Well Done is Better than Well Said

It has been a really long time since I have written a post. I wanted to write and many times I would open up my computer and the only things I could think about writing didn't seem like something I wanted to share. My father passed away in September and prior to that I had been spending much of my time traveling to and from Tennessee to be with him. I have had a lot of time to think about the person I want to be and the person I think I am right now. None of us are perfect and we will never be perfect, but there are people who really make a difference because they want to and they know it won't be easy but they are ready to work hard. I want to be one of those people. My dad taught me a lot without really knowing he was teaching me something. Our relationship was on thin ice most of the time and we are so similar we sometimes could not stand it because trying to talk to yourself is not easy. We may not have had many heart felt moments that you see on a Father's day hallmark card but I believe I will be a better person because of him and for that I Thank him.

I would also like to take this time to thank family, friends, and teammates that have reached out to me. Your support is so amazing I cannot possibly think of a word that can explain my appreciation.

Keep the Focus

HOCUS FOCUS

It's been a month since the France series and during this time it's been a whirlwind of training and playing with the DC Furies 7s team. I feel like I still have not been home because of the crazy traveling but it's been great playing so much rugby this summer.

As a non traveling reserve for Nation's Cup I have to be ready for the call in case something happens, injury or illness, to a player in my position. It's a tough job to prepare your body and mind for something that may not happen but it allows me to stay focused. That is the struggle, especially for an A.D.D. kid like myself, you really have to keep the cookie in plain sight, chasing after it. The Nation's Cup will take place in Greely Colorado and you can find all the information you need right here: http://www.usarugby.org/nations-cup

Here's what I am currently chasing. Club 7s nationals is August 10th and 11th in Pittsburgh PA where I will be playing with the DC Furies. Two weeks after that, August 24th and 25th in Chula Vista, CA for the 7's All Star where I will once again be playing for the MARFU Sharks. It's going to be a crazy end to summer but really who would want anything other than that.

My goals outside of rugby are to surf as much as possible and spend as much time with my best friend, the Rue Bug. I challenge you all to keep the focus, work tirelessly to become better, BUT have fun, smile, and love even harder than you work.

If you want to help contribute to my travel please don't hesitate to use that cute little PayPal button located at the bottom of the website. The only way I can accomplish these goals is through the support I gain from you. You all make it possible and I'll do my best to keep making it happen. 

France Tour Wrap Up

For the first time in history the United States Women's Rugby Team beat the French National Team! What an amazing accomplishment and for that to be the game I received my first cap is something I will cherish until the day I die. It is an absolute honor to walk onto that field for your country.

The anthem plays, your arms locked within your teammates, your nerves start to dwindle away and the tenacity starts to take over. Your already thinking of what your first hit will feel like, or what it will feel like to go into contact. Fear is gone and all you can do is contain yourself until you hear those wonderful lyrics... "Home of the Brave."

The whistle blows, the kick is up, your focused on your counterpart and connecting with your teammates for the double tackle, and it is the greatest place on earth to be. It is not vacation, it is the reason you get up to train, it is the reason you run in 100 degree weather, it is the reason you turn down drinking with friends, and holy shit... it is worth it.

I'm back home now resting and reminiscing but that only lasts a short while. The itch to play has already started and lucky for me, I will be playing in my first 7s tournament of the summer this weekend. That sweet addiction will be fulfilled and I will once again be on the green grass with the others suffering from the same need to play. When I lay my head tonight I will think of my running lines, the low hard tackle, and the joy of diving into the try line, and then on Saturday I will create this running film in my head into a show for all to see. Life is good but living life as hard as you can is better. Goodnight.

Work For It

Four practices down and we are one day away from the first game against the France National Team. It has been a wild ride so far and we are pushing the limits each day. It is like every session I'm learning so much I cannot believe it will stay in my head. The staff is extremely fun to work with and the team is progressing so rapidly that it is exciting what it will look like in our last match at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles on June 14th.

