Unbreakable Spirit

 I've been doing this for over 10 years, have watched many forms of rugby and have interviewed many invovled from various backgrounds from rugby union to league and so on. However one form of rugby I've always been intrigued by is Touch Rugby. By accident, happy accident to me, I came across an amazing person named Jordan Heller. Already with a national team cap Jordan is destined to be a strong pillar in moving the game of rugby for women in either touch or union. 

LLR-When did you start playing touch rugby?

JH- Started playing touch rugby in 2019. Went to my first touch Nationals in Chula Vista (honestly had no idea what I was doing). We actually learned quite a bit of strategy from a (now) good friend of mine the morning before the tournament started lol.

LLR-What position do you currently play?

JH- For mixed touch, I play link. I've never had the chance to play all womens. But at touch nationals this October, I got to play middle the whole tournament for the mixed open division, which was awesome.

LLR-What drew you to touch rugby?

JH- A friend of mine (shout-out Ryan Kretchmar) reached out to my husband and I to join the team for the lead up to Nationals in 2019. We were all very new to touch, but a lot of us agree that it was one of our most memorable and fun tournments we've ever played in.

LLR- What similarities are there between traditional rugby union and touch rugby?

JH- Set positions, play calls, defensive and offense strategies, passing the ball backwards.

LLR- Aside from the amount of contact what are some difference's between the two?

JH- Smaller heavier ball, 6 on the field for touch vs. 15 for union, hockey style subs during live play, no kicking in touch, ball to ground at any point in touch is a turnover (even if it goes backwards), touch offers coed divisions, tons of rules when your get in and around the tryline in touch (I could go on and on lol)

LLR- What was the emotions you felt when you learned you'd be representing USA rugby touch at the world cup this past year?

JH- As an athlete, to get the opportunity to represent your country is pretty cool, and the dream of a lot of athletes. So to be able to achieve that is something I'll always treasure. Something cool to tell my son about one day haha.

LLR- For those who aren't aware, what was the preparation like in lead up to the world cup ?

JH- For me personally, it was extremely fulfilling. After having a baby mid 2022, I honestly wasn't sure what my athletic future was going to be like. But after being selected for the team, I trained harder than ever. We had several team training camps in the year leading up to the world cup, fitness benchmarks we were expected to reach and I took those very seriously. And without a doubt, I became the most fit I had ever been my entire life. I've also been able to keep up with that fitness, and carried that over into tackle rugby.

LLR- What union club team did you play for?

JH- For union, I play for the Austin Valkyries, women's D1 team in Austin Texas. And for touch I play for Austin Touch Rugby.

LLR- What was a highlight playing union?

JH- Biggest highlight was probably making it to the national championship in 2019. We unfortunately lost by 2 points, but that entire season was incredible. Winning the game vs. Glendale to make it to the national championship was also a major highlight because we had some many fans, friends and family there since it was played in Austin. So it made for a really cool experience in the last match before the final. Another teammate and I were also selected that year to attend a USA Rugby camp where they scout for the national team. So I guess that's something cool

LLR- This past year women's rugby experienced a explosion of popularity , where would you like to see the women's game in 5 years and lead up to the 2033 world cup?

JH- For rugby in general, I would love to see rugby in the US started at a much earlier age like other top tier rugby countries. A lot of kids grow up watching, playing and Learning the game. Most of my friends didn't pick up the sport until college level or later. Would be great to see more youth programs across the country.

For the women's game specifically, I think there needs to stop being a stigma around age and what a woman can accomplish at various stages and ages of life. I've heard way too many stories about women being thought of as "too old" for various squads or selections, based on them being in their late 20s. Hell, I'm 34 and am at the top of my game AND that's even after having a baby.

That's actually one of the reasons I am so glad that I found touch rugby. When you get to the highest level, you can actually compete not only for a spot on the top level (where anyone from any age can make the team) or you can compete for a spot on a age group team. Pretty cool.

LLR- Can players play both union and touch rugby?

JH- Definitely! As long as your schedule allows, go for it. In fact, I think playing touch adds a level of quickness to your game that might even give you a slight advantage when transitioning back to union.

