Field Hockey Assistant Coach Travels With Men's National Team
3/7/2007 7:00:00 AM | Field Hockey
March 7, 2007
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Maryland field hockey assistant coach Tjerk van Herwaarden has been named to the United State Men's National Team coaching staff and will be traveling to Bermuda for a best-of-three series versus Mexico to help the Americans secure a spot in this summer's Pan American Games.
A native of Holland, van Herwaarden has been with the Terrapins for two years, helping the team win back-to-back national championships. He has extensive international coaching experience and, last year, led Maryland EPTC (Elite Performance Training Center) team to capture the United State Field Hockey national tournament championship.
The U.S. and Mexico will meet in matches March 8, 10 and 11 at the Bermuda National Sports Centre with the winner joining Argentina, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad & Tobago and host Brazil at the Pan American Games, July 15-25 in Rio de Janeiro. The Pan American Games serve as the continental qualifier for the Olympic Games with the winner of the competition earning the continents automatic berth in Beijing in 2008.
A favorable outcome in Bermuda would not only send the USA to the Pan Am Games, but would also keep alive the team's Olympic qualifying hopes. Teams placing 2nd-5th at the Pan Am Games will earn spots in one of three six-team Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in 2008. The winners of each of the qualifying tournament will advance to the Olympic Games.
For more information and results, log onto www.usfieldhockey.com.
-TERPS-
