ODP 2013-14

[mbaywaterpolo]

ODP training for most zones will begin by the end of this month. When the new MNT coach came in, he promised changes for the ODP system. I know there was a meeting held to discuss some of these things but I'm not aware of USAWP announcing any real changes from the ODP system of last year. Where the new coach's statements just pandering or are there actually substantial changes being made that I am not aware of? Curious to hear what other people have heard.

[Go WP]

Yes, also curious if changes made. It says James Lathrop is in charge of the boys, the HB crew are the head coaches for 10th and 12th. Anyone at ODP or Coaches Brian/Djoko care to comment?

Thanks!

[MaxTork]

It looks like we may have traded a Socal slant for a Vanguard slant on the Sopac boys side. I don't know him personally and have no opinion, but I heard over the summer that Lathrop was going to be replaced as well. Maybe that's not going to happen now.

[LamoPoloDad]

Lathrop is now in charge of the mens program at Lamorinda. He left ODP after the summer.

[polo68]

ODP's loss in my opinion. Lathrop is top-notch from what I've seen.

[mbaywaterpolo]

According to the ODP website Lathrop is still the "Boy's National Technical Director". Whether or not he is with ODP is kind of irrelevant, the presence or lack of presence of one person won't change much without a change in the way the program is being run.

[jietoh]

SoPac ODP was HUGE this weekend. I heard from a friend that 8th grade and under had 80+ kids try out and I observed the 10th and under to have 70+ boys despite the rain and cold weather. I don't know if the other zones had turnouts greater than normal but USA WP is doing something right RE: advertising or whatever to increase the participation in SoPac.

[waterwatcher]

SoPac ODP was HUGE this weekend. I heard from a friend that 8th grade and under had 80+ kids try out and I observed the 10th and under to have 70+ boys despite the rain and cold weather. I don't know if the other zones had turnouts greater than normal but USA WP is doing something right RE: advertising or whatever to increase the participation in SoPac.

When my son went 4 years or so ago there were 110+ kids in 10th and under for SoPac

[jietoh]

OK, I only have last year to go by and there were not nearly as many kids. Maybe 50 at 8th and under.

[worm]

Lathrop is still running ODP and thats a good thing and numbers are WAY up this year. In some zones maybe too much up, a good problem to have but a problem nonetheless.

[oldschool]

If the new MNT coach is planning to make changes let's hope he doesn't just throw them out there and assume things will take hold. I hope he takes his time and works with the staff to systematically role them out. I actually don't think the system is that far off. In my experience it is similar to soccer which is starting to produce good results. Biggest issue to me is how we break through the Cali dominance and grow the sport in other places. Hoping to get some more break out people like Wertz. Maybe Starsinic (spelling*) in Pittsburgh? Even in California most of the top players from one of two places. We have a lot of good athletes out there and a great sport here.

[jietoh]

Lathrop is still running ODP and thats a good thing and numbers are WAY up this year. In some zones maybe too much up, a good problem to have but a problem nonetheless.

It's tough when they have to cut 1/2 to 1/3 of the kids who want to participate especially when those cuts have to be made based on very limited information.