LLR- To the potential players who maybe on the fence about coming out or maybe playing the touch rugby, what would you like to tell them about taking the chance to come out?

JH- Honestly, with any sport, just give it a go. You'll never know unless you try. In my experience, rugby (touch or union) has the most welcoming community for new players, and when you're in, you're in. I've made some of my best friends for life playing both touch and union. And I can guarantee most teams are always looking for new players to expand the program.

LLR- Any last words of encouragement or advice you'd like to share ?

JH- I don't think so!

LLR- How can everyone follow you ?

JH- jordan_elena on Instagram

* I truly hope you all enjoy getting to learn a bit about the world of touch rugby as much as I did AND getting to know Jordan. Thanks again to Jordan I deeply appreciate you for taking the time to answer the questions let alone agreeing to do this Q&A. The future truly looks bright. 

California Bear in the North East

Rugby League has seen a explosion of clubs and the player pool over the last four years has grown tremendously , and for the first time in a long time the waters have calmed for the 2024 season and all competitions are competing under one governing banner. Anson Jiang is the man in charge leading the newly rebranded Boston Bears into battle for the season. Anson comes from the west coast and union playing background but has a passion for rugby League and pushing the code forward with the cooperation from the North Sydney Bears. The the beasts of the east are preparing to be the flag bearers of a new age for development of rugby league in America.

LLR- Where did you first start playing rugby?

A- I first started playing rugby at San Jose State University sometime around Fall 2012 after seeing a flier at the gym at SJSU.

LLR- How was your time playing at SJSU, any memorable moments stick out?

A- I had a lot of fun playing at SJSU and made a lot of great friends along the way. I think there are too many memories that stood out while playing at SJSU like the UCSC Slugfest tournament, going to Reno to play against UNR and playing in the alumni games.

LLR- When did you start playing Rugby League and for what club?

A- I started playing in 2019 a week after moving to Boston from San Francisco. One of my teammates and coach from the San Jose Seahawks played Rugby League before and asked if I was interested in playing. The first club I played for was with White Plains Wombats at the time and played against the Boston 13s for a game and ended up joining the Boston 13s afterwards.

LLR- How was the transition from playing union to playing league, what was the hardest part coming from one code into another?

A- The transition wasn't too bad since they are both collision sports and requires carrying the ball and tackling. I think the hardest part was learning the rules of the game like playing the ball correctly and having to run back 10 meters on defense.

LLR- The Boston Bears, formerly the 13’s, has been yet another positive factor some may say from the Las Vegas NRL event where new relationships have developed from international sides with a USA based club team. How has the process and any feedback been since the partnership was started between Boston and North Sydney?

A- Our e-board was able to get this setup so all the credit goes to them. The process overall has been amazing and pleasurable with North Sydney who has been nothing but helpful as well as respectful to the Boston 13’s heritage and history. They have worked with us every step of the way. We are excited with this new partnership and seeing what the future has in store for us.

LLR- Where do the Bears hold home matches during the season?

A- Last year, we held our home matches at Mignone Field at Harvard University, but this year we are going between having it at Grellier Field in Newton, MA and Pine Banks Field in Malden, MA. We are welcoming anyone to come practice with us at Newton Highlands Playground on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:30PM.

LLR- How many players on the team also play or come from a union playing background?

A- I believe most of our players if not all of them have played or are currently playing union with a club around the Greater Boston area.

LLR- What's your opinion on playing rugby league here in America, can both union and league coexist, do both have something to offer the other for players interested or should it be one or the other?

A- I think they can both coexist in America since they are fun sports to play and some of the skills from both codes are transferable to one another such as tackling, ball carrying and passing.

LLR- What would you say to those who are skeptical about playing rugby league, or to those who think it's a bad idea?

A- I'd say give it a try. You'll never know and you might end up liking the sport instead.

LLR- For the first time ever all four regions of rugby league major competitions are competing under one governing USARL umbrella, RLU (north east), PCRL (west coast), URL (Rockies ) and FRL (south east), How has the relationship been between your team and others around the country?

