Indianapolis – Kevin Mazeika of Houston, Texas has been named Head Coach of the U.S. men’s team for the 2003 World Gymnastics Championships, scheduled for August 16-24, in Anaheim, Calif.

Mazeika was the head coach for the team that captured the silver medal at the 2001 World Championships in Ghent, and oversees the training for 2001 World Champion Sean Townsend, as well as Senior National Team members Todd Thornton and Jason Furr.
“I am confident in Kevin’s ability to assemble and prepare the men’s team for the Worlds this summer,” said USA Gymnastics President Bob Colarossi. “We are very proud of the recent accomplishments of our men’s program and are looking forward to seeing them on the podium in Anaheim.”
“This is a real honor for me, especially considering the Worlds are being hosted in the United States. I think everyone in the men’s program wants the same thing – for the U.S. team to become the World Champions,” Mazeika said. “We will plan and prepare our Team with the utmost care and detail. We will be sure to leave no stone unturned as we ready ourselves for this tremendous task.”
Mazeika began coaching men’s gymnastics in 1984 and has served on the National Team Coaching Staff since 1988. Over the past five years he has coached at 28 international competitions and has been head or assistant coach at 11 international team events.
“Kevin’s strong leadership ability and communication skills will be valuable for our team in a high pressure environment like we will have in Anaheim,” said Ron Galimore, Men’s Sr. Program Director.
Mazeika will get his first look at the rising U.S. talent during the 2003 Winter Cup Challenge, scheduled for Feb. 7-8 in Las Vegas. The men will compete for berths on the Worlds team at the 2003 U.S. Gymnastics Championships in Milwaukee, June 19-22, where the top two all-around finishers automatically qualify to compete in Anaheim. The remaining team members will be chosen at a final preparation camp in Colorado Springs, July 9-18.