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R.I.P. Keri Tucker Raising players International “A Bright Star Growing UWH Profiles: Shines Above Our is a family A look at UWH Pools.” Page 2 business for Molly in Philippine and Banks. Page 8 . Page 5

Volume 1 4 eB tt mLines November 2014 USA Underwater Newsletter 3 Cheers for Jack Honoring our history

By Holland Ja

ip Hip Hooray! It’s the familiar cheer we use in . It’s Ha tradition and it endures because it shows respect and appreciation for each other in our . But how did the cheer originate? Who started it? Who was this Underwater Hockey pioneer? His name was Silveriano “Jack” Fernandez. Jack had humble beginnings growing up in a poor Philippino family in Hawaii. As a boy, Jack helped put dinner on the family table by spearing fish and as he did, discovered a lifelong passion for ocean diving. Jack joined the Navy, served his country and finished a distinguished career at the San Francisco, Treasure Island Naval Base. After his retirement, Jack became certified as “For the white team hip hip hooray!“ a NAUI and started teaching Scuba classes at the Treasure Island pool. Hockey began at Treasure Island. From the none of it. We would cheer each other or we Around 1967, Jack read a periodic magazine very beginning, Jack insisted that teams would wouldn’t play. So we did and we loved the about “Octopush” being played in cheer each other after a game. He wanted game he taught us. and decided that this game would be fun and a to foster good sportsmanship and fellowship. Jack also taught us to scuba and free dive. good method to help beginning students with Initially, we thought the three cheers were a He took us diving up and down the California their skills. Jack fashioned the sticks, little hokey. Most of us hadn’t used that cheer coast showing us how to spear fish, take lobster, machined the brass pucks and Underwater since elementary school. But Jack would have scallops and abalone. He mentored us and continued on 12 News in Brief The US Men’s Master team Battle At Altitude is full Find Ansel! A throw out to our is searching for a coach. But if you want to catch some of Ansel the Zebra was spotted at puck trotters Please see the Coach Request for the fun, you can still participate in PCC’s. But as the motto says “What Molly Sue Drozda ( based Proposals: the Battle’s Eve potluck on Friday. happens in Vegas stays in Vegas”, when not elsewhere), Jimm http://www.usauwh.com/na- Ski-o-rama is still also a great so I don’t really know what Ansel Crosby(just left Africa after tionalteams/TeamUSAMensMas- option. was up to. We sure hope it will starting a team in and tersCoachRequestforPropos- take regular trips to cheer us up. is now somewhere in ), Ben als_Oct2014.pdf Tolsky () and now David continued on 4 Keri by Carol Rose

Scott Tucker has been part of the uw hockey community in the US for far longer than many of you or I can remember. He comes from a lineage of competitors as both his mother and father are national class skin spearfishers – Elaine and Lee Tucker.

In October 1997, Scott married a lovely young red head named Keri. She joined the uw hockey ‘family’ working on the USOA 1998 hosting committee for the World Championships. She then began to work in the side, not being player herself. In 2002, she was part of the US contingent assisting with their world championships hosting in Calgary – with new baby girl in tow.

Keri went through the referee level courses, becoming a ‘deck only’ referee, and by 2006, she was a World Level Three. She acquitted herself with distinction at the 2006 uw hockey worlds in – Scott was on the USOA men’s elite team. Later they added another baby girl to the family. Scott was destined to be surrounded by women in his household.

Keri was invited by the So African hosts to referee at the 2008 World Championships in , SA. Again, she served with distinction. As her girls were growing up, Keri took a break from refereeing uw hockey to become the ‘hockey mom’ to her girls. Her girls tried many different and Keri dove whole-heartily into supporting their interests, their lives and their endeavors for the past 6 years. It was refereeing’s loss not have her at our , but we understood, her kids and family were her all. I have no doubt we would have seen her back on the deck once the girls were off to college – time does fly (though we hoped she would attend the 2016 Worlds).

Her death was a great loss to all – her family, the schools and activities and the uw water hockey community world wide – from S Africa to Gt Britain, to Oceania. We agree with Scott – her star shines brightly in our sky.

