What an astounding way to end up the games in Beijing. Team U.S.A.’s members played a hard and close game, but in the end they proved their worth against Team Brazil. Such stellar American players as Reid Priddy, Sean Rooney, Lloy Ball, Clay Stanley (the game winner), Tom Hoff, Gabe Gardner, Rich Lambourne, and many others, not to mention Coach Hugh McCutcheon, laid it all on the line for this sweet victory. As many of you know, Coach McCutcheon suffered a family tragedy in a senseless stabbing murder at the beginning of the Olympics, and it put a bit of a damper on the team’s spirit at first.

From the Olympics Fanhouse site:

McCutcheon hugged his assistants after the final point. Then he buried his head into his hands and quietly walked off the court. He did not return for a long while, and when he did, he embraced veteran Lloy Ball.

McCutcheon raised his hands in victory at the medal ceremony.

“I’m sure he was overwhelmed by everything, not only what happened on the volleyball court,” U.S. libero Richard Lambourne said. “It’s just something he poured his heart and soul into for the last four years.”

“But certainly with the tragedy that befell his family at the beginning of these games, I’m so happy he was able to be here and experience this with us,” he added. “Because he’s a huge, if not the biggest, part of our team.”

But you couldn’t tell that tonight by watching them play. Brilliance is the only word to describe it, and the score was tight all along… 1 point away, 2 points away, but never more than that it seemed. Team U.S.A. finally pulled it through, and tears were shed by all. Including this writer.

You can watch the final points play, interview with Coach McCutcheon, and the ceremony awarding the team the Gold Medal here.