LEBANON, Ill. — McKendree University men’s water polo head coach Ryan Hall was recently recognized by USA Water Polo with the 2017 Monte Nitzkowski Distinguished Coaching Award for his work coaching in the Midwest Zone.
Hall is one of several selected across the country to receive the honor for exemplary contributions in a variety of areas including leadership, excellence, and sportsmanship at the highest levels of competition. Established in 2010, the awards were named in honor of a person or persons who have made extraordinary contributions to the sport. Winners were chosen through a zone nomination process and then reviewed by a national selection panel. From the zone winners, a group of USA Water Polo national award winners will be announced later this year.
Monte Nitzkowski was synonymous with men’s water polo through much of the 1960’s, 70’s, and 80’s, serving as head coach of the Men’s United States Olympic Team at the 1972, 1980, and 1984 Games. Nitzkowski led Team USA to a Bronze medal in 1972 and a silver medal in 1984. He also served as an assistant coach with the 1968 and 2000 Men’s Olympic Teams.
Release courtesy McKendree University Athletics Communications
