Showing posts with label Steve St. Pierre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steve St. Pierre. Show all posts

Thursday, August 27, 2009

BYU Rugby Prop Mikey Su'a: Interview of the Week

The long wait and anticipation is over as the 'Interview of the Week' series finally features none other than big BYU Prop and All-American, Mikey Su'a. Joining the ranks of what seems to be an increasingly consistent BYU presence on the Collegiate All-American roster, Mikey's selection to the squad granted him the chance to compete internationally earlier this month.

Throughout the regular season and National Tournament, Mikey's dominant physical presence and surprising mobility on the field excited BYU Rugby teammates and fans alike. And as a clutch player, his flexibility and growing test experience enabled him to fill in at the critical Hooker position for Ra Lawrence during the 2009 National Championships. (Photo by Paul Meyers)

BYU Rugby Prop Mikey Su'a rumbles against Dartmouth in the 2009 Playoffs
BYU Rugby Forever:
In the National Championship final this past May, you received a yellow card just before the end of the match. What exactly happened in that critical situation? In your opinion, did your actions justify the ref's call?

Mikey Su'a:
Well, it was about six minutes until the final whistle. I had just made a tackle at the base of the ruck; I got up, and Kyle Sumsion and myself started to counter-ruck. We both counter-rucked, and then I counter-rucked again...the next thing I know, the referee is giving me a yellow card for "not attempting to wrap in the tackle." I've watched the game film over and over, trying to see what the referee saw, but I still really don't understand the call...but I think all in all, it worked out just fine.

BYU Rugby Forever:
As a selection to the 2009 All-American Traveling Squad, you recently returned from a 3-match tour to South Africa. Please describe your experience, on and off the pitch, for the benefit of us fans. What moment stands out to you as the highlight of the trip?

Mikey Su'a:
Going to South Africa as a part of the All-American Team was an awesome experience. It was a hard but rewarding tour. We started off in Glendale, Colorado, for the first 3 days just training and getting to know our teammates better; then it was about 26 hours of traveling to Cape Town. We trained twice a day for most of the tour just to try to make the most of our opportunity to play together and to try to get used to one another's style of play.

Rugby in South Africa is just a way of life, so to be able to go and be a part of that whole culture was something else! I would have to say that playing in Newlands Stadium was definitely a highlight of the tour. Just to be in the stadium and to see where so many famous matches have been played was a humbling experience.

BYU Rugby Forever:
Several players from Cal Berkeley also traveled with the All-Americans to South Africa. Was it a tough transition to suddenly have to practice with, support, and play alongside your usual rivals? Thoughts? Experiences?

Mikey Su'a:
It really wasn't tough at all. The Cal guys were very easy to get along with. We all knew what we were there for. Part of playing on a team like the All-American Team means that you've probably played against most of your new teammates before you play with them. But being a part of a rugby program like Cal, they know the type of rugby you have to play to be successful, so it was a very easy transition to play with them.

BYU Rugby Forever:
An inevitable question, what's the story on your recruitment experience with the BYU football team? Will you end up playing after all, and if so, at what position?

Mikey Su'a:
Well, I was asked to be on the BYU Football team as a nose guard. After training with them all summer, and some of fall, I was made aware that I did not qualify through the NCAA Clearinghouse. Basically, I didn't take the right amount of "core" classes when I was in high school, so I won't be playing football at all...just concentrating on rugby!

BYU Rugby Forever:
What is your outlook on the upcoming 2009-2010 rugby season? With several key players graduating or leaving on missions, what will the BYU Rugby team need to do to be as competitive as last season?

Mikey Su'a:
We will definitely miss those players that are leaving. No one can replace a Steve St. Pierre, who left such a mark on BYU Rugby. Steve was an example, both on and off the field to our entire team, and the best team captain you could ask for. Guys like Paul Lasike, Kyle Sumsion, and Jordan Lowry, who made such an impact on the field, will be missed but we'll be excited to get them back from their missions.

