USA Men's Coach Terry Schroeder on Difficult Roster Decision

J.W. Krumpholz was the final cut from the USA men's water polo squad heading to the 2012 London Olympics this summer. He and John Mann battled for the final spot on the team, which was pared from 14 to 13 players today. Some speculated that Krumpholz was hampered by a head injury suffered earlier this year and announced in June. But the veteran of the 2008 Olympics did earn significant playing time in the competitions that took place prior to today's announcement.

Coach Terry Schroeder had this to say about the choice between the two talents:

"Choosing this Olympic team was very difficult. However, I feel like we have the best 13 to give us a chance to win the gold in London. The final decision between JW and John Mann was very close. Both players bring so much to the program. JW obviously has the Olympic experience from Beijing which made the decision that much more difficult. In the end, John Mann did a great job through the World League and the training with Montenegro and we decided that John would give us more strength in the center position. Three new players round out our roster. We have a veteran team that will more than likely be the oldest team at the Olympic Games. John Mann, Shea Buckner and Chay Lapin will be first time Olympians and we will be expecting them to bring some excitement and energy to the mix and we go into the Games."

The squad takes on recent training partner Montenegro in the first round of the games on July 29.