Interview of the Week: Steve St. Pierre

In an effort to pass on some of the 'insider' opinions and sentiments of those involved with the BYU Rugby program, BYU Rugby Forever presents its first (and hopefully not last) 'Interview of the Week'. Our first guest is none other than BYU Rugby Team Captain and 8-man, Steve St. Pierre...

Due to his still-busy schedule and preparation for the upcoming Big Four weekend, Steve was unable to conduct an interview in person; however he managed to briefly respond to the following questions via email this afternoon. (Photo courtesy of Paul Meyers)

BYU Rugby Forever:
Looking back over your rugby career at BYU, what have you most enjoyed? Moments, experiences, accomplishments?

Steve St. Pierre:
The things that I have most enjoyed have been the teammates and coaches that I have been privileged to have. They have made the experience so enjoyable and have taught me so much. I have made some lifelong friends through the program and that is what I will take with me through the years. As far as the rugby is concerned, the most enjoyable thing has been playing for a National Championship 3 (and hopefully soon to be 4) times. It's an amazing experience.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What do you see in the future for the BYU Rugby program? Any potential for involvement on your end?

Steve St. Pierre:
BYU Rugby has a very bright future. It is in good hands with our coaching staff and alumni network. They work very hard to make the program the best it can be, and I think it has been very prevalent by the huge strides the program has taken recently. We have some very good players coming back over the next few years and should see similar success. I hope to be an active contributor to the alumni network and help out coaching and recruiting wherever I can.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the team's recent performances against Dartmouth and Arkansas State?

Steve St. Pierre:
They were two tough matches. Dartmouth and Arkansas State were two of the best teams we have faced this year. It was a great experience for us going into the Final Four this weekend to be able to have two games like that. They will help us to know we can dig deep when it gets tough.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What are your expectations and goals for BYU's next match in the Big Four against San Diego State? Any specific areas of concern?

Steve St. Pierre:
I expect us to go out and play BYU rugby. To play the game on our terms. We recognize that San Diego State is a very good team and that we will have to come out and have our best game of the year against them. We have been working hard in practice to perfect those areas of our game that need improvement so that we can come out and play good quality rugby this weekend. As far as specific areas of concern, we have been working a lot on the breakdown scenario and limiting the amount of penalties we receive.

BYU Rugby Forever:
An inevitable question, what are your thoughts on Cal? In the event that BYU again qualifies for a National Title game rematch, what is the edge that will hopefully get BYU a win this year?

Steve St. Pierre:
Cal is an excellent program with a storied tradition. They have a great team again this year. It will take a big effort from us to beat them. But I know that we are capable of that effort. We have very committed guys and a balanced attack this year.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What would a National Title mean to you? To the BYU Rugby program?

Steve St. Pierre:
It would be a great ending to a wonderful experience for me. I can't think of a better way to end my BYU Rugby career than to win a National Championship. To the program, I think it would be a nice reward for all the people who put so much work in behind the scenes and have played here ever since the program began. To get a win for those guys would be really special.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Any message for all the devoted BYU Rugby fans out there?

Steve St. Pierre:
Thanks for all your support and encouragement! It really helps. Let's win this thing!

BYU Rugby Forever:
Thanks, Steve, for your taking the time to answer these few questions. And on behalf of BYU Rugby fans everywhere, I wish you and the team good luck and great success this weekend in Palo Alto. See you there!

Well there you have it, folks... Our boys are prepping for the Big Four of US collegiate rugby once again! Let's show every support for our team as they again pursue a first-ever, National Title this weekend!