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In the wake of the BYU Rugby team's first National Championship win, BYU Rugby Forever continues the "Interview of the Week" series; this week's guest is BYU's starting winger, Manti Su'a. Although Manti was unable to play in the final against Cal due to injury, nevertheless his efforts throughout the season, as well as in tournament play, helped propel BYU to the top after all was said and done. (Photo courtesy of Paul Meyers)
BYU Rugby Forever:
How has being a member of the BYU Rugby team impacted your life? your future goals/plans?
Manti Su'a:
Having had the opportunity to play for the team has been a huge blessing. From a scholastic point of view, I learned very early that I would have to plan out my week in advance and learn how to effectively balance my schedule and use my time wisely. From a long-term perspective, it helped me to figure out which direction I want my life to go and how to set and accomplish goals to ensure I get there. I went to the finals three times with my team; two of those times we came up short in the end. Each season took a lot self-evaluation and introspection. I’d ask myself, “what aren’t you doing to make this team better?” Once I knew what I needed to do, it was just a matter of implementing it into every training session and every game.
BYU Rugby Forever:
What were the greatest moments/highlights of the 2008-09 season for you?
Manti Su'a:
The first moment that comes to mind was against Arkansas State in the round of 8. It was an all out battle from the second the match started. At the half we were losing (which I think was the first time we’d been down at the half all season), and I was pretty frustrated. When the second half started, I glanced over at our inside center Tupu and he was staring at me just laughing! I was so caught off guard that I started cracking up too! That little exchange calmed me down and gave me back my confidence. Minutes later my “baby” brother Mikey got the ball and ran hard and strong right at Arkansas State, laying a couple of their boys out. After that, the intensity went through the roof and the rest was history.
Another memorable moment was when we played the University of Utah at home on South Field. The game was being covered by ESPNU, the stadium was packed, and it seemed like our team was totally in sync. With about ten seconds left in the game, our backs got the ball and attacked from about twenty meters out. I got the ball on the wing after our fullback, Sam Thorley, made an amazing pass which allowed me to score. All I remember was how loud the stadium got. It was pretty crazy!
BYU Rugby Forever:
You were injured in the Big Four match against San Diego State. What exactly happened, and how are you feeling now?
Manti Su'a:
Late in the first half, we kicked the ball straight out from a kick-off. There was a little confusion on the field that resulted in one of the players from San Diego State with a break-away run down the sideline. I chased him down and dove to tackle him, and in the process I got kicked in the face resulting in a broken nose and some eye damage. I had to have some minor surgery that night which kept me sidelined for the finals. It was a bummer that I couldn’t play in the finals, but I was really proud of our true freshman, wing Jordan Lowry, for stepping up to the challenge and playing amazing in the championship. I’m doing a lot better now, except when I asked the doctor if he could do anything about the ugliness in my face, he replied that the unattractiveness was present before the accident and unless I wanted to undergo some serious surgical procedures, I’d be stuck with this face forever. I happily declined.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Some fans don't know that starting prop 'Big Mikey' is your younger brother. Did that relationship affect or influence your performance on the field?
Manti Su'a:
It really did. It’s a huge confidence builder knowing that I’m taking the field with him. We like to get each other fired up for each game, but we also joke around and calm each other down when we need it. We’ve been playing sports together since I was in second grade and we wore the same size clothes! Over the years we’ve learned how to read each other and work together.
BYU Rugby Forever:
Thoughts on the future of the BYU Rugby team? Counsel, suggestions, ideas?
Manti Su'a:
I look at the younger guys on the team and see not just talent and skill, but a good group of guys that are coachable. Apart from that, the coaching staff (Smyth, Tarawhiti, Kjar and Nadauld) are amazing at what they do. Each game we knew exactly what we were up against and what we needed to do to win. My only counsel to the future players is to listen to the coaches because they know how to win and to dedicate yourself to being the best athlete you can be (and that means not only physically, but also mentally by taking care of everything in the classroom, so when it’s time for rugby, you can focus on rugby, knowing that you’ve all ready taken care of school).
BYU Rugby Forever:
If you could say anything to all the BYU Rugby alumni and fans out there, what would you say?