You can contribute to Keri Tucker’s fund at http://www.gofundme.com/goue3o

2 eBottomLines | November 2014 A Bright Star Shines Above Our Pools

In Honor of Keri Tucker by Daryl Brambilla

Today as I reflect back on the years of Underwater Hockey (UWH) I have many fantastic memories of the people I have met through our incredible sport and the close friendships I have made. Of the many friends I have met around the world… words enough cannot express the sadness and loss of one of our own – Keri Tucker.

I had the honor of meeting Keri through our sport in the early 2000’s through her husband and my close friend Scott Tucker. Scott, for many years, had been actively involved in our sport with the love and support from Keri. It was only a matter of time before Keri would catch the fever and join our ranks!

For those who did not know, Keri had achieved her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1991, and her Masters in Public Administration in 1993 – both of which would be put to good use in her future UWH career and a certified Level 3 Deck Referee for the USA.

Keri began her climb on the UWH ladder back in 2004 where I had the pleasure of working to coach and train her as a junior Level 1 referee. I remember well that she was a quick study and very nervous in the early days of her training. She would always ask questions if she was making the right call, or things she could do to improve her knowledge of the game. For those who knew Keri well you know that the nervousness was short lived. Keri quickly became comfortable with her skills and those in the pool knew it. While she could be stern and a to be reckoned with on the deck, she always had that soft side after the game and even came to talk with you about it to make you feel better. I am sure this is where her Psychology degree came in handy .

Keri became a Level 3 certified Referee and attended the World Championships in England with her family in 2006, and also in in 2008 where she was well received by the international community. She continued to be very active with both refereeing and with the USOA until recent.

Keri and I had many conversations over the years and if there was one thing I can say about her is that I know she lived her life every day to the fullest extent. Keri was an incredible mother and always active with her kids and family. She was a dear and loving wife to Scott Tucker and that was evident to all who knew her. There was not a day that went by where I didn’t see her make a comment about her kids or the love she expressed for Scott. She was a patient woman with the voice of reason. She was a beautiful and caring friend to all of those who knew her and our lives will always be richer as a result.

How does one put into words and summarize the incredible love and friend- ship that this woman brought to our world? We can’t…but we can remember and celebrate her life.

To Our Dearest Keri:

You have made all of our lives a better place by being a part of it and while we are sad to have lost you we will celebrate your life through your family and our memories of you. You will always be the star that shines bright above our pools. Rest In Peace knowing you truly made a difference in all of our lives.

November 2014 | eBottomLines 3 News in Brief cont’d from cover

Boutcher (China too), who is your favorite “Puck Trotter?” Follow their adventures all over the world or just on the other side of it via their blogs or facebook pages. We know all Editor’sMessage hockey players don’t mind traveling but these folks are taking it to a This is with a very heavy with it the last Butt Kicker profile. Special new level. However I can’t help to heart and great sadness that thanks to Kat for sharing her students notice three of them were Chicago we are saying goodbye to our artwork. I was torn between exhibiting team based. Do strong winds give rise to a strong travel bug? friend Keri Tucker. As so many the serious photography edited pieces and already wrote, she always had the fun one perfect for a holiday card. CANAM changed ownership kind words of support and a The selection was tough and is totally Steve Kars and family handled their positive attitude in all of her subjective. hockey gear business to the famous Kennedy brothers. Thank you Steve posts. She is already missed, I cannot believe a year has passed for all what you did for the uwh and the four corners of the world paid since I made the decision to publish an community and good luck with your her a tribute. Our thoughts are with Scott underwater hockey newsletter. It wold not new endeaver. We wish you the best and hope to still see you and your and his girls. have been possible without the support family at tournaments. Also in this issue: we continue to tour of so many contributing writers and the World and discovery two more Asian volunteer editors. Special tranks to my Did you vote? If you haven’t cast your vote for Country profiles; San Francisco play Gus supportive husband who gave me time the next members to represent Pesce tells us everything about SF’s four to make it happen every issue. you on the USA governing board teams’ experiences at PCC’s. Don’t wait for January, drop me a line of Directors, it is now too late. We are also waiting to hear about who It might seem women are taking over at [email protected] with any got the USA Development Director the uwh community news this time as article or news you would like to share position that has been open for a we are sharing the success of the last with our community. few months. women’s , and Molly Banks Time for USOA dues again. tells us everything on how she got started We want to hear from you! Go online, sign in or register and fill playing hockey and pushed her parents to out the USOA waiver and pay your start a new club. 2015 fees. You should pay before attending B@A or CMC to avoid a This is the last issue of the year 2014 and late penalty fee If you only joined after August 31 st, no need to pay the fees again for 2015, but you still need to sign and send the waiver. HeadLines Do you need to earn a bit of extra money? Do you love Underwater hockey players and You have a UWH story to tell, a UWH? Can you teach?. Then you might be up for the the sport keep making the news! tournament you wish to cover? Challenge like Jason Zvanut. His Dear readers, feel free to send any story or any College of Marin Class is in its This video is a must see for pool operators tournament coverage you wish to share with 4th season and he is having a wonderful time teaching UWH to across the country! our community in the next newsletters. Just new college students! “Support a drop me your lines and attach a few pictures new club,...he’s got a good thing up Underwater Hockey Explained with the credits. there... Check Jason’s program”. Aquatics International Magazine http://www.aquaticsintl.com/safety/under- eB tt mLines water-hockey_o.aspx# USA Underwater Hockey Newsletter A quaterly newsletter of the USA Brigit Grimm makes the comcast news Underwater Hockey Community headlines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yu41ae0uO7g Editor & Design: Karen Chevrier Contributing Editors: Michael Lyndon Rive in Fortune’s magazine Smith, Carolyn Erdman http://fortune.com/2014/10/09/lyndon-rive-solar-city/ Logo: Jacquelyn Paulin Photography: Provided by the players

