The Counter Attack with Greg Mescall

Counter Attack Episode 56 - Bruce Watson

Wed, 21 Jan 2015 23:22:42 +0000

In this episode we talk with the new head coach of the recently restored San Jose State Men's Water Polo Team, Bruce Watson. Watson talks about how the program was brought back, what he has been working on since being named coach, and where the Spartans will fit in the men's college water polo landscape. Watson also touches on his history in the sport, the fundraising needed to bring back the San Jose State team and what other schools around the country can do to try and start or bring back a program at their college or university.

Counter Attack Episode 55 - James Smith - Totalwaterpolo Fall 2014 Recap

Thu, 18 Dec 2014 22:52:19 +0000

In this episode we are joined once again by James Smith of Totalwaterpolo.com. James reviews the recently completed NCAA Men's waterpolo championship won by UCLA, the great semifinal match between USC and Stanford, and the finalists for the Cutino Award. We also take a look back at all the high school champions crowned around the country and look ahead to some exciting action coming up in 2015.

Counter Attack Episode 54 - Terry Schroeder

Wed, 10 Dec 2014 19:31:44 +0000

In this episode we continue our look back at the 30 year anniversary of the 1984 Olympic Games talking with four-time Olympian Terry Schroeder. Schroeder talks about his memories of those Olympic Games played at Pepperdine, the school where he went to college and now coaches. He also touches on the bond with his teammates, his thoughts on an Olympics returning to Los Angeles, and how he ended up the model for the statue in front of the LA Coliseum.

Counter Attack Episode 53 - Chris Dorst

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 17:10:26 +0000

In the latest episode of The Counter Attack we continue our celebration of the 30 year anniversary of the 1984 Olympic Games by talking with another member of that team, Chris Dorst. Dorst, a goalkeeper on the squad talks about his memories of the Olympic Games, the joy of getting to play in front of the home fans and more.

Counter Attack Episode 52 - Craig Wilson 1984 Olympics

Mon, 06 Oct 2014 23:04:01 +0000

In this edition of the Counter Attack we continue our discussion of the 1984 Olympic Games with goalkeeper Craig Wilson. Wilson talks about his transition from collegiate athlete to national team athlete and his selection for the Olympic Team. He recalls the matches of the 1984 Olympic Games, where he keeps his silver medal today, and a special moment at the Olympic venue before any of the competition began.

Counter Attack Episode 51 - Gary Figueroa 1984 Olympics

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 23:52:18 +0000

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California and the USA Olympic Men's Water Polo Team that won a Silver Medal, the Counter Attack is talking with members of that team. In this episode we talk with Gary Figueroa. Currently a collegiate coach at CSU-Monterey Bay, Figueroa talks about the events that led him to the 1984 Olympic Team, his memories of the competition, and impact those Olympic Games had on water polo. He recalls the final match of the 1984 Olympics against Yugoslavia and many other memories from that special time.

Counter Attack Episode 50

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 23:30:18 +0000

In this episode we talk with USA Water Polo High Performance Director John Abdou. Abdou breaks down the changes to the Olympic Development Program. If you have questions about ODP or are wondering about changes to the program, this is the episode for you. Learn about the ODP National Championship and camps taking place around the country. Abdou also covers other efforts coming soon from the high performance department.

Counter Attack Episode 49 - Aaron Brown Illpolo.com

Thu, 01 May 2014 01:41:55 +0000

In this episode we talk with Aaron Brown, founder of Illpolo.com, a website devoted to scholastic water polo in the state of Illinois. We talk with Aaron about how he started the site, the growth of the site/Twitter feed, and how he singlehandedly maintains the site. Brown talks about his view of the current season of Illinois high school water polo, potential growth for the sport, and where Illinois water polo ranks nationwide. Learn about how state sanctioning helped the sport grow, a look ahead to the state playoffs, and the best place to eat, perhaps in the country.

Counter Attack Episode 48 - Doug Kezirian

Tue, 22 Apr 2014 22:29:29 +0000

In this episode we talk with ESPN SportsCenter anchor and former water polo player Doug Kezirian. Kezirian talks about his introduction to the game of water polo and his playing days at Harvard-Westlake, Phillip Exeter Academy, and later Brown University. He touches on his memories of water polo, on playing for Coach Rich Corso, and how the sport impacted his life. Find out his thoughts on how water polo has an effect on his professional career, his rise through the tv ranks, and the best place to get a burger in Southern California (hint: it's not In N' Out).

