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Eight 2004 Paralympians Headline Group of 24 Selected to 2006 USA Wheelchair Rugby National Team
By Susan Katz
// Lakeshore Foundation
// November 6, 2005
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Paralympian Andy Cohn was one of the 24 athletes selected for the 2006 USA Wheelchair Rugby National Team
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - After a three-day tryout camp held at Lakeshore Foundation U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site, 24 athletes have been named to the 2006 USA Wheelchair Rugby National Team.
Athletes selected include 2004 Paralympians Mark Zupan (Austin, Texas), Bryan Kirkland (Leeds, Ala.), Andy Cohn (Coronado, Calif.), Scott Hogsett (Phoenix, Ariz.), Bob Lujano (Hoover, Ala.), Lynn Nelson (Portland, Ore.), Will Groulx (Portland, Ore.), and Norm Lyduch (Austin, Texas). These athletes helped lead the U.S. to a bronze medal at last summer's Games in Athens, Greece.
Also returning to the U.S. team are 2000 Paralympic gold medallists Steve Pate (Kalispell, Mont.) and Eddie Crouch (Smyrna, Tenn.).
The selection of this group of 24 athletes is the first step the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby team will take on its journey to reclaim the gold medal.
The 24 athletes selected at this camp will continue to attend monthly training camps as they work to earn a spot on the 2006 World Championship team roster. The final selection will take place in May 2006 at Lakeshore's U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site.
As chronicled in the film Murderball, the U.S. team had not lost a World Championship gold medal game until they were upset by Canada at the 2002 Championships in Sweden. The U.S. was again beat by Canada in the semi-finals at the 2004 Paralympics. The Americans defeated Great Britain to earn the bronze.
A complete roster of athletes selected, and hometowns, are listed below.
State Athlete/Hometown
Alabama
Bryan Kirkland/Leeds
Bob Lujano/Hoover
Alaska
Seth McBride/Juneau
Arizona
Scott Hogsett/Phoenix
California
Eddie Alexander/Anaheim
Earl Bowser/Riverbank
RJ Bunnell/Corona
Andy Cohn/Coronado
Justin Patterson/Salinas
Colorado
Jason Regier/Denver
Chance Sumner/Colorado Springs
Florida
Dave Jenkins/Bradenton
Illinois
Nick Fonner/Homewood
Brian Muniz/Naperville
Brad Schramel/Crestwood
Montana
Steve Pate/Kalispell
New York
Nick Springer/Croton
Oregon
Will Groulx/Portland
Lynn Nelson/Portland
Max Woodbury/Portland
Tennessee
Eddie Crouch/Smyrna
Texas
Gil Garcia/San Antonio
Norm Lyduch/Austin
Mark Zupan/Austin
About Lakeshore Foundation U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site
Lakeshore Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with physical disabilities through fitness, recreation, and athletics. These programs help children and adults with physical disabilities maintain healthy and active lifestyles, as well as develop stronger self-esteem and improve independent living skills. The United States Olympic Committee designated Lakeshore Foundation an official U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Site in 2003. Along with the nation's three Olympic Training Centers, Lakeshore Foundation plays a critical role in the success of U.S. athletes. For more information, visit www.lakeshore.org.
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