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4 eBottomLines | November 2014 “we seriously explore the possibility of Singapore’s first entry into the big stage at Worlds 2016.” g n e n H oh : J Stirling Singapore hoto

P Underwater Hockey celebrates its 10th anniversary UWH International Country Profile: Singapore 10 years of existence

Special thanks to Alice Chong Greg Bush and Joey Carpio on a Friday Yes, players pay for their own gear and our favorite UWH Singapore evening, the 6th of August, 2004 at contribute towards the pool rental. and former NJ Hammerhead the Queenstown Complex. We also fund our own trips abroad to UWR player for collecting those Shenzhen and are two play with/against other clubs. answers. other areas where people are interested in the sport and are trying hard... Do players pay an annual membership or is it pay per Joey Carpio and Cheoh Pin edited by Ross How is hockey currently organized practice? If per practice, how Leono in Singapore? Is there a trend to much is a pick up game on try to change things in how UWH is average? What is the estimated number of organized right now, if yes how? Yes, players have an annual active players in Singapore? UWH in Singapore is organized quite membership and also pay per game simply being that there is currently session. This setup was chosen to 20 to 30 players. only one club with only so many ensure some support for our sole players. We do operate on a national UWH club while also being fair to How many clubs do you have?- level to represent Singapore when less active members. Players pay $6 Is there any geographical playing other neighbouring countries per two-hour session at either of our ? (e.g. , , two venues... with an additional $1 Just one club playing in two separate and China) in the biennial Asian charged by the Queenstown facility. venues: Queenstown Swimming Underwater Hockey Championships. Complex and the Singapore Sports We would like to grow and expand Which organization does School. the number of clubs in the city state Singapore UWH pay fees to to promote the game countrywide and (CMAS?) Who started the sport in Singapore to form a competitive league to further The Stirling Underwater Hockey and when (bit of history - who was raise level at which it is played locally. Club (SUHC) is affiliated to (and the 1st club) contributes to) CMAS through the Do players pay everything on their Singapore Underwater Federation Singapore’s one-and-only UWH club own for hockey? (SUF). was started by Christine Alindada, Continued on 6

