Kevin Mazeika was named the men’s national team coordinator in 2009. Prior to that, Kevin was the men’s team head coach for the 2004 Olympics (2nd – TF, 1st – AA, 2nd – HB) and 2008 Olympics (3rd – TF, 2nd – HB).
Since being team coordinator, the U.S. finishes have been:
2009 Worlds – no medals
2010 Worlds – 3rd AA
2011 Worlds – 3rd TF, 1st PB
2012 Olympics – 3rd AA
2013 Worlds– 2nd FX, 3rd SR, 2nd VT, 3rd PB
2014 Worlds– 3rd TF, 3rd VT, 2nd PB
2015 Worlds – 3rd VT, 2nd HB
2016 Olympics – 3rd PH, 2nd PB, 2nd HB
Kevin and the men’s program have the unbelievable task of trying to live up to Marta and the women’s program. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that neither Kevin nor the men’s team is not due criticism. I often spend a lot of time defending the men’s program. In Kevin’s tenure they have won two team World medals—and he led them to two team medals in 2004 and 2008. That is more than any other team in that time period except obviously China and Japan (someone may need to fact check that for me ;)). The American men are often criticized for being inconsistent as a team. I’d still argue that is not unique to them. Many of the top teams are inconsistent. Outside of Japan and China, the bronze usually comes down to who competes most consistently. (Russia really broke through that this year.)
That said, there is a LOT to criticize. For me, much of that usually is directed at Kevin, the selection committee, and the national team staff.
One thing that is often not mentioned as one of the responsibilities for the men’s NTC is that he is also responsible for the technical aspects of junior elite national team development. Along with other staff, Marta seems to do a good job of recognizing talent early and development. I know it is difficult for men because men develop much later and typically have NCAA in between. However, I’d like to see Kevin to a better job of seeking and developing that talent as early as possible and working better along side NCAA programs. I will add, I quite liked the Elite Team Cup (in conjunctions with Am Cup) this year. Great opportunity for juniors from different regions to compete along side seniors.
There is also the issue of team camps, team selection, and team line-ups.
What do you all see as the primary issues for the men’s program not achieving the success they seem more than capable of achieving? Report Card?
Kevin’s Report Card (2009-2016)
Men’s Senior National Team: B-
Men’s Junior National Team Development: C
NCAA Outreach/NCAA talent development: C-
Team selection: C
Team line-ups: B-
Team Camps: B-
Consistency: C-
Worlds Performance: B-
Olympics Performance: C+
Overall: C
I have a lot to say on the topic but trying to keep this one post concise. I'll reveal more of my thoughts as the thread develops.
Kevin Mazeika and the U.S. Men's Program: Report Card
Since being team coordinator, the U.S. finishes have been:
2009 Worlds – no medals
2010 Worlds – 3rd AA
2011 Worlds – 3rd TF, 1st PB
2012 Olympics – 3rd AA
2013 Worlds– 2nd FX, 3rd SR, 2nd VT, 3rd PB
2014 Worlds– 3rd TF, 3rd VT, 2nd PB
2015 Worlds – 3rd VT, 2nd HB
2016 Olympics – 3rd PH, 2nd PB, 2nd HB
Kevin and the men’s program have the unbelievable task of trying to live up to Marta and the women’s program. Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean that neither Kevin nor the men’s team is not due criticism. I often spend a lot of time defending the men’s program. In Kevin’s tenure they have won two team World medals—and he led them to two team medals in 2004 and 2008. That is more than any other team in that time period except obviously China and Japan (someone may need to fact check that for me ;)). The American men are often criticized for being inconsistent as a team. I’d still argue that is not unique to them. Many of the top teams are inconsistent. Outside of Japan and China, the bronze usually comes down to who competes most consistently. (Russia really broke through that this year.)
That said, there is a LOT to criticize. For me, much of that usually is directed at Kevin, the selection committee, and the national team staff.
One thing that is often not mentioned as one of the responsibilities for the men’s NTC is that he is also responsible for the technical aspects of junior elite national team development. Along with other staff, Marta seems to do a good job of recognizing talent early and development. I know it is difficult for men because men develop much later and typically have NCAA in between. However, I’d like to see Kevin to a better job of seeking and developing that talent as early as possible and working better along side NCAA programs. I will add, I quite liked the Elite Team Cup (in conjunctions with Am Cup) this year. Great opportunity for juniors from different regions to compete along side seniors.
There is also the issue of team camps, team selection, and team line-ups.
What do you all see as the primary issues for the men’s program not achieving the success they seem more than capable of achieving? Report Card?
Kevin’s Report Card (2009-2016)
Men’s Senior National Team: B-
Men’s Junior National Team Development: C
NCAA Outreach/NCAA talent development: C-
Team selection: C
Team line-ups: B-
Team Camps: B-
Consistency: C-
Worlds Performance: B-
Olympics Performance: C+
Overall: C
I have a lot to say on the topic but trying to keep this one post concise. I'll reveal more of my thoughts as the thread develops.
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