Over all, we have a very positive outlook on the upcoming season. We are starting our strength and conditioning sessions with Coach Omer and Coach McClure soon, which will help us get in better shape, and then Coach Smyth, Coach Tarawhiti, Coach Kjar, and Coach Nadauld always work us hard. They know what it takes to be successful, so if we as a team can trust the coaches to prepare us, I know we'll be successful this season.

BYU Rugby Forever:
What would you say to all the BYU Rugby fans and alumni around the world if you had the chance?

Mikey Su'a:
I don't think the fans and alumni know how much we sincerely appreciate them. From all those supporters that open their homes to us, to the fans that just cheer for us. Without all of the BYU Rugby supporters, there is no way that BYU Rugby would be at the level it is. At almost every practice, training, or game, our coaches remind us of all the people that help behind the scenes, whether it's BYU Rugby alumni, fans, or just supporters. We know who you are and we thank you!

BYU Rugby Forever:
Thanks for your time and consideration, and congratulations on the opportunity to represent the US internationally! Good luck this coming year!

Mikey Su'a:
Thanks for the interview opportunity, bro!

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Thursday, April 30, 2009

BYU Rugby Interviews by Jarom Jordan

Once again, BYU-TV sports reporter Jarom Jordan presents a collection of BYU Rugby interviews on his BYU-TV Sports Blog, this time in anticipation of this weekend's Big Four matches. Featured are discussions with Team Captain Steve St. Pierre, Prop Mike Price, Fullback Sam Thorley, Flanker Nate Maughan, Flyhalf Dylan Lubbe, and Fullback Dan Paul.

Enjoy: BYU Rugby Interviews

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Tuesday, April 28, 2009

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...

BYU Rugby Team Captain and 8-man Steve St. Pierre in action against DartmouthDue 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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Saturday, April 18, 2009

BYU barely bests Arkansas State, 13-3!

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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Friday, April 17, 2009

BYU downs Dartmouth, 26-5!

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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Thursday, April 16, 2009

A long overdue look back and a timely look ahead: BYU's recent wins and the Sweet 16

I know, I know... I'm backtracking here. I shirked my responsibility to give a recap of the BYU Rugby team's most recent dominance over the course of the last weekend in March. Much was happening for me at the time, so please accept my apologies for not sharing these highlights and thoughts sooner...

Of course, with the Sweet 16 upon us next weekend, I now wish to use these critiques as a sort of springboard into my expectations, hopes, worries, and etc. for BYU's first tournament match against Dartmouth and potential, subsequent matches. So hang on; this deluge of spontaneity may very well result in my longest post to date!

Here goes, folks...

Just in case you have been living under a rock the past little while or just need to hear it again, the March 28, ESPNU National Guard "Game of the Week" resulted in BYU walking away victorious once again, 66-20, over then #4-ranked rival, Utah. The deed was done before a 'more-than-sell-out' (i.e. the stands only hold about 2,400) crowd of some 3,000+ people. At halftime, BYU Rugby alumni took to the field and received a round of applause in honor of their support of the program throughout the years. After game's end, flyhalf Dylan Lubbe was recognized as the "Minute Man of the Match" with a trophy presented by National Guard representatives. In spite of the cold weather, the evening on the whole was truly momentous, a great milestone reached for the BYU Men's Rugby program and a flicker of future potential waiting to be expanded.

The following evening, BYU again graced the television spotlight, this time in the nation's first-ever, live college rugby broadcast made available through BYU-TV. Although the 'victim of the night', Utah State, eventually managed to get on the board with a penalty kick, BYU's relentless offense and defense didn't allow any real room for hope, racking up a massive 111-3 win. What's more, BYU's score might have been even greater had the referee not stopped the match with 10+ minutes left on the clock. Bottom line: BYU dominated on all sides, no matter whom they put on the field. Freshman winger/fullback Jordan Lowry was capped "Man of the Match" after recording a hat trick of tries. All in all, it was a fun game to watch and surely a rewarding final home game in which to play, especially for the seniors.

BYU showed great depth and potency on offense, with several players scoring (many of them, secondary)... There's no doubt that this year's team is much deeper than last year's, especially with the great stock of freshman talent that has performed quite well. Nevertheless, I don't wish to dwell on a match that obviously did not present Our boys with a true test...