November 2014 | eBottomLines 5 International Profile: Singaporecontinued from 5

Does Singapore receive any govt - how is practice organized? by UWH in Singapore,? funding, and/or sponsorship Does it depend on club, is there The challenges faced by Singapore to participate in local/regional/ an organized practice or just Underwater Hockey are no different national and international pick up games? from those of many other UWH tournaments or events. We do not have a formal coach countries... securing playing venues, Our club receives no government locally, so we get by with our hand-in-hand with recruitment to funding. more experienced players teaching counter player attrition and achieve what they can. We learn as well growth. Government funding is also from many experienced players non-existent, limiting growth in dropping into town for a game several areas such as club equipment or two. We also participate in the purchases and participation in occasional clinics either here or overseas competition. in neighboring UWH countries. Most UWH sessions are pick-up/ Is there a specific or a scrimmage games for experienced mission for the future of UWH in players... with newbies taught in Singapore? one playing court by one or two We continue to work towards experienced players. expanding our player base by firmly establishing a second UWH club Is it difficult to get a pool for at our second playing venue in practice or start a new club... Singapore’s northern area... and we

How many tournaments/year on average. Do you have division games/events or qualifying for world’s? We have four regional tournaments per year on average in addition to several challenge matches between set teams. We have mini internal tournament once a year. In addition to that, the ladies play together once a month in a full game against the men. Several club members also travel to neighboring UWH countries to compete in invitational tournaments. How are the teams selected for Worlds, what about the how is recruitment organized? seriously explore the possibility of coach(es)? Our club has been blessed with Singapore’s first entry into the big We still look forward to Singapore’s a suitable venue for our weekly stage at Worlds 2016• maiden participation at the Worlds sessions for the most part of our - we are seriously studying this for ten-year existence... but there is Some additional materials and Worlds 2016 in South Africa. We the occasional shift in policy by information here: usually do not have the luxury venue management that threatens of numbers for selection and our arrangements in one way or https://sites.google.com/site/ participation is usually dependent another... such as price increases, stirlingunderwaterhockeyclub/ on who can make time for any new lane limitations, weekend event. restrictions, etc. http://suhc.wordpress.com/ Do you have coaches at practice What are the challenges faced https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/ groups/uwh_sing/info

6 eBottomLines | November 2014 PCC’s 2014 - Las Vegas, 4 San Francisco teams, next... the world.

razy thing happened on Friday: By Gus Pesce Cwater fell from the sky and electric o what was interesting? Our bolts darted the ground. I know, it Sdelegation was the largest, but ello - This is for the must be some get back to the Sin not by much. The Aletas team from Hthose of you who didn’t City from the big wigs up there. Copacabana (near Medellin, ) make it to Vegas that week- Unfortunately the lifeguards end. I won’t say that you missed out, were instructed to evacuate pious of me. the water until 30 min passed from the last bolt, which cost o, what we encountered there? An more about 2 hours of play. Sindoor pool similar to LA’s pool, We were not allowed outside, Matt reports that the bottom was a so all we could is, could you bit faster, good for a cement bottom. imagine, talk to each other. Solid walls from Weston. Pool was a 20 The round robin ended up min drive from the hotel, organizers being played with short games n had a shuttle pick us up to the one and and in somewhat of a disarray. castrillo only hotel, one way in, one way out. A few teams forfeited games and took off. sergio he hotel was a bit of a downer, : hoto Talthough at that price nobody aturday ran smoothly, P complained. 2 miles from the strip. Sgames from 8 am till 6 pm. They had a bar and mattresses. Ice In the B division we played 4 machines and a . Free games Friday and 5 games on Saturday, sent 2 full 12-players teams, one for wifi. Who needs phones in the rooms the hockey quota was satisfying, even the A division and one for the Mixed. these days? tiring for those not fit like me. Their mixed division team was entirely formed by 13-14 year old players, plus “the puck gets one adult beginner that didn’t make a difference. Also from Aletas were stuck a bit, but “a phenomenal, 5-6 ladies that merged with Atlanta Swordfish players to form a formidable then we come international mixed team. More traveling players came from , and to cement and turnout” Montreal. we rock it” he Mixed division was quickly Tsegregated into “top teams” (LA, ladies with Carolyn and Leigh, Swordfish/Colombia and “Yori’s team”) and two lower divisions (San Diego, SF teens Elite, Phoenix, Copacabana U15 one one and SF teens All Stars, SF Baywatch and Jesse/Lee combo in another one). SF Elite fought hard with the U15 team. Those kids were amazing. They told me that they train 5 days a week, 3 hours per day (5-8 pm), in an olympic pool made of fabric (“the puck gets stuck a bit, but then we come to cement and we rock it”). We confronted them with some older kids and 4 strong adults and lost Continued on 11

November 2014 | eBottomLines 7 Another successful women’s-only tournament.