Manti Su'a:
Thanks for all the support for the past three years! Playing in front of so many amazing fans made my three years of BYU rugby some of the greatest memories of my college experience. BYU rugby wouldn’t be where it is today if it weren’t for the alumni and fans. Thanks for everything!
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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!
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After a tough weekend in Atlanta, the BYU Rugby team has qualified for a 5th straight appearance in the 'Big Four' of the USA Rugby National Guard College Playoffs. While Cal and BYU (in recent years) have become mainstays of the Big Four, this year's match-ups feature two teams that haven't been in the top four since 2003 (Army) and 1987 (San Diego State).
BYU will face off against San Diego State on Friday at 5 pm, and the winner thereof will play the following day at 7 pm against the winner of the Cal vs. Army match. For opinions on the long-awaited Big Four tests, as well as recaps of BYU's most recent, barn-burner match against Arkansas State, check the following links:
"The Time Has Come: Collegiate Big 4 Preview"
"Big Four Preview"
"Cougars Move On to Big Four, Beat Strong ASU team"
"San Diego State going to Big Four"
"Army clinches spot in Big Four"
"Cal going back to Big Four"
As there is no word yet on whether or not streaming video coverage of the Big Four matches will be made available online, the only other option (however unsatisfactory and frustrating) is to check the USA Rugby website for the latest updates on the Mobile Scoreboard (viewed by scrolling down to the bottom of the main page).
And as for my two cents on the 2009 Collegiate Rugby Big Four, I really can't say too much... Suffice it to say that many of the results of the matches in the rounds of 16 & 8 were complete shockers, and so this time, I will not be so quick to make any bold assumptions...
Okay, I'll still make some assumptions here, but nothing too over-the-top. But first, a quick reminder that BYU has met San Diego State before... last year's round of 8 resulted in BYU beating San Diego State, 37-14, in a somewhat lackluster performance for both sides. And so it is that BYU again faces San Diego State, similar to this year's Super 16 rematch with Dartmouth... only this time both teams meet in the Big Four!
Although BYU is a much improved team this year, the same holds true for San Diego State on all accounts. If anything, I think (if the first two rounds carry any implications) that we could be in for another highly competitive match with an unbelievably low score. Of course, I also recall last year's Big Four match-up against Colorado, in which BYU basically crippled what was supposed to be a fierce and capable competitor to the tune of a 42 to13 difference. So... when all is said and done, my optimistic spirit and unbridled, BYU Rugby fanhood win out as I'm betting that BYU will come out on top with a final score not much different than that of last year's round of 8.
And as for Cal, what's there to say? Honestly... what should I even bother saying about the dynasty, the regime that boasts ownership of 24 of the last 29 National Titles? ... I suppose all I can say is that I hope this year is different. I hope BYU has a 4th straight rematch against Cal. I hope Our boys fight a lot harder and smarter than they did last year (which shouldn't be hard to do). I hope the BYU Rugby team digs deep to expose a new level of grit and determination, to reveal a true team with hearts united in a common, unwavering ambition to succeed. And success is within reach... it's just a matter of expelling cheap justifications in the pursuit of something bigger than oneself.
Though I can't begin to guess how the final match will pan out, I can offer a few minimum expectations that I and many BYU Rugby fans hold deep inside... Simply put, we all have great expectations of the BYU Rugby team... whoever the opposition may be. And this year (to be blatantly honest) we expect the BYU Rugby team to make it back to the final game; anything less than that would be a great disappointment. Moreover, we expect a much more solid display of rugby, BYU rugby, to grace the stage of the National Title match. Last year's final was tough to swallow... and so this year, as the bar has been raised for all, we expect more of Our boys...
And so it is in that spirit that I say to them, "Work hard, stay focused, and don't compromise yourself nor the team! You're in the spotlight once again, and we are counting on you to dig deep and represent the great BYU Rugby legacy which so many have fought long to build. Make us proud, men... that BYU emerge victorious in the end!" BYU Rugby Forever!