Instead, let's take a look at the somewhat more competitive, BYU vs. Utah game and its implications for BYU's National Title hopes...

For starters, I have to admit that I felt somewhat disappointed with BYU's level of play. Yes, it was a cold night, literally, but the team really looked 'cold' emotionally as well. I really thought all the players would be completely fired up. I thought they would be overcome with excitement to play in a televised match in front of a massive crowd. And if nothing at all, I thought they would be pumped to again prove that the rival Utes were no match for them... hmmm...

What did I see instead? I saw a lot of individual efforts that resulted in sloppy play, ridiculous penalties, and momentum-killing decisions... not to mention the called-back tries. Our boys seemed rather complacent out there on the pitch, looking on as one teammate would grab the ball and bowl forward by himself, the rest sluggishly waiting until the defense got the best of him before finally committing to support. Slow start maybe??? I hope that's the only explanation, because I'd go so far as to say that the apathy displayed in the first half was inexcusable and inexplicable... perhaps even juvenile. Let's just say that such unsupported efforts will not go unpunished in tests against more solid teams (e.g. Cal with their infamous ability to quickly poach the ball from rucks).

At least the second half was a different story: BYU turned up the energy in the backline to nullify Utah's respectable but insufficient forwards' push. I think Utah realized too late their potential to advance the ball by keeping it in the forwards. Still, their efforts weren't too pretty, and I was actually surprised to see them score as they did...

I sincerely believe that BYU could have won 80-0 if they had played with heart as a TEAM from the 'get go'... Most Utah scoring opportunities were the result of BYU gifts anyway (or penalties, whatever you want to call them). Yes, the game ended well for BYU, but... maintaining control and momentum from the start is a surer bet.

And after all these my critiques, my 'coulda-woulda-shouldas', BYU still won handily by 46 points... just the sound of it almost seems to render my words hollow. But I dare any man on the BYU Rugby team to play with the same apathy in a match against Cal... see if you can do so and still hang on to even a thread of hope for victory...

No, better yet, don't even entertain the thought of doing so (I'm being brutally sarcastic after all); instead, just talk to any of Our boys who have experienced Cal's style of play in past tournaments, and see if they would be willing to support such unsupportiveness... my guess is that they wouldn't. So what's it going to take to be successful? I mean, Cal will lose to BYU... it's only a matter of when... So what then will set this 2009 BYU Rugby team apart as deserving of the National Title?

Just one word: team. That's right, I said, "TEAM"! No one doubts BYU's depth, strength, speed, or skill. Nobody denies their great potential for success in the National Spotlight. But getting over that final hump is going to require a lot more than some highly-talented individuals only coming together at game time, hoping for collective success. No, ultimate success will only come as a result of an emphasis on team first and foremost... i.e., team attitude, team concerns, team weaknesses, team morale, team potential, team strengths, team fitness, team friendship, team support, team leadership, team effort, team synergy, team success... Are you sick of hearing it yet??? GOOD! I'm glad! Because I'm sick of watching a more dynamic, more talented side lose to the same team each year!!!

It's business time, baby! The Sweet 16 is here! You're already going, but it's time for one final tweak... I say, "do whatever it takes to execute as a team." Take Cal's game to them and to everyone! Give them a taste of their own medicine! Don't think you're going to individually break them; instead, tighten up your collective defense, establish your collective offense, and don't give in to the mind games!

You must realize, my friends, that Steve St. Pierre won't win the National Championship... Shaun Davies and Dylan Lubbe won't win the National Championship... Paul Lasike won't win the National Championship...

Only the collective BYU RUGBY TEAM stands a solid chance of taking the National Title for the first time! And all the potential is there... believe it!

Now for those of you readers, if any, who managed to get this far and are still wondering where my great breakdown is for BYU's game plan against Dartmouth or Navy or Arkansas State... well, guess what? I just gave it all to you! BYU has already proved their dominion over the competition throughout this '09 season. By kicking things up that last notch, to solidly execute as a team, BYU will surely have success over their opposition in these first two rounds of championship play. I can't see why they wouldn't...