By Wendy Okafuji each under the guidance of a veteran captain/coach, and the games began! ifty-four women de- Throughout Saturday and Sunday, the My Underwater Hockey scended on the Univer- teams battled each other, using the Story by Molly Banks Fsity of Cincinnati the skills and finesse they learned at the weekend of October 11 for clinic, while being coached, coaxed Traveling around the the 6th Annual Women’s and cajoled by their captains. Sunday’s country to play underwater Underwater Hockey Tournament. Play- final was an exciting match between hockey may sound crazy to ers traveled from far and wide, flying undefeated Team Cream Puffs, led normal people, but to me, thousands of miles or driving through by Captain Kim Skukas, and Team it sounds like adventures the night to participate in this spec- Cupcakes, led by Captain Missy Kehoe. waiting to happen. tacular event. Participants included The score remained close throughout most of the game, but late in the second Underwater hockey is one of half the Cream Puffs surged ahead to the very few sports that you win the coveted First Place Tiara with can play competitively with a final score of 6-3. your family. I was extremely lucky to be raised all around the sport. My dad, Kendall Banks, and my mom, Sue Banks, have gone to worlds women from 16 different clubs around multiple times, and have the country, ranging from ages 12 to 50+, dragged me to practices from the newly initiated to veteran 30- from the day I was born. year players. A truly diverse group but Although there is video of everybody had one thing in common: me pushing the puck into all were ready to play some hockey! the goal at age four, I didn’t really start playing until I aturday morning was spent in was seven and didn’t get a clinic, divided into groups more serious until I was ten based on experience. A variety and we moved to Sturgeon S of skills and drills (including a clever Bay, Wisconsin. During our puck shooting course devised by Kim intro tour of the local YMCA, Skukas) were reviewed, and scrimmages I opened my big mouth were organized in order to practice the and declared that “we” were new moves. Then on to the real fun… going to start a club here. So six teams of women were announced, I kind of had to get serious after that. The next thing I knew we were at our second nationals and finishing up our first kids-only hockey class. Sometime this summer my dad told me about the San Francisco Sea Lions sending two mostly kids teams to Las Vegas for PCC’s. They offered my dad and me spots on the team and we jumped on it. I had only met Continued on 9 8 eBottomLines | November 2014 Continued from 8 one of the players before we got Another successful he banquet was a fun, festive he annual Women’s Tournament there, but two days later I felt like event with a delicious dinner is the single event where women I knew them all pretty well, both Tand the ever popular awards Tfrom all over the country at any in and out of the water. They women’s-only tournament. ceremony. Numerous prizes were skill level get a chance to play with ALL asked me to play in the back, and presented for various categories – women. For many this was a first time although I’d never played there some serious (like best shot, tightest in a tournament before I thought curl, most amazing goal save) and it was a good experience. It some silly (like best swimsuit, most was nice playing all weekend duct tape, biggest bruise). Each team with other kids and by the end captain also named a “most improved” we were really connecting as a player for their team, and elected the team. Even though I played with most improved player for the entire my dad all weekend, I feel like tournament - Tirrel Miller. I have another kind of family. Playing at all the underwater hockey tournaments with kids and adults, I feel like everyone always has a special connection. At almost every tournament I end up meeting new people and experience, for others, the tournament new friends. At PCC’s there was just keeps getting better every year. This a Colombian kid’s team there. year’s event was a far cry from the first Even though we didn’t speak women’s tournament where we were each other’s language we still barely able to scrape together three managed to create a bond. When teams. In fact, the players this year meeting new friends, it doesn’t from the local Roger Bacon club (9) mean I don’t keep the old family HUGE thank you to plus the large contingent from Denver friends. One of the people I met Tournament Host extraordinaire (10) alone were just about equal to the told me how grateful he was to AJoe Gering and the rest of the total number at the first year’s event! have had the opportunity to play Cincinnati club for their amazing To quote one player: “This was the with his mom for all those years work in organizing the facilities, best Women’s Tournament ever!” We before playing at the top level as setting up walls, reffing the entire hope that you’ll say the same about he does now. And of course it was weekend, providing poolside food next year’s tournament. fun to reconnect with old “family” and putting together an absolutely friends. fabulous banquet. Also infinite thanks nd speaking of next year’s to Tournament Director Brigit Grimm tournament, if anyone would As for underwater hockey itself, for her tireless efforts in putting Alike to host please contact Brigit I’ve learned many things about it. together the Women’s Tournament Grimm! We are always looking for new One: Even though I’m young and year after year. venues! small I can still hold my ground. Two: Playing with people you don’t know can be really fun, challenging and an opportunity to learn. And Three: you sound really tough and cool when you tell people about it. Underwater hockey is the most fun sport there is. For people young, old, small, big, female, male, it’s a very diverse sport. It’s fun to see whenever a new kid wants to play underwater hockey, or when I get to play with kids in a tournament. Just think how good the US worlds team will be in five or ten years…full of the improving juniors of today...

