BYU Rugby Memories: Jenilyn Su'a

Memory # 1: Being a BYU Rugby fan is NOT something to take lightly. The players become your family (no literal sense intended, haha). When THEY win...YOU win....winning is an amazing feeling. Scoring a try is an even more amazing feeling...winning AND scoring a try FOR the win will not only blow your mind (because of the awesomeness that lies therein) but it is also something that never really leaves your memory.

As it happened, ESPNU was covering this particular game; talk about pressure. It was a cool evening, perfect weather for a good, intense rugby game. The bleachers were jammed with people...people were overflowing onto the sidewalks and walk ways....tensions were high. The game went well...BYU was synchronic, completely in tune with one another.

With about 9.5 seconds left in the game, the backs gained possession of the ball. 20 meters out, the backs attacked!... The ball is passed to fullback Sam Thorley; Thorley passes to winger Manti Su'a; Manti Su'a SCORES!!!!!!! What a "try-umphant" feeling! The crowd goes wild. What a hum digga of a game! This boychi scores, wins the game, and puts BYU on the ESPNU map (along with his fellow teammates)...wowzers.....can I get an autograph?


Memory #2: Mikey Su'a is TWICE the size now than when he played his rookie year. In this memory, I rejoice not only in his cat-like reflexes but also in his brute strength. In this particular season, Mikey had developed cauliflower ear and had just undergone (conscious) surgery. This game was against Utah State (I think)....I have attached pictures to portray what a stalwart player this kiddo really is...... (please refer/look at pix...in order)

That moment was SO amazing to witness. He takes TWO really hard hits to his upper body...one around the neck (one day after his surgery), and still he manages to score. To see someone you know who worked so hard to get so far...to see that happen for them is such a fulfilling feeling that you can't help but be proud, humbled, excited, ecstatic, joyful, relieved, I-told-you-so, jump-up-and-down-so-hard-you-get-a-headache, blessed, and delighted all in the same emotion.
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Winger Manti Su'a: Interview of the Week

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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Time to get BYU Rugby-ified!

Friends and BYU Rugby fans everywhere,

The USA Rugby Collegiate National Championship is upon us; on the morrow, the BYU Rugby team meets Dartmouth in a rematch of last year's Super 16 game, which BYU took only after much effort, 48-22! To help build the excitement and anticipation of another victory for Our team, I have provided the following media morsels to help get your BYU Rugby blood pumping:

First off, listen to the latest interviews from BYU-TV's Jarom Jordan, featuring commentary by Head Coach David Smyth, Assistant Coach Kimball Kjar, Winger/Fullback Manti Su'a, Prop Mikey Su'a, and Center Tupu Folau.

Second, check out the commentary on the BYU vs. Dartmouth match-up, as well as the other 7 to be played tomorrow, by clicking the following links:

"Cougars to meet Dartmouth Again in Round of 16" (on the BYU Rugby website)
"Round of 16: Atlanta preview"
"Round of 16: Berkeley preview"
"Time to Dance: Collegiate Championships Start This Weekend"
"BYU Bests Dartmouth in Tight Contest" (an article about last year's match)

And last but not least, read some of my previous posts (check the archives in the sidebar); there are video clips, links, and commentary enough to help get you riled for the National Championship and BYU's title aspirations!
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Wasatch Cup 2009: Thoughts

Well, folks... I don't even know where to begin. Seriously, I don't... I was actually about to post some pregame thoughts and predictions early Saturday morning, but I'm glad I didn't! I had thought that a match-up between the #2 and #4 teams in the nation would have been crazy enough to call, but what to think, say, or do when both of these are the BYU and Utah rugby teams???

And what a sweet game it was against Utah! Our boys mopped them up like never before... 59-15! Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and staff on this fantastic win over Utah! (What happened to Utah anyway?)


In previous Wasatch Cup meetings, tensions have run pretty high for the duration of the entire game; it's just a given fact, regardless of either team's record, talent, standing, and etc. And the scoreboard usually reflects such (e.g. the 2007 Wasatch Cup match at Utah, a 21-20 win for BYU).

This time around, however, the game was rather tense for only the first twenty minutes or so. A lot of flip-flopping from missed tackles, bad passes/knock-ons, and overcommitments allowed for some scoring on both sides of the ball. But after that point, BYU took Utah to the clinic... really... five tries to none in the second half is about as demoralizing as it gets!

I don't mean to say that BYU looked perfect throughout the rest of the game, but they decisively stuck it to the Utah defense with coordinated passing plays and a touch of the usual, make-you-miss juking. BYU's backline stole the spotlight with great plays by Dylan Lubbe, Paul Lasike, Vito Qaqa, and Manti Su'a. Mention must also be made of freshman Jordan Lowry who, coming into the game late in the second half, found paydirt in the endzone off a fast break play. Way to be in the right place, at the right time!

As for the forwards, I was rather surprised to not see much intensity or outstanding play. Now, some would argue that the forwards aren't supposed to be the stars of the show anyway, but I always have high expectations of the BYU pack. They have always delivered a solid performance by dominating the tackling and rucking, controlling scrums and line-outs, and often creating scoring opportunities among themselves. And from my perspective, one of the greatest displays of BYU might and intimidation has always been the rolling maul, the 'bread and butter' of the BYU forwards in past years...

In this test, however, the BYU forwards seemed to be playing a bit passively, never establishing dominance on any facet of play. Rucks were rather haphazard; scrums were driven back every time; line-outs looked uncoordinated; and mauls were nowhere to be seen. (How did Utah not capitalize on these shortcomings?)

Now, to avoid the appearance of complete ignorance, I must say that many of these facts could very well have been justified. At the very least, tackling was solid for the most part. And I recall hearing that a new rule in college rugby concerning rolling mauls effectually limits their effectiveness (hence BYU not depending on them anymore). Perhaps the fact that no one forward really stood out actually indicates a solid group effort that allowed numerous opportunities for the backs to shine and take the glory. All in all, not bad fellas... but let's tighten it up before tournament time, eh?

Last but not least, I must make my first ever, match MVP designation: Shaun Davies. The 'squirrely' scrumhalf kept everyone on their toes (especially Utah!) by effectively managing the ball between forwards and backs, creating holes in the defense, and making wise decisions when personally handling the ball... all while going 9 for 9 on kicks and conversions! (Pssst, don't tell the football team!) Talk about the right day to be spot on! Congratulations to Shaun Davies, my nomination for the 2009 Wasatch Cup MVP.

With all this success, the temptation to become complacent creeps in... but I say, modifying the famous words of Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never let up!" BYU Rugby Forever!
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BYU Rugby - True Blue video clip

Check out this new video clip from True Blue, BYU's sports show, featuring footage of the BYU Rugby team's recent match against Utah Valley University as well as brief interviews with Head Coach David Smyth, team captain Steve St. Pierre, and winger Manti Su'a.

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