TORONTO -- This summer RUSH Program Director Brian Schledorn assisted the USA Men's National Field Hockey team at the Pan American Games in an effort to qualify for next year's Olympics.
The event held in Canada this July drew close to 7,000 athletes from all across the Americas and Caribbean to compete in the world's third largest multi-sport event.
On foreign soil and sporting red, white and blue, Schledorn's efforts have landed him in this position many times before. This time now coaching the team he once suited up to play for.
Schledorn's tenure on the USA National Men’s team as a crucial part of the backfield included playing in two Pan Am Games and training for three Olympic Games. In 1996, he was also an alternate to the Atlanta Olympics.
Schledorn and other nationally renowned coaches were selected by USA Field Hockey Head Coach Chris Clements for the event. For close to two weeks, Schledorn scouted competing teams, conducted video analysis, and helped prepare the team for a grueling schedule.
Despite losing just one match and missing Olympic qualification, the USA is primed with growing talent. Of the eight field hockey teams who participated, the USA roster was by far the youngest all around team.
The USA tied Cuba and Brazil and took home wins over Trinidad & Tobago as well as Mexico.