November 2014 | eBottomLines 9 TheButtKickers Introduction to the USA team players who went to World’s in Eger, in August 2013. When Underwater Hockey becomes an Art Project Photographs edited by Kat Kurtz’s High School students

Katherine Kurtz (Kat)

Started in 2007 at the University of Illinois..

Where do you play now - DC 1-4 times a week depending on pool closings and ex- haustion

“Signature move” - Double Lefty Curl with a couple kicks in between.

Favorite Dirty move - Can opener - Retaliation for landing on my stick arm.

Best UWH memory - Playing at America’s Cup in Colombia with Americans, Colombians, and Argentinians. The language barrier was an issue, but we managed to improve throughout the tournament and have some hockey fun!.

Favorite color - Blue or Green.

Favorite animal - At the moment, Spotted Eagle Ray. Or sharks that are behind glass.

Favorite movie - The Rock - “Losers always whine about their best” - or Sneakers “Too many secrets”.

Favorite book - The Ender’s Game series

Little known secret - I’m a lefty hockey player, but mostly right-handed with everything else

UWHCalendar

■■November 2014 event, next tryout on invite only. MSU 15th Tournament of Love You can usually find all the Friday16th to Sunday 18th Annual tournament latest tournaments details and 21st CAMO Tournament Saturday 26th information on the usauwh.com Battle’s Eve Potluck Montreal, Canada website. Lakewood, CO 2 divisions ■ April 2015 Friday 16th ■ Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th. ACC’s Battle at Altitude Washington, DC Area Lakewood, CO ■■December 2014 More info to come Annual Tournament Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th Men’s Team Building Event Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th Brown Deer, WI Mass Lowel Potluck Men’s World’s training event ■■February 2015 Annual TBD From Friday 5th to Sunday 7th CMC Canam Midwest Championship ■■June 2015 ■■January 2015 Annual Tournament Regional USA National’s Women’s 1st tryout for World’s Team Friday 6th to Sunday 8th Annual event Lakewood, CO Los Angeles, CA World’s 2016 event- last open Friday 26th to Sunday 28th

10 eBottomLines | November 2014 My Training for the S.F. at PCC’s continued from 7 Women Elite Team

