Rich Duwelius had never played basketball or volleyball in high school, but made the freshman basketball team at The Ohio State University, before leaving that sport for volleyball. He quickly became a star for the Buckeyes, leading them to the Final Four in his senior year. After college Duwelius played for the US National Team for six years, competing at the 1979 and 1983 Pan American Games, the 1982 World Championships, and the 1984 Olympics, winning gold at Los Angeles. He also played professionally in Italy. He also continued to compete in masters events for various club teams.
Duwelius moved to Connecticut in 1998 and served as a volleyball coach first at Mitchell College and later at the US Coast Guard Academy. He also coaches CT Velocity Volleyball in southeastern Connecticut.
United States