Timmons Heads Selections for U.S. Volleyball Team

Steve Timmons, who can become the first Olympic volleyball player to win three consecutive gold medals, heads the U.S. team that was named Tuesday for the Barcelona Games.

Timmons, who played at USC, is the only player to return from the 1984 squad and one of six to return from the ’88 team.

“I’ve always felt like it’s great to be an Olympian, but you’re there to win a gold medal,” said Timmons, who at 33 is the oldest member of the all-California team. “And I’ve been fortunate enough to do it twice. I think a third is a great challenge.”

No country has won three consecutive gold medals in volleyball, and the United States will be challenged even with Timmons, once considered the world’s best hitter.

“The 1992 Olympics will be the most competitive ever due to the growth of the sport throughout the world,” Coach Fred Sturm said.

The United States won a bronze medal at last year’s World Cup, which was won by Cuba. Italy is the reigning world champion. Sturm also considers the Netherlands, Brazil and the Commonwealth of Independent States to be medal contenders.

Making their second Olympic appearances will be Jeff Stork of Topanga Canyon, Bob Ctvrtlik of Long Beach, Doug Partie of Santa Barbara, Scott Fortune of Laguna Beach and Eric Sato of Santa Monica.

The newcomers include Bryan Ivie of Manhattan Beach, Dan Greenbaum of Rolling Hills and Nick Becker of Newport Beach. All three were four-year teammates at USC and played on two NCAA championship teams.

Other first-time members are Carlos Briceno of Fountain Valley, Bob Samuelson of Playa del Rey and Brent Hilliard of Dana Point, a senior at Cal State Long Beach.