Emory & Henry Rugby excels at National Collegiate Rugby Conference
Six Emory & Henry players (Eli Hamilton, David Doss, Hunter Burkett, Ethan Hughes, Wes Clements and Brandon Blair) were selected as members of the men’s Cardinal Collegiate Rugby Conference All-Star team. Additionally, Head Rugby Coach Tom O’Neill was chosen by the Commissioner of the Cardinal Conference to coach the men’s All-Star team for the tournament. The Cardinal Conference All-Star team finished in 6th place in the tournament.
“I am very proud of the players that represented Emory & Henry College at the National Collegiate Rugby Conference,” says Coach O’Neill. “This past year was very difficult for our team; however, both men and women practiced every Tuesday and Thursday, starting in February, sometimes in the snow, not knowing if they were going to have the opportunity to play in any games. Our players worked hard to prepare for the weekend, and it showed.”
Four Emory & Henry players (Sarah Dutton, Morgan Stone, Brooklyn Yates and Jazmyn Jackson) were selected as members of the women’s South Atlantic Rugby Conference (SARC) All-Star Team. The SARC All-Star team finished 1st overall in their division and were crowned national champions.
“Coach O’Neill has developed an amazing group of club athletes,” says Dylan Johnson, director of Campus Recreation. “He has worked tirelessly with these players and his efforts have shown in building a quality program on campus.”
Members of the Emory & Henry Rugby Teams have the opportunity to receive a four-year renewable scholarship.
“It is my hope that both the men’s and women’s rugby teams grow and build strong rugby traditions at Emory & Henry College,” says Coach O’Neill.
Open gallery
This past year was very difficult for our team; however, both men and women practiced every Tuesday and Thursday, starting in February, sometimes in the snow, not knowing if they were going to have the opportunity to play in any games. Our players worked hard to prepare for the weekend, and it showed.
- Coach O’Neill