting to return to his chiropractic business in Westlake by midweek.

“They really came together and grew as a family. It is really amazing. These guys have a lot to be proud of. They surprised a lot of people, and they exceeded everyone’s expectations—except mine.”

Although his players were awarded medals after the championship match, Schroeder and the coaching staff were not, as is standard practice at the Olympics.

“I was in the stands watching the guys get their medals, and it brought tears to my eyes,” Schroeder said. “It brought back a lot of good memories.”

Schroeder also heaped praise on many in the local community who offered assistance during the training process. Players were taken in and housed like longlost relatives by area families, while several businesses also chipped in with support.

“For the team to move to the Conejo Valley was one of the best things we’ve ever done,” the coach said.

“The Conejo Valley community really adopted us, and I think the guys really felt like they were cared for by more than just their inner-circle. That was really important.”

Schroeder, 49, said he’s under contract to coach the U.S. team through December, adding that he’d certainly consider returning as head coach for another gold medal run in 2012.


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