Counter Attack Episode 47

Wed, 16 Apr 2014 23:21:01 +0000

In this edition we talk with 2014 Team USA Winter Olympian Brita Sigourney. Sigourney competed in Sochi in halfpipe freestyle skiing, earning sixth place. We talked to Sigourney about her first trip to the Olympics and her history as a water polo player. Sigourney talks about her time playing water polo as a kid and with the UC-Davis club water polo team. She also talks about life after the Olympics, how water polo came up during her time in Sochi and if she still finds time to get in the water. Learn about her future plans, her favorite place to eat in Carmel, California, and why falling down is ok.

Counter Attack Episode 46

Wed, 02 Apr 2014 17:12:42 +0000

In this episode of The Counter Attack we are joined by Men's Senior National Team Head Coach Dejan Udovicic. Coach Udovicic looks back at his first year on the job as Head Coach of Team USA. He discussess the team's recent trip to Europe for the Volvo Cup, looking ahead towards the summer, and his efforts to develop new athletes. Udovicic touches on his travels around the country meeting members of the water polo community, what type of player he was like in his playing days in Serbia, and how he is adjusting to life living in America.

Counter Attack Episode 45

Wed, 12 Mar 2014 20:50:02 +0000

In this episode we talk with Laguna Beach High School water polo coach Ethan Damato. Fresh off a CIF-Southern Section Division 1 championship in girl's water polo, Damato looks back at the amazing run the Breakers had to a championship. He also talks about the expectations of winning a title, his development as a coach, and his thoughts on being honored with the Doc Hunkler Coaching Award. Hear about a coach that influenced his development and the best place for pizza in Laguna Beach, CA.

Counter Attack Episode 44

Mon, 24 Feb 2014 22:46:33 +0000

In this episode we talk with San Diego State women's water polo head coach Carin Crawford. Coach Crawford talks about her team this season and their recent competition at the UC-Irvine Invitational. She also touches on the transition to the new Golden Coast Conference and her expectations for the rest of this season. Crawford looks back at her start in the game from a class in Junior College to being on the National Team some six years later. Also hear about her role as an advocate for including women's water polo in the Olympic Games and the NCAA Championships. Lastly find out the best mexican food place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, all in this episode.

Counter Attack Episode 43

Fri, 17 Jan 2014 00:14:04 +0000

In this episode we talk with longtime Punahou High School (HI) boys and girls water polo coach Ken Smith. Earlier this month Smith was honored for his 40 years at Punahou with a big celebration bringing back many of his former athletes. We talk about his time at the school, how he got there and how his teams have been so sucessful. Smith also gives a breakdown of some of the best water polo athletes to come through Hawaii in the last 40 years and the pride the state takes in the game of water polo. Learn about what position Smith starts with first when building a team, why fundamentals are essential, and which U.S. President he wishes he recruited to play water polo.

Counter Attack Episode 42

Tue, 17 Dec 2013 00:48:50 +0000

In this episode we talk with USC Men's Water Polo Senior Connor Virjee. Virjee capped his collegiate career with a fourth straight NCAA Championship for the Men of Troy and the program's sixth straight overall. Virjee talks about that championship game win over Pacific and how USC found a way to pull out the victory. He also discusses his best memory from playing water polo at USC, what it is like to celebrate an NCAA Championship in the pool, and getting Head Coach Jovan Vavic into the water to celebrate. With one more semester of school find out what is next for Virjee and if things panned out how he imagined when he started as a freshman four years ago.

Counter Attack Episode 41

Mon, 02 Dec 2013 23:40:34 +0000

In this episode we talk with two-time FINA World Champion and Olympic Silver Medalist Jaime Komer. Since retiring in 2009 Komer has been active in a variety of areas. She talks about her involvement with Kids Play International and her journeys across the globe bringing sport to various areas of the world. Komer also talks about her latest initiative AthleteYogiTraveler which takes a look at bringing together yoga and amazing travel opportunities. She also discusses her playing career, how she got into the sport, the mental make-up it takes to sometimes play the reserve role, and making an Olympic Team. She'll let us know the best place to eat in Fresno, California and why sometimes you're life just needs a soundtrack.

Counter Attack Episode 40

Wed, 13 Nov 2013 17:49:28 +0000

In our latest episode we talk with the Head Coach of Harvard University Men's and Women's Water Polo, Ted Minnis. Ted talks about his time at Harvard and the success of the men's season coming off a west coast swing. (Note: this interview was recorded on October 30). He talks about the recruiting process at a school like Harvard, what it is like to balance both a men's and women's team, and being able to host last year's NCAA Women's Championship. Find out about his time in club and high school water polo in Northern California, his start in water polo, and the very first Round Table pizza shop.