I recently discussed with my father the distinguishing features of this year's BYU squad over previous years. I cited the BYU vs. Wyoming game (a 73-3 win) as a revealing example of the team's 'new' speed and assertiveness; in that match, it appeared that every BYU player was relentless in attacking both sides of the ball, especially the offensive. In reply to this assessment, my father essentially replied, "So it's as if BYU has 15 backs out on the field?" ... Yeah... Oh yeah!

Finally, I wish to end here by saying something to you... no, not you the players, not you the fans, but you the competition... If you don't believe anything I've written here, then as the song says, "you've got another thing comin'!" Seriously, folks... all through the season I have given BYU's competitors fair and ample consideration (e.g. the above-mentioned); I have even seriously worried over some. And yet, BYU has dismantled these teams, even when not playing to full potential.

Now, though ill-advised these words might be (as given freely to our competition), I would like to offer a few tidbits of counsel. I'm not trying to sound defiant or derogatory to anyone; I simply wish to say that BYU has lived up to their hype this season, and one should not deny the fact. Basically, BYU is fast, aggressive, strong, and dynamic... many players posses skills not inherently bestowed by the American style of rugby. For example, scrumhalf Shaun Davies is not just quick, but often can fake and shed opponents in ways not commonly seen. If you're simply hoping to beat BYU offensively, then you'd better bring
a super, high-powered offense or you won't be able to cut it!

My best advice is, rather, that a solid, unbending defense might be the key to break BYU this year. A team who can manage to stifle their repeated attacks in the first half may stand a chance... Of course, they have to put substantial points on the board in that time as well, because BYU is known for their strong, second-half 'score fests'.

Also of great importance (and something to elaborate on later) is the control of the forward pack. Everyone has had access to footage of the BYU Rugby team in action this season, so I don't think I'm sharing some great secret here: BYU's scrums, line-outs, and mauls (that is, the few even executed this year) haven't been overly dominant as in previous years. They aren't pushovers by any means, but in terms of execution, not the most solid... so here again the opposition has potential for an advantage on BYU if they've got a solid forward unit.

There, no harm done; I'm just honestly hoping to see more real competition in the upcoming Sweet 16 matches than that witnessed in BYU's regular season. I offer my congratulations and good luck wishes to all the teams in the Sweet 16 this weekend; you deserve it, and may the best teams win!

And to all devoted BYU Rugby fans, now's the time to really get crazy! Now's when we really need to show everyone that we believe in our team, that we want a National Title this year!

And to Our boys, we'll be cheering and hoping and praying for your great success! Do us proud and play unselfishly as the team that we know you to be: BYU Rugby Forever!

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Wednesday, April 8, 2009

BYU Rugby Interviews

Take a moment and listen to these great interviews recorded by BYU-TV's Jarom Jordan featuring Head Coach David Smyth, Team Captain Steve St. Pierre, Scrumhalf Shaun Davies, and Center Paul Lasike.

Also, if you have not yet had a chance to see the BYU vs. Utah State game, click this link and select "College Rugby" in the 7:30 pm time slot for March 28, 2009.

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Friday, February 27, 2009

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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Saturday, February 7, 2009

BYU vs. Penn State photos

Many other great photos of BYU's impressive win, as well as the Seconds' win over Boise State, may be found at the following links (courtesy of Paul Meyers):

BYU vs. Penn State

BYU Second XV vs. Boise State

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Thursday, January 15, 2009

2009 Season Photos

Just a little reminder that photographs of the BYU Men's Rugby Team in action will be posted throughout the season on the team's website. You can access them by clicking the link on the sidebar, "BYU Men's Rugby Photo Archives" (courtesy of team photographer and academic coordinator, Paul Meyers). I will also periodically post links to specific photo sets, such as this one of the Blue & White Scrimmage.


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Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The Scoop... Preseason 2008

Recently, I talked with a few BYU rugby players on campus and gleaned some tidbits about the upcoming season.