Katrina Finley hen I decided to try out for the national team going to Hungary, I was not in very good shape. I was pretty 5-2 one game and then finally beat them much only playing underwater hockey once or twice a in the deciding game, in , 2-1. week.W Once I decided to try out I started swimming a few times It was an epic game, nice close to the a week and doing puck work. I was not sure how to train or what tournament. SF All stars teens with exactly I should do. After tryouts, I was not immediately on the Holland, Jakub, Kendall and Agnes team and had to demonstrate improvement before I could earn a fought with the SF Baywatch with spot. I started doing Crossfit three or four times per week, played guest players Bob and Zach. An intense underwater hockey two to three times per week, and added a couple game. I was reffing and had a hard time more swimming workouts per week. Tyera helped me train and I knowing what was a foul and what not, utilized her swimming workouts. I continued this through Hungary for example when Joey (~300 pounds) of course ramping up the swimming. To hold ourselves and each confronted Juliana (~75 pounds). You other accountable leading up to Hungary, we had test sets we had can picture that. SF All Stars won the to do every month to see our progress. game! LA won the Mixed division. raining for this tryout has been a bit different. I decided much A team “Team Cannon” took earlier that I was going to try out so I have had more time S third place and I hear the division to get in better shape. After Hungary, I took a bit of a break hadF very good level. Aletas Copacabana Tfrom training heavily, but got back into it in April. My won the division. Can’t recall who came training plan involves doing Crossfit four to five times per week. I in second. am also swimming before UWH practices twice a week with other Colorado players who are interested in trying out (or just want he award ceremony was poolside, to get in better shape). I am going into this tryout in a lot better Tbecause the banquet situation was shape than last time. As the selection process for the team happens, rather unusual. We were directed to and if I make the team, I will increase the amount of swimming. a buffet in the strip. We paid $30 and had a lot of good food options, but we ith the goal (of becoming world champions) so far away, I were all mixed with the other customers have decide to focus on the system of training (what I do and separated in different sectors, so it every day) rather than the goal. This allows me to break kind of felt like everyone went dining itW down and commit to the process of training, so I am able to on their own. push myself to lift heavier and swim faster in the workouts. Focusing on the system has made it easier for me to stay motivated, n the balance: The pluses of a but at the same time not be afraid to take it easier if I feel a twinge Iphenomenal, international turnout that could lead to an injury. I have already seen the benefits in the and good pool outweighted the cons. game as I am able to swim faster and I feel like I am able to reach I vote for more PCC’s in Las Vegas, a top speed faster. next time maybe a better hotel and a traditional banquet setting, with party n addition to my own training, I started a monthly swim challenge to follow, Vegas-style. For a first time, to help inspire other women underwater hockey players. The goal kudos to the organizers! behind the swim challenge is to help motivate women around Ithe country to swim and get in shape. I think the more women we have swimming and being active, the higher level women’s hockey will be overall in the .

f you are a woman and wish to join those monthly swim challenges, contact IKatrina Finley at [email protected]

November 2014 | eBottomLines 11 3 Cheers for International Profile: The Philippine Jack continued from 1 We asked the usual questions and Cebu Underwater Hockey Team helped several of us to certify as diving to another Asian country. Extreme (CUHTE). instructors. Today, there are three active Philippine UW Hockey continued to be clubs — Citadel Underwater Hockey played and as ocean divers in northern Answers provided by Chari Club (CUHC), Puck Pirates California heard about what was Congyanco Underwater Hockey Club (3P) and happening at Treasure Island, they came Underwater Hockey Bootcamp (UBC), to play and honored the three cheers Estimated number of active with 120 total membership. by continuing to use it as they started players in your country. Philippine Underwater Hockey networking and playing hockey across Roughly 100 players between three Confederation (PUHC)In 2010, the United States. Hundreds of players uwh clubs. PUHC’s role has evolved from a club pushed their first puck at Treasure Island to an umbrella organization that leads including Joey Grandov, Mark Voelker, Estimated Numbers of clubs- is there underwater hockey clubs throughout Pete Taylor and many more. Hundreds any geographical concentration? the archipelago. It has become more, including the great one, Kendall Currently, there are three clubs, all known as the Philippine Underwater Banks, played here as the Treasure Island based in Metro Manila. Hockey Confederation (PUHC) Divers hosted tournaments including the and is recognized by the Philippine 1981 Nationals and founded the Pacific Who started the sport and Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Coast Championship. when (bit of history - who Olympic Committee (POC) and the Jack relinquished control of the was the 1st club) Confédération Mondiale des Activités Treasure Island program around 1978 and Full history is available here: Subaquatiques (World Underwater although in great physical condition for https://www.facebook.com/groups/6398952036/ Federation, CMAS). his age, retired from teaching and let PUHC Origins: In 1979, the president others run both the scuba and hockey of Dive Asia, a dive shop in Manila, How is underwater hockey programs he founded. Jack urged us read an article about underwater currently organized in your to support the Cen Cal Council of hockey in a World Underwater country? Is there a trend to try Diving Clubs and to engage with Carol Federation (CMAS) magazine. After to change things in how UWH is Rose to grow our sport. Jack knew that inquiring and receiving information organized right now, if yes how? Underwater Hockey was about to take off. about game rules and equipment, their Philippine Underwater Hockey He was proud when we made our treks first underwater game was held in the up north to challenge the Canadians and shop’s own pool in 1980. It reached saw us off to our first Nationals at the the dive club at the University of the University of Minnesota in 1979. Philippines, known as the U.P. Divers Around 1986, Jack moved to the were they became the first to find a Northern California Mendocino Coast regular venue for the scrimmage games. to be closer to his beloved diving grounds. They first played at the Quezon City In early 1994, while diving with his Sports Club swimming pool every grandson, Jack suffered a heart attack and Tuesday night from 1984 to 1997. drowned. He was 75 years old. As sad as we felt, if we had to lose Jack, we knew In 1990, these players finally Confederation (PUHC). In 2010, it was the way he would have wanted it. incorporated themselves into the PUHC’s role has evolved from a club Jack was a world class free diver and Philippine Underwater Hockey Club, to an umbrella organization that leads a gifted Underwater Hockey player in the first underwater hockey club in the underwater hockey clubs throughout his time. He was also a kind and gener- country. As the years went by, the love the archipelago. It has become ous man. It seems fitting that when the for the sport was passed on from one known as the Philippine Underwater Underwater Hockey community gives recruit to the next, gradually increasing Hockey Confederation (PUHC) three cheers, it’s also a deserving tribute the number of underwater hockey and is recognized by the Philippine to the legacy of one of our UW Hockey players from all over the country. Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine pioneers. Hip Hip Hooray for Jack!. Earlier fledgling clubs included Olympic Committee (POC) and the • Bacolod Underwater Hockey Team Confédération Mondiale des Activités (BUHT), Angeles City Underwater Subaquatiques (World Underwater Hockey Association (ACUHA), Davao Federation, CMAS). Underwater Hockey Club (DUHC) Do players pay everything on