Counter Attack Episode 39

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 20:16:46 +0000

In this episode of the Counter Attack we talk with Concordia University Head Men's Water Polo Coach John Wright. Coach Wright talks about the current season and how his team has found themselves ranked tenth in the nation. He looks ahead to an upcoming matchup with UCLA and discusses the future of Concordia water polo as they looks towards NCAA affiliation. In addition Wright looks back on his many years at Golden West, as a high school coach, and leading the Women's Junior National Team to a Junior World Championship. Lastly, learn about his children's involvement in the sport and the best place to eat near Seal Beach, CA.

Counter Attack Episode 38

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 21:52:26 +0000

In this episode we talk with NBA writer from Grantland.com and Sports Illustrated alum Zach Lowe. Before his writing days, Lowe played water polo in Greenwich, Connecticut. Lowe remembers his trip to the Junior Olympics, discusses his legendary father, Greenwich Coach Terry Lowe, and the last time he played the game. He gives us a scouting report of his game, his favorite place to eat in Greenwich, Connecticut, and what it is like to be followed on Twitter by President Barack Obama.

Counter Attack Episode 37

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 21:27:18 +0000

In this episode we talk with 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist in women's water polo and 2008 Olympic tri-athlete Julie Swail-Ertel. Julie talks about her recent induction into the UC-San Diego Hall of Fame, her participation in the USA Water Polo Cap Campaign, and her time on the Women's Senior National Team. Julie talks about her selection to the 2000 Olympic Team, where she keeps her silver medal, and how she got invovled in becoming a tri-athlete. Find out what she listens to while she is training and the best place to eat in Irvine, California.

Counter Attack Episode 36

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 19:09:28 +0000

In this episode we talk with Head Coach for the University of the Pacific Men's and Women's Water Polo James Graham. Graham talks about the upcoming season with high expectations for his men's water polo team along with a look at some of the players on his team. We discuss his start in water polo and how one person changed the trajectory of his life from basketball to water polo. Learn about how Graham ended up at the University of Redlands and what it is like to be a junior college transfer. We'll also touch on the workload of leading both a men's and women's water polo team and the best place to get a cheeseteak in Novato, California.

Counter Attack Episode 35

Thu, 01 Aug 2013 21:11:31 +0000

In this episode we join USA Women's National Team center Kami Craig from Barcelona, Spain at the 2013 FINA World Championships. Craig touches on the team's battle for fifth place, her appearance at two Olympic Games, and her start in the game of water polo. We also touch on winning an NCAA title at USC, having to decide between basketball and water polo, and the energy required to play center. Find out a great place to eat in Santa Barbara, CA and why keeping your head up in and out of the pool is important.

Counter Attack Episode 34

Thu, 11 Jul 2013 23:55:09 +0000

In this episode of The Counter Attack we talk with the new head coach of men's and women's water polo at Cal Tech, Pat Beemer. Beemer, a California native, discusses his return to the state after stops at Indiana University and Wagner College. Find out exactly how smart you have to be to get into CalTech, hint: very. We discuss trips to the NCAA Tournament as a coach and in his playing days at UC-San Diego. Learn the best place to eat in Downey, California and why sometimes it is easier to remember the games you coached instead of the games you played.

Counter Attack Episode 33

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 19:20:43 +0000

In this episode of The Counter Attack we talk with the new head coach of UC-Davis Men's Water Polo, Dan Leyson. In this extended interview Leyson covers his life in water polo from starting in Fullerton, CA to his collegiate days at USC and most recently at the Rose Bowl Water Polo Club. Leyson touches on how he casually joined a club team in Spain and lived there for five years, his coaching stint with the 2004 Olympic Team as well as UCLA and USC and why he took the job at Davis. We also discuss his favorite place to eat in Fullerton, music choices, and more.

Counter Attack Episode 32

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 21:58:55 +0000

In the latest episode of The Counter Attack we are joined by James Smith of Total Waterpolo as we take a look back at a variety of high school state championships this spring along with some new hires on the college water polo scene. Smith will touch on the high school state champions from Illinois, Florida, Texas, Washington, Michigan, Tennessee and more. We also discuss the new coaching hires for UC-Davis Men's Water Polo and Caltech Men's and Women's Water Polo.

Counter Attack Episode 31

Wed, 29 May 2013 19:41:53 +0000

In this episode we talk with James Lathrop of the Olympic Development Program. On the heels of the 2013 National Training and Selection Camp, James talks about the weekend, what is next for the selected athletes, and the process for being selected. He also discusses the ODP program as a whole, areas for improvement, and what is next for those looking to get involved.

