Beijing Olympic Games

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By ANNE M. PETERSON, AP Sports Writer

BEIJING (AP)—From her hospital bed, Barbara Bachman inspired her son-in-law to return to his team.

U.S. men’s volleyball coach Hugh McCutcheon left the team after the stabbing death of his father-in-law, Todd Bachman, one week ago. His mother-in-law was badly wounded and required eight hours of surgery.

“One of the first times I saw her when she was awake in the ICU, she was asking me why I wasn’t coaching the team,” he said.

After missing the team’s first three matches, McCutcheon returned Saturday and guided the men to a 25-22, 25-12 25-18 victory over China. The United States remained undefeated in pool play and had already clinched a spot in the quarterfinals.

McCutcheon is married to the Bachmans’ daughter, Elisabeth “Wiz” Bachman McCutcheon, who played for the U.S. women’s volleyball team in the 2004 Olympics. He said if he hadn’t been convinced that his wife could cope with her loss and the care of her mother, he wouldn’t have kept coaching in Beijing.

“She’s a strong woman and she’s in a good place,” he said.

McCutcheon told his team Friday he would return. Then the group immediately set about watching film of China and discussing strategy.

“I wouldn’t have come back if I wasn’t ready to come back,” McCutcheon said. “It’s what I do—get out on the sidelines and get the boys fired up.”

McCutcheon coached as he always does. He paced the sidelines with arms folded or hands on his hips. He clapped for his team after winning points.

“He’s been a pillar of strength,” libero Richard Lambourne said.

Barbara Bachman was airlifted from Beijing to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., where she is listed in fair condition. Hospital officials said she was alert and talking and had good memory function. McCutcheon’s wife also returned home, as did her two sisters.

The Bachmans were visiting the popular Drum Tower in Beijing with a tour group when the attack occurred. A Chinese tour guide also was wounded. The assailant, Tang Yongming, leapt to his death from a balcony of the 13th-century tower. Bachman McCutcheon was with her parents but was not hurt.

The slaying hours after the opening ceremony, startling the sports community and embarrassing Chinese leaders determined to hold a flawless Olympics.

While McCutcheon concentrated on comforting his wife at the Beijing hospital where Barbara Bachman was treated, he was touched by all the condolences and support. He limited his contact with the team.

“The event happened, right?” he said. “There’s nothing we can do about it. The fact is that so many people want to help us pick up the pieces is certainly the positive thing in this whole thing.”

Assistant Ron Larsen coached in McCutcheon’s absence.

Saturday’s match at Beijing Institute of Technology Gymnasium, the smaller of the two volleyball venues, drew a large crowd because of the host team. When McCutcheon was introduced, clusters of American fans greeted him with a standing ovation.

The men had written “TB” and “BB” on their shoes in honor of the Bachmans.

“I think we wanted to play as hard as we could for him,” middle blocker Ryan Millar said. “But he didn’t want to make it about him; he wanted it to be about the team”

After the final point, wing-spiker Riley Salmon embraced his coach. McCutcheon joined a team high-five on the court.

“It’s always good to have your leader back,” setter Kevin Hansen said. “Our team is complete again.”