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After an obviously grueling test, the BYU Rugby team emerged victorious, beating a brutal Arkansas State side, 13-3! Although the score at the half had BYU down, 0-3, Our boys battled back in the second half to notch two penalty kicks and a try off of a blocked kick.My camera crew informed me that BYU had a yellow card called on hooker Ra Lawrence early on in the match and later, another yellow called on 8-man and team captain Steve St. Pierre... To add to these woes, Lawrence was then issued a red card shortly after rejoining play. According to our cameraman, Ben Thompson, "BYU was basically playing with 14 guys the whole game."
More thoughts on the match forthcoming in a later post... but for now, congratulations to Our boys for pulling out a tough one! You had all of us fans petrified with anxiety... and rightly so!!!
Wow, what a close game! Amazing... truly amazing. BYU wins again... by a hair!
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This just in... the halftime score is BYU 0, Arkansas State 3!!! Talk about a game!!! Whatever's going on must be pretty intense, because you just don't see that kind of a score often at all! Crazy, crazy, crazy! This is a nailbiter. Let's hope and pray, folks... Come on BYU!
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After a tough day of college rugby, BYU can hang up their boots and rest for the night... or at least try to! Next up tomorrow, the BYU Rugby team will face a solid competitor in Arkansas State, a squad that boasts a strong, well-balanced lineup. Arkansas State earned the right to advance to the quarterfinals by soundly beating Navy, 50-7. Let's just say that BYU definitely has their work cut out for tomorrow's match...
The other two matches of the day resulted in Louisiana State thumping Utah, 47-5, and San Diego State burying Bowling Green, 55-12. Also of note, the (BYU) Women's Cougar Rugby team squeaked by today in Women's Division 1 play, beating Northern Iowa, 22-15.
Check the following links for the latest details on the BYU Rugby team's win over Dartmouth, as well as commentary on the other 3 matches of the day:
"BYU Slips Past Dartmouth"
"BYU Handles Dartmouth Test"
"Day 1 of Playoffs Closes for Division 1 Men & Women"
"ASU & BYU advance"
"LSU, SDSU into quarterfinals"
"Men DI College Latest"
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Well, folks... that's that. The BYU Rugby team just defeated Dartmouth, 26-5, in a match that was merely described as "pretty sloppy." Yeah, I'll say! Whatever Dartmouth was doing must have gotten in Our boys' heads, because BYU doesn't just roll over like that... putting up only 12 points in the first half. But of course, Dartmouth obviously couldn't get it done offensively either... not scoring at all in the second half.
It will be interesting to see what the match reports say about this whole mess. I'll provide any updates I can over the weekend... but for now, congratulations to Our boys on another victory over Dartmouth in the round of 16! Hopefully, tomorrow's match against Arkansas State will be much tighter, cleaner, and more streamlined... we don't need another scare like today's!
Hats off as well to Dartmouth for giving BYU a tougher run than any other college team yet this year! This year's score is much more revealing of the fact than last year's 48-22 difference... (Texas A & M also lost to BYU by 21 early in the season, but team captain Steve St. Pierre told me that they never once worried about losing that one) My respects to the Dartmouth players, coaches, and fans; you obviously run a solid program, worthy of recognition...
Now BYU is set to play a tough Arkansas State team (who just put up a convincing, 50-7 win over Navy) tomorrow in the round of 8... goodness knows I'm holding my breath!
Tighten it up, BYU! Let's see a more resounding victory tomorrow!
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Hey BYU Rugby fans, did you think the craziness of picking brackets ended with college basketball's "March Madness"? Think again! Rugby America is hosting the first ever, Men’s Division 1 Collegiate Championship bracket challenge! Check out the Sweet 16 match-ups set to take place on April 17th, and then make your picks according to the rules as outlined.
BYU again faces Dartmouth in the first round of this year's playoffs. Last year's hard-fought match represented a true test for BYU... Yes, BYU walked away victorious, 48-22, but not without several mishaps along the way. Bottom line, BYU has a tough road on their way to the Big Dance, with potential match-ups against Arkansas State, Navy, Army, or #3-ranked St. Mary's, just to name a few...
So let's all hang on for the ride as BYU pushes for a 4th-consecutive Final Match appearance! Submit your picks, and support Our Boys as they again pursue the National Championship dream! B - Y - U, Cougars!
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