Counter Attack Episode 30

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:28:55 +0000

In this edition of The Counter Attack we talk with USC's Madeline Rosenthal. Rosenthal talks about the team's recent NCAA Championship victory, a five overtime affair to top Stanford at Harvard University. She also touches on the 2013 season as a whole, her journey from Florida to Southern California to compete in college water polo and one of her favorite eateries in the Miami area.

Counter Attack Episode 29

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:03:20 +0000

In this episode we talk with three-time Olympian and two-time Silver Medalist, Craig Wilson. Wilson talks about his experiences in the cage at the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Olympic Games along with how he got into the sport of water polo. We'll discuss his brief retirement from water polo and how he was brought back to the game prior to the 1988 Olympics. Wilson touches on the mentality it takes to be a goalkeeper and the pride he takes these days in the success of the men's national team.

Counter Attack Episode 28

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:31:04 +0000

In the second part of our 2013 NCAA Women's Water Polo Championship preview we talk with four of the coaches taking their teams to Harvard. In this episode we talk with UCLA Head Coach Brandon Brooks, UC-San Diego Head Coach Brad Kreutzkamp, USC Head Coach Jovan Vavic, and Hawaii Head Coach Mo Flanagan Cole. The coaches discuss their qualification process for the championship, how they are preparing their teams, and the excitement around their programs headed to the national championship.

Counter Attack Episode 27

Wed, 01 May 2013 22:07:22 +0000

In the first of a two-part podcast we look ahead to the 2013 NCAA Women's Water Polo Championship set for May 10-12 at Harvard University. We talk with Pomona-Pitzer Head Coach Alex Rodriguez, Princeton Head Coach Luis Nicolao, and Iona Head Coach Brian Kelly. Each coach breaks down their road to the NCAA Tournament, how qualifying helps their program, preparation for the big event and their goals for the competition. We also find out some strengths of each program and what movies can really fire up a team.

Counter Attack Episode 26

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 19:32:11 +0000

In the latest edition of The Counter Attack we talk with Orange County Register water polo reporter Dan Albano. Dan talks about the Orange County high school water polo scene, how he got into covering all things water polo and the emergenc of Twitter in his reporting (@OCVarsityGuy). He gives us the two best high school players he has ever covered in person (male and female) and some tips for any aspiring journalists out there along with much more.

Counter Attack Episode 25

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:43:28 +0000

In this episode of The Counter Attack we talk with new Beckman High School (CA) Water Polo Head Coach Sam Bailey. Sam recently took over at Beckman after a successful run as the Head Coach of girls water polo at Corona del Mar High School where the team won a CIF-Southern Section Division 1 Championship this past February. Bailey talks about his transition to a new program, becoming a full-time teacher and the memories of last season. He also touches on his playing days, why there was no doubt he was going to UCLA, and his thoughts on the movie "Lincoln."

Counter Attack Episode 24

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:10:17 +0000

On this episode of The Counter Attack we take a look at the world of the water polo referee with veteran official Steve Rotsart. Steve talks about how he got into reffing and his advancement into the world of international water polo, including serving as a referee at the 2012 Olympic Games. He also touches on the recruitment, development, and education of water polo referees and the burning question of "Why do water polo referees wear all white?"

Counter Attack Episode 23

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 17:27:18 +0000

In this episode we talk with the voice of the NHL on NBC and the voice of water polo for NBC Olympics at the 2004 and 2012 Olympic Games - Doc Emrick. Doc takes a look back to the 2012 Olympic Games in London and how he prepared for the water polo tournament while also discussing the run to the gold medal by the U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team. He touches on how he spent his time during the NHL lockout, the comparisons in calling water polo and hockey and his favorite restaurant in New Jersey.

Counter Attack Episode 22

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 22:58:51 +0000

In this episode we talk with the reigning champion of NBC's The Biggest Loser - Danni Allen. The Season 14 champion played collegiate water polo at Clemson and talks about the support from the water polo community and her thoughts on a return to the pool. She let's us know what is coming up since her big victory and what it is like to be a fitness role model.

Counter Attack Episode 21

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 23:57:28 +0000

On this edition of The Counter Attack we talk with 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist and goalkeeper Tumua Anae. Tumua talks about her days at USC, her road to the National Team, and her plans for the future. Find out what Tumua means in Hawaiian, her favorite place to eat in her hometown and news about her new television show.

Counter Attack Episode 20

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 23:47:00 +0000

After a long layoff the Counter Attack returns with 2012 Olympian Shea Buckner. Shea talks about his time playing in Europe, attending both Cal and USC in his college days, and what it is like to be known as an Olympian. He looks ahead to the next four years, explains his start in water polo, and lets us know perhaps the best place to get a poke bowl in Southern California.