We are living in dorms right now, with the USA and France in separate buildings facing each other. So far we have tried to avoid each other at all costs but today we had a little run in at the training room and unfortunately had the leftover ice bath water from the French. The water was a little murky and warm so we all crossed our fingers and prayed they didn't pee in it. Luckily the athletic trainer is sweet enough to throw massive buckets of water on top of us as we get in. What a doll.

One thing is for sure, tomorrow is our last preparation day and we are going to be ready to play this Friday. It's going to be a heavy hitting grudge match out there. We are going to play to our strengths, athleticism and speed. We have tremendous athletes on this team and that will be showcased.

The games should be live streamed on Ustream on the USA Rugby channel. Friday June 7th 5pm PST or 8pm EST.

Until then... Be the first to the ice bath.

Altitude and Attitude

Colorado Top 60 Camp took place last week in Greely, CO where the USA women's Rugby team was graciously hosted by the University of Northern Colorado. We played fantastic rugby, implemented a game plan that should surprise the French next month, learned a lot (maybe even too much) about our teammates, and ate tons of spinach. But seriously, we had spinach at every meal. I'm literally on spinach strike right now. Don't even say Popeye the sailor man to me.

The first game between the Stars and Stripes was rough. My team, the stars, got rocked by the stripes however, each time we took the field we got better and that's what it's about. We had a young team, much less experienced, and we never gave up. What this should tell the world is that the future of USA women's rugby is bright, and we will be very dangerous soon. Lots of young talent is making its  way to the pitch and its sure to be exciting.

Lastly, this camp helped serve as a vehicle to selecting the team that we will compete against France this June. 30 players will travel to Los Angeles to play a 3 game series against the Frenchies who 9
months ago beat the snot out of us. But this is our home soil, our turf, our fans, and our game. Welcome to America Bitches...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkPY952ukSE&feature=player_embedded

It's Sunday and that can only mean one thing... Sunday skill session service brought to you directly from "Brother Steve". Pop Kicks and Grubbers, Pop Kicks and Grubbers, over and over and over and over again. 

"You can't get much done in life if you only work on the days when you feel good."
- Jerry West (Basketball player)

From Ruggerfest with Love

This past weekend was one of the best tournaments I have played in. The competition was high, the games were exciting, and the DC Furies played with so much pride and determination. I can't help but feel that we surprised many with our level of play this weekend.

Day one the Furies went undefeated playing three games against Philadelphia, Boston, and New York. I played fullback all weekend and got used to wearing the number 15 jersey. It was a nice change and a great opportunity to work on inserting with my centers and sharpening up my striking lines. At the end of day one it was all about RECOVERY. Who can recover the fastest and be back on the field the next morning to dominate. Recovery consisted of a nice meal, an ice bath, and an early night to sleep. As much as you try, Sunday morning always hits you like a speeding train of cacti.

Day two we beat NOVA in the semi-finals and unfortunately lost to Boston by one point in the final. It has been a long time since I have felt the sting of hard loss like this one. I knew each and everyone one of us were so investing in this game and we really wanted to take the championship since DC has not made it to the final since 2001. We also lost two key players to injuries in the previous game and wanted to win for those players who suffered some serious injuries and were out. We were up in the second half 14-10 and with less than ten minutes in the game Boston broke through our tackles and touched the ball down for a final score of 15-14. I literally felt my heart cringe when the final whistle blew and could not process how tired I actually was. Tears were falling from my face and there was nothing I could do to make them stop. My body had reached its max and was starting to shut down. My legs cramped all over and as the adrenaline wore off the pain wore on. Pedialyte was a must and shortly after the cramping went away. Other than the bruises, including a nice shiner on the right eye, the only thing really left is to catch up on my sleep.

Over the next few weeks I will be preparing for the Top 60 USA Camp in Colorado which will occur May 18th through the 26th. Stay tuned for posts on training and some good videos in the works. Also, if you would like to donate to my traveling costs for Colorado please click "donate" below and use Paypal to help fund my trip. Total costs to the players are about $600 including plane tickets and any amount you can give to contribute is much appreciated!