Former UVA swimming standout dies in open water event

Fran Crippen April 17, 1984 - Oct. 23, 2010

Fran Crippen, a former UVA swimmer, died Saturday while competing in the FINA Open Water 10-kilometer World Cup. This tragic loss resulted from a severe heart attack Crippen had while competing.

His former coach, Mark Bernardino, had this to say to the Daily Press out of Hampton Roads:

     "The University of Virginia swimming and diving family wishes to express our deep love and concern to the Crippen family during this time of tragic loss. Fran was our son and our brother in life and in sport. His presence, vitality, courage, toughness and endearing persona have left an indelible mark on the lives of all of us who knew and loved him."

Here is an interesting link to an article detailing some of the specifics of the race by a senior writer for Swimming World magazine. He thinks the crisis could and should have been averted. After reading the article, let me know what you think.

http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/lane9/news/25395.asp?q=The-Tragedy-of-Fran-Crippen's-Passing

FINA, or the Federation Internationale de Natation, is the International Federation recognized by the Olympics for administering international competition in aquatic sports.

JMU vs UVA Tournament Photos!!!

Freshman Paul McGrath

Senior Chad Eskridge

Here's a link to all of the pictures!

http://s1210.photobucket.com/albums/cc401/jmuwaterpoloblog/JMU%20Water%20Polo%20Tournament%202010/?albumview=slideshow

-Polo Steve

World Record Attempt Submitted!

Yesterday, I went through the surprisingly long process of applying for a world record.

My goal: the biggest game of water polo (albeit informal) ever played. I searched the records on the official site for Guinness World Records and found nothing even remotely close to this. Now from the few times I've seen the show, they suggest a base number that they feel is worthy of a record. In the application, I suggested 300. Picture it, 150 vs 150! 

I plan to personally invest as much time and effort as possible in to making this a reality. It won't be easy. The office where the application is close to being reviewed is in London, England, so hopefully I will hear back soon if they are willing to accept this record-try!

Guinness World Records-Water Polo unrepresented...

A thought occurred to me that I have no idea how fast the average water polo player can throw a ball. Then I thought, I wonder how fast the fastest throw in the world is? A quick search of the Guinness World Records Web site revealed to me that such a record does not exist. Following my thought process yet? What better way to get JMU Water Polo on the map than having the person that holds the world record on its roster? Get excited. The wheels are in motion. If this isn't possible, I propose organizing the record for most people playing water polo at one time. How epic would a JMU Water Polo world record be?

-Polo Steve

JMU Tournament starts today!!

Water polo action starts today at 4:30 p.m. when the Dukes face off against the UVA Cavaliers! Come out and support JMU at the UREC pool. Action continues for the Dukes tomorrow at 4:35 p.m. when they square off against the UNC Tar Heels. I will be sending out game updates via Twitter for anyone that  cannot make it to the games. I will be taking photos and post them ASAP. Also I am hoping to shoot video of a game in its entirety and put together a highlight segment. Let's get the UREC pool rocking! Go DUKES!


-Polo Steve

Women's US Water Polo Team reveals all...literally!

In a press release today by the US Olympic Committee, 12 women on the US Water Polo team, currently the top-ranked team in the world, will pose nude for ESPN the Magazine's "Body Issue." The USOC referred to the issue as "a celebration and exploration of the athletic form in artistic nude photography." Here are some quotes from some of the participating players justifying their decision to pose.

"I was apprehensive at first but after thinking about it, I knew that we had the opportunity to showcase a truly healthy, and athletic female body. It's important for younger girls to recognize how much hard work and dedication that goes into being an elite athlete."

-Anne Belden, 2010 World Cup Gold Medalist.

“I never thought in a million years I'd pose naked in a national magazine.  What finally convinced me was the whole idea behind the Body Issue, and the caliber of athletes who have previously posed for the issue.  I put a lot of work into this body throughout my water polo career in a lot of ways and it's nice to see a major publication celebrating athletic bodies."

-Lolo Silver, 2010 World Cup Gold Medalist

"This opportunity to pose respectfully naked for ESPN The Magazine has allowed us to showcase our muscular, fit bodies. Water polo bodies come in so many different sizes and shapes and it was amazing to express them through a phenomenal, classy, naked photo shoot."

-Lauren Wenger, 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist

Here is the link to the press release.
http://pressbox.teamusa.org/Pages/WATER-POLO--USA-Women-s-Water-Polo-National-Team-To-Appear-On-Cover-Of-ESPN-The-Magazine-s--Body-Issue--On-Newsstands-Octob.aspx


Here is the link to the picture.
http://espnmediazone3.com/rs/?c=1863&k=3783f3ce13


-Polo Steve

St. Mary's Tournament Video!!!

-Polo Steve