Counter Attack Episode 19

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 18:56:56 +0000

In this episode we talk with 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Tim Hutten. Tim talks about his time at UC-Irvine where he won the Cutino Award, making the 2008 Olympic Team, what brought him back for 2012 and more. We also talk about his budding musical career, the best place to eat in Seal Beach, a performance his high school rock band will never forget.

Counter Attack Episode 18

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:36:26 +0000

In this episode we talk with Peter Varellas of the Men's National Team. Peter talks about his water polo career from the very beginning to present day. He touches on the benefits of being a lefty, his time in Italy, looking ahead to London, and how at the start, he had no intention of ever playing the game.

Counter Attack Episode 17

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 23:56:26 +0000

This episode of The Counter Attacks bring an international feel from the 2012 Holiday Cup. Return guest Brenda Villa is joined by Tania DiMario of the Italian National Team. The two former club teammates and roomates discuss the differences between American and Italian water polo from training time to preparing for the Olympics. They also discuss American shopping, Italian food and more.

Counter Attack Episode 16

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:42:35 +0000

In this episode we are joined by USA Women's Senior National Teamer Elsie Windes. Elsie talks about her route to the National Team from Portland, Oregon as well as her collegiate career at the University of California. Elsie takes a look at her role at the 2008 Olympics, water polo in the Portland area, the upcoming London Olympics and more.

Counter Attack Episode 15

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:49:00 +0000

The Counter Attack returns after a long layoff with USA Women's National Teamer Courtney Mathewson. Mathewson talks about the team's recent trip to Australia to take part in the Pan Pacs. She also touches on the Pan Am Games, the 2012 Olympics, her time at UCLA, and if being a married woman has changed her at all.

Counter Attack Episode 14

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:07:54 +0000

In this episode we look back at the amazing Gold Medal final from the 2011 Pan American Games. Women's National Team Head Coach Adam Krikorian returns to the program along with Women's National Team Assistant Coach Dan Klatt to discuss the 27-26 shootout victory for Team USA in the Gold Medal match. The victory clinched a berth to the 2012 Olympic Games for Team USA>

Counter Attack Episode 13

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 23:13:37 +0000

In this episode we talk with USA Men's National Team Captain Tony Azevedo. Tony talks about his three Olympic experiences, how many more Olympics he hopes to play in, his early days of water polo and his favorite country to play in. He also touches on his evolution as a player, his time at Stanford, and getting a handle on Twitter.

Counter Attack Episode 12

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:43:40 +0000

In this episode of The Counter Attack we are joined by USA Women's Senior National Team goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong. Betsey talks about her start in the sport of water polo, her decision to tryout for the National Team, the state of Michigan, and the best place to eat in Ann Arbor. She also touches on the 2008 Olympics, looking ahead to the Pan American Games, and the music of Bruce Springsteen.

Counter Attack Episode 11

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:34:56 +0000

On this episode of The Counter Attack we check in with Men's Senior National Team Goalie Merrill Moses at the recent Fisher Cup. Moses talks about gearing up for the summer of 2011 while looking back at the recent success of the Men's National Team. He also gives an important update on the status of his stolen Silver Medal.

Counter Attack Episode 10

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:47:45 +0000

On this episode of the Counter Attack we are joined by three time women's water polo Olympic medalist and FINA Player of the Decade Brenda Villa. Brenda talks about her career with the US National Team and the current training the squad is doing as they prepared for a trip to Russia and China. Brenda discusses her trips to three different Olympic Games, her evolution as a player, amazing support from her home city of Commerce and more.

Counter Attack Episode 9

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 17:22:45 +0000

In this episode we talk with three time Olympian and current UC-Santa Barbara Head Coach Wolf Wigo. Wolf talks about his recent selection to the USA Water Polo Hall of Fame, his early days in water polo in New York City, what keeps him playing these days, and his foray into broadcasting.

Counter Attack Episode 8

Mon, 23 May 2011 18:08:16 +0000

On this episode we talk with 2008 Olympian Peter Hudnut about his return to the National Team after taking time away to pursue Business School. Peter also talks about his start in water polo, why he is returning and some of his water polo idols growing up.

Counter Attack Episode 7 - Lauren Wenger

Fri, 06 May 2011 15:56:00 +0000

In this episode of The Counter Attack we talk with 2008 Olympian and two-time World Champion Lauren Wenger. Wenger fills us in on her thoughts from the last Olympics and why she is looking forward to 2012, her breakout performance at the 2007 World Championships and playing professionally in Europe. She also tells us about the team's recent training trip to Europe, getting ready for a big summer, her early days in water polo, the best places to eat in Long Beach and why being tall doesn't necessarily mean you have to play a land sport.