Submitted by
Jessica Snider, SMT Writer
Jonesboro, Ark.- The rugby program at Arkansas State would like to share its success and knowledge of the sport with everyone. The program will get the oppurtunity to do just that when the team holds a Rugby 101 informational night Thursday, March 7th.
The event will get underway at 6:30 P.M. in the Spring River Room in the Carl R. Reng Student Union, 101 North Caraway.
The occasion is open to everyone and members of the team will be there to hand out free t-shirts. Several All-American players will be in attendance to provide instruction about rugby. Some of those players include: Shaun Potgieter, Pat Sullivan, Zac Mizell, and Harry Higgins.
"We want everyone to join us and to learn about the rules of rugby and about ASU's national championship winning program," said first-year head coach Alex Houser. "Our program is ranked second in the nation and we host Life University, the number one team,March 9th. We need our fans to come out and support us. This informational night will help teach fans about the sport."
"When we played Life in the championship, it was the first time we had ever beaten them in 7s. And, Life is the only other team to beat ASU in 7s. So, I'm sure they will be motivated, but so are our players. It should be a great match," stated Houser.
ASU's rugby squad won the national championship in men's college 7s in December and carried a 2012 7s record of 21-1 and had five players named to the all-tournament team. For their efforts, the community recently recognized the players when Jonesbro Mayor, Harold Perrin, signed a proclamation honoring the team and its accomplishments. The proclamation was presented and read by Mayor Perrin at a City Council meeting.
Capping off a 6-0 run over the course of two days, ASU defeated Life University 21-7 in the championship of the Men's Cup to capture the title. It marked only the second time in Arkansas State history to win a national challenge in sports.
ASU's informational night would be a great oppurtunity for many people throughout the area to become better educated about rugby. As many locals know, 2012 Dexter High School graduate Theo Gaul is a member of the ASU rugby team and will be in attendance at the informtional night. Gaul is enjoying his time on the rugby team and is also doing quite well!
