For Immediate Release

January 31, 2009

Under-18 Camp, Match Set for San Diego

BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby’s High Performance Manager, Matt Sherman, officially announced today that the USA Under-18 Boy’s National Team will train February 12-16 at the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Chula Vista, and will include a match against the British Columbia U-18’s on Sunday, February 15, also at the OTC.

“Over the course of the week we’ll work on skill development, strength and conditioning testing, coaching, nutrition, plus team and individual film study,” Sherman said. “They will work on setting and achieving individual goals throughout this four-day camp, in addition to taking a bit of time out on Saturday, between sessions, to get a behind the scenes look at the USA Sevens event. The players will get the opportunity to see some of the best rugby in world up close and personal.

“British Columbia’s Under-18 squad will prove very tough competition,” Sherman added. “They are made up of a majority of last year’s Canadian U-17 side that went to Millfield to compete in the International U-17 Tournament, and we look forward to this challenge versus our rivals to the north.”

The camp itself will focus on a smaller group of players in hopes of identifying and developing a group of committed athletes to push forward into the remainder of the teams assemblies this season. Those selected to the USA U-18s will go on to compete in international competition throughout the year and will take part in the development pathway towards becoming a senior Eagle.

The athletes in the greater U-18 player pool have been identified through their participation in regional All-Star Tournaments, camps and matches, as well as National Championship events and the U-18 Camp in Elkhart, Ind., this summer. Coach nominations and film submissions have also lent a hand in pinpointing talent and young players throughout the U.S. 

This camp’s selections is a core group of players from the winter camp and scrimmage, who have been invited back to camp, while some new faces have been invited in, as well, just to see what they can do.  This camp is four players smaller than it was in December.

This camp follows the December skills camp and scrimmage versus the SDSU Frosh/Soph, and will lead into a Camp at Life University with two matches versus England Schools Barbarians (Matches: April 1 and April 4).

The goal of the program as a whole is to identify and develop our best young high school players, and create a core group that will go onto the next years U-20 squad.

“We will continue to focus on skill development as a primary focus.  One thing that came out of our camp in December was that we were lacking in our contact and handling skills.  For these young players to move forward, these areas need to be addressed first,” Sherman finished. “The match against the BC U-18s will offer a tough challenge and a platform for the selected players to execute the skills we’ll be working on in camp.’

Players invited to the U-18 Camp include:

Ryan Anderson (Penn Rugby)

Alex Bercovici (LA Cougars)

Alex Brussard (Boston College H.S.)

Tyler Colin (Sac Jesuit)

Joey Cowley (Charlotte Catholic High School)

Tiaan DeNysschen (Birmingham)

Mitchell Earley (Woodlands Youth Rugby)

Will Farrell (Alpharetta Phoenix RFC)

Jason Fry (Sac Jesuit)

Will Holder (EPA Razorbacks)

Cole Huntley (Lamorinda)

Andrew Jackson (LA Cougars)
Max Knoeldner (Pulaski Roos)

Brandon Kraft (Jesuit)

Patrick Latu (San Mateo)

Jonathan Marshall (Highlanders)

Ronald Pelkey (Western Loudoun)

Michael Potter (Brentwood)

Colin Rahrig (Marian HS)

Jake Rosner (St. Ignatius and Team Illinois)

T.J. Staladi (Liberty Rugby Club)

Johann Swanepool (Rockhurst)

Asher Thomas (Chapel Hill Highlanders)

Simione Vehikite (Maui Rugby Club)

Jacob Worbel (Rio Lina)

U-18 Camp Staff

Program Director: Matt Sherman

Backs Coach: Jason Paynes

Forwards Coach:  Chris Osentowski

Manager/Asst Coach: Mike Dimantopolous

Strength and Conditioning Coach: Jeremy Bettle

Physiotherapist: Brianne Bennett

For more information on the Boys U-18 Program, please visit www.usarugby.org/goto/boys_u18 or contact Matt Sherman at msherman@....  

Inspiring America to fall in love with Rugby
Sara John | Director of Communications | USA Rugby
2500 Arapahoe Avenue, Suite 200 | Boulder CO 80302
W: 303.539.0300 x101 | C: 719.310.2606 | Fax: 303-539-0311