12 eBottomLines | November 2014 all clubs are invited; the PH National their own for hockey? Games, which is organized by PSC In general, yes. However, the for all sports and by PUHC for uwh; Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and AUHC, to which a PH National has recently given financial support Team is sent and all clubs are invited to the PH UWH Teams sent to the to send members for drafting. CMAS UWH World Championships in Hungary in 2013. In 2014, PSC How are the teams selected for has also committed to give financial worlds, what about the coach(es)? support to PUHC for various projects PUHC organizes a Selection of the NSA, including coaching for Committee. The Selcom has authority players, refereeing courses, pool to choose a National Team from the equipment and other projects. pool of players from all clubs. Do players pay an annual Do you have coach / club membership or is it pay per at practice - how is practice practice? If per practice, how much organized? Does it depend on is a pick-up game on average? clubs, is there any organized Players pay membership fees to practice or just pick up games? their clubs. At this time, PUHC does Each club plans their own uwh not charge clubs for membership fees. nights and whether those are practice However, starting 2015, there will be a games or pick-up games. small charge to clubs for membership. Is it hard to find a swimming Which organization does your pool for practice or book time country pay UWH fees to (CMAS?) for underwater hockey? CMAS wants to deal with one At this time, we have at least 4 pools umbrella org in the country that in Metro Manila, so practice times are encompasses uwh, fin swimming and not an issue. all other activities it covers worldwide. So there is a PH Association of UW What are the challenges or issues Activities (PAUA) which is recognized faced by underwater hockey by CMAS. In reality, PAUA is in your country at this time? composed of just PUHC and the The main challenges are: fin swimming organization in the 1. to find out whether there is a pool country, and exists merely to meet of players willing to train to become CMAS requirements. an elite team(s), or whether the pool is just players happy to play at “club Does your country receive any level.” government funding, and/or 2. to keep expanding the pool of sponsorship to participate in local/ uwh players, by forming more clubs regional/national and international in different cities. tournaments or events. Yes. See above. What is the specific goal or mission for this sport in your How many tournaments / year country in the near future? are played in average? Do you I would say that this year, we are have division games/events trying to find out the answers to our or qualifying for world? two main challenges. Each club organizes their own • tournaments. At this time, there are http://www.puhc.com.ph only three events at which the clubs may meet to play with one another - http://3punderwaterhockey.com/club-profile/puhc/ the Manila Invitational Tournament, which is organized by Polo Puck Pirates (the largest club) and to which

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