| Brian "Bingo"
Begeman
Brian Begeman, 29, Northwestern’s four-year assistant before his promotion to head coach in 2002, has instilled a new focus into the men’s water polo club. Begeman's challenge is to make his team stronger before the end of the shortened NU fall season ends. Begeman has new intense workouts and physical drills, and he has more positive motivational speeches. Before the season he recommended a dry-land, no-weight strength workout, which he got from a national championship goalie. The team regularly does the exercises before practice once a week. Drills in practice focus on improving his players aggressiveness. Players take fewer shots in practice and scrimmage less, instead working on individual skills. Physical and smart play can make up for speed, Begeman says. Last year he was the quiet assistant, known for working with players individually or preaching his favorite quotes of inspiration: "Have fun out there," and "I love water polo." Begeman said he needs to work on not being so nice. He still talks in a calm, collected voice, taking out new quotes of inspiration at least twice a week. But he still can change to the opposite coin, the "bad cop" personality. In a game at Purdue, Begeman got a yellow card for yelling at the refs. “(Coaching) is a challenge where you’re working with kids: what is the most efficient way to get the most out of them?” Begeman said. “It’s my job to create an environment for them to excel in. You get involved in making coaching decisions. You get involved with these guys’ lives for 4-5 years. You can have somewhat of an influence on their lives.” Begeman grew up as a swimmer from the South Side of Chicago. He competed in the high school state championships. When he went to college at Purdue University as an engineer, he joined the water polo team. He eventually became captain and president of the team. Besides coaching Northwestern water polo, he referees high school water polo and plays water polo with the Apostles in Chicago, a competitive men’s team. “I’ve always loved sports,” Begeman said. “I love the competition. Water polo is just the sport that I excelled at… I always had great people helping me. I believe in myself and I can be a good role model.”
Email Bingo: brianbegeman@msn.com |
The
men’s water polo team called the right numbers with their
new head coach, “Bingo.”