The Starting Blocks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 14, 2008

BEIJING, China –Wheelchair rugby’s greatest rivals took to the court on Sunday before a packed house at the University of Science & Technology of Beijing Gymnasium.  This was only a preliminary round match-up, but the intensity between the U.S. and Canada was felt all the way up to the rafters.  On the court, the U.S. used its speed and depth to overtake Canada, 37-32, and finish pool play undefeated.  The win also secured a berth in the semifinals for Team USA. 

“We knew coming into this game it was going to be a great battle,” said U.S. head coach James Gumbert (Austin, Texas).  “We had great transition in between the whistles and our guys came out with the most energy they’ve had so far in this tournament.”

 The first quarter ended in an 11-11 tie, but strong pressure defense from the U.S. in the second forced Canada to make some mistakes and the Americans took a 24-21 lead into halftime.  Canada attempted to stall, literally, the U.S. momentum coming out of the break.  The Canadians held the ball for the first four minutes and 18 seconds of the third quarter before finally scoring a goal.

 The stall tactics were no match for an endless rotation of U.S. line-ups that Scott Hogsett (Phoenix, Ariz.) said helped keep up the pace when Canada tried to slow the tempo.

“Our team is so deep, we can bring anyone off the bench to help get us fired up at any time, regardless of what our opponent is trying to do,” said Hogsett.  “When you have fresh bodies to rotate into the game, it helps keep up the intensity and energy through the course of a game.”

Keyed by two big turnovers late in the third, the U.S. headed into the final eight minutes with a five goal lead and never let Canada any closer.  Team USA’s offense was led by Will Groulx (Portland, Ore.) and Joel Wilmoth with seven goals each.  Seth McBride (Portland, Ore./Juneau, Alaska) scored six goals and Nick Springer (St. Petersburg, Fla./New York, N.Y.) and Andy Cohn (Tempe, Ariz.) chipped in with five goals apiece.

“We are completely together as a team,” said Wilmoth.  “A big key to our success is knowing that you have the trust of each of your teammates every second you’re out on the court.  This win certainly builds momentum for us, but we know with each game we win people are going to be gunning for us even more.”

The U.S. faces Great Britain in the semifinals on Monday, Sept. 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the University of Science & Technology of Beijing Gymnasium.