I am always anxious to know when the Cougars have their preseason bouts as sometimes the craziest rugby games happen during the Fall semester. This year, however, the BYU rugby team is going to take a break... at least from public tests. Instead, they will be focusing the whole semester on improving their strength and conditioning with some special help from the BYU football trainers.

Additionally, a couple returning starters, team captain and forward Steve St. Pierre and back Vito Qaqa, have recently undergone surgeries and will need some time to rehabilitate. So, as much as I would like to see some rugby this semester, looks like we'll all have to wait until springtime.

In talking to Steve, I also learned that the team apparently has no returning second row... no locks at all! He even invited me to come and fill the position. As fun as that would be, I have already had enough repairs to my teeth and shoulders to render me an unreliable prospect. I mentioned the lack of locks to Rob Burton, and he said that he might try to fill the spot. Rob isn't quite 6 feet tall, and I personally think he should just stick to his knitting at the flanker position instead.

I thought about last year's locks and where they went... Jacob Sohn graduated and got recruited by Belmont Shore (Super League team); Brett Clark went on a mission to Washington; Mark Anderson graduated (or is ineligible?); and Mike Ratelle won't play this year for some reason (which I don't understand). So, is there anyone left? Anyone at all???

I was in the computer lab for one of my construction management classes the other day when I overheard a guy talking about rugby and being on the team. After I got to a good stopping point in my assignment, I went over to talk to him. His name is Ryan, and he tried out for the team this year. While a missionary in New Zealand, he often saw rugby matches on weekends and occasionally participated in a few games of touch. He stood up to greet me, and I was happy to see that he is quite tall, 6'5" I later learned. Not only is he tall, but he seems to have a lot of potential, having played football in high school and having recently gotten back into conditioning and benching over 300 pounds. Let's just say I felt quite comfortable in telling him that he would be a lock for BYU... pretty much guaranteed!

And so goes the preseason, my friends...

Perhaps this year presents a good opportunity for the rebuilding of the BYU Men's Rugby team. Not only did the team lose locks, but several key players as well, such as prop Derek Smith, hooker Duran Ngakuru, and center Grant Barnes, to name a few.

In recent years, BYU has seemed to struggle in the formation of a cohesive back line, and I wonder just how deep our roster will be in terms of experienced backs. I also wonder how quickly our new forwards will be integrated into the pack, BYU's signature area of dominance.

While I am indeed concerned about the formulation of a newer team, I must also recall the lessons learned from past experiences to let optimism ride out the tide on this one. Last year, I experienced all the same sentiments: BYU had similarly lost several key players and had to look to various newcomers to step up to the task. Did they succeed? Of course. Did they return to the National Championship stage? Yes. Was it easier than the previous year? No... but they got there nonetheless, surpassing my initial expectations to be sure.

And so, in summation of my outlook for this coming year, I answer the question, "Will BYU be very successful this year?" with a somewhat proud reply, "Why would they not be???"

BYU Rugby, KIA KAHA!
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Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Congrats to our boys

A moment to extend my congratulations to all the BYU players, past and present, that have participated in various regional, national, and international competitions over the course of this summer.

Henry Bloomfield & Salesi Sika - Selected for the USA Eagles squad (national team) in the Churchill Cup.

Alipate Tuilevuka - Scored one of only two tries for the USA Eagles in a tough loss to a top French side, ASM Clermont Auvergne. Go Pate!

Derek Smith - Named a Collegiate All-American. Later named to the USA's NA4 (North American 4) team for the western region, the Falcons. I actually had a chance to see a televised tournament match against the Hawks, but surprisingly, I saw Pate on the field for the Falcons, not Derek. Hmmm...

Steve St. Pierre - Also named a Collegiate All-American. Traveled to New Zealand with a select All-American side for a three-match tour against Massey University, Wellington Old Boys, and New Zealand Universities. Solid experience no doubt, in spite of the losses.

Sam Thorley - Played alongside Derek and Steve for the Pacific Coast All-Star team (Grizzlies) in a succesful tournament against the South and West All-Star sides. Thorley scored a try in the final match against the West.

Duran Ngakuru - Named to list of All-American Honorable Mentions.


Way to go fellas! Way to represent the legacy that is BYU Rugby!
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