Wednesday, May 13, 1998
U.S. yearns
for return of
‘golden age’
The American team remains
By Cindy Luis
optimistic it can return to glory
in men's international volleyball
Star-BulletinIt should be old hat by now, putting on the sweats emblazoned with U-S-A.
But it's not for Lloy Ball. Even after 13 years of representing America in volleyball at some level, the 26-year-old setter for Team USA is as proud as ever.
"Every time I put on that uniform, hear the national anthem, it's something special," Ball said. "We all play for club teams overseas, but it's not the same as when you put on the Red, White and Blue. You go into the gym with something extra."
At 18, Ball was the youngest player to train with the U.S. B team. It was 1990, and Team USA was beginning a slow nose dive after being the best in the world (gold medals in 1984 and '88).
The program has changed direction with the hiring of Doug Beal, the coach of the 1984 gold medal team. Ball and some of the country's best young guns are anxious to get back on top.
"The team has a new attitude for the quadrennium," said Ball, the starting setter for the 1996 Olympic team that finished ninth. "We do want to restore USA volleyball to what it was and regain the prestige.
"This week will be a real good test. It's the first competition of the year with a team that's right below us. It's the first chance to see where we're at."
Team USA takes on China tomorrow at the Blaisdell Arena and Friday at the Lahaina Civic Center. China, the best blocking team in Asia, is quick and excellent on defense,
"I've never seen China play, but we know they'll be good on defense," said Punahou graduate Mike Lambert, who rejoined the U.S. team yesterday after competing in Italy. "They've beaten Japan and it should be a good challenge for us.
"There's a lot of motivation right now for us because there's a lot to be motivated about. We didn't do well in the last Olympics and our backs are kind of against the wall. We need to see where we are and how far we have to go."
For the first time since 1980, the U.S. will have to qualify for the Olympics. Getting to Sydney in 2000 won't be easy.
"I can still see gold, still have that imagery," said Lambert, an outside hitter on the '96 Olympic team. "But so do all the other teams."
The facts
What USA vs. China men's volleyball