A- The relationship between every one of the conferences and teams has been great. Although we play each other in our respective divisions we all support each other and want rugby league to grow in the United States. Every team no matter what always has respect for the next team and at the end of the day we are excited and pleased that we are all unified in the same league with the USARL.

LLR- Words of encouragement for anyone considering starting their own rugby league club?

A- I'd say to get as many people interested as possible. The rugby league community has been great and we all are supportive of each other and have a common goal of growing the sport in the US.

LLR- How can fans follow your journey, the Boston bears and show support?

A- Instagram: @bostonbears.rl

LLR- Boston Bears playing a friendly against an Oregon rugby league team sounds like a good time, wouldn't it be a site?

A- I agree since this will be a great opportunity as this will help both clubs prepare for the matches in their respective conferences.

Salem-Keizer , OR.

New high school girls rugby team. Come out and join. 

THANK YOU.

Welcome to the Jungle

 Located in the county of Yamhill, the Valley Panthers have built themselves into a consistent player in the girls side of Rugby Oregon. Lead by second year head coach Christine Bader the panthers finished only 3rd in the high school state championship. With a emphasis on building comradery amongst her players who hail from various schools in the area, Christine is excited for what the future holds and not only where her program falls into growing the game but also where female rugby will be in the coming years. 

 

LLR- How long have you been coaching the Panthers? 

C- I joined as assistant coach for the spring seasons in 2022 and 2023, and became head coach following the spring 2023 season.

LLR- Why coach rugby? What sets the sport apart from others?

C- I’ve played and coached other sports, but rugby’s “third half” in which teams share a post-game meal at all levels creates an insanely collaborative culture. Stepping in as the Panthers head coach this year, I’ve benefited so much from the generosity of other coaches, in and outside of Rugby Oregon. We’re competitive in that we want our teams to perform their best, but first and foremost we all want to grow the game together.

LLR- When were the Panthers founded?

C- In 2003-04—we’re celebrating our 20th anniversary this year! The club was founded by a McMinnville High School chemistry teacher, DeVon Cutrell.

LLR- How many players does the club have?

C- We had 30 players on our roster this spring.

LLR- How did the 2024 season go for the team?

C- We went 2-3 in league play, finishing 3rd overall in the state.

LLR- In your opinion have you seen a growth of girls rugby in Oregon or can there be more done to help grow it more?

C- Apparently there were 18 girls teams in Oregon before the pandemic! So yes, there’s a lot that we need to do to rebuild. Rugby Oregon does registration and scheduling; but there’s so much more to do in terms of proactively recruiting and supporting coaches and players, fundraising, liaising with schools, developing curricula for girls’ health and leadership development, and strengthening pathways before and after high school rugby.

LLR- Between the Premier Rugby 7s and now the recently announced Women's Elite Rugby, are these competitions that your players are excited for and an opportunity for you to help bolster the numbers for players coming out? 

C- Of course: the more rugby, the better! I’d point to a few other competitions that are more immediate to my players: the rapid growth of women’s collegiate rugby, so my players have a sense of what their next step could be; the Olympics, since it brings the sport to a mainstream viewing audience; and Girls Rugby Inc., which runs flag rugby for girls in grades 2-8, and is on a mission to grow the game in the U.S. leading up to the Women’s World Cup in 2033!

LLR- 2033 will be here soon: Do you think Oregon should host a few matches for the World Cup, or should games be played at other locations? 

C- It would be amazing to have World Cup matches here! Portland in particular is a hotbed of women’s and girls rugby, with the Portland Pigs and ORSU womxn’s clubs, and the biggest girls’ team in our league, the East County Grackles; and women’s sports more generally, with The Sports Bra bar that only shows only women’s sports earning national media coverage, and the very popular Portland Thorns soccer team. Outside of Portland, the Oregon Sharks is a top-notch elite squad; and on the women’s collegiate front, the University of Oregon’s Dirty Ducks and Western Oregon University’s Wolves just went to 7s Nationals! So yes, World Cup planners, Oregon is ready to welcome you with open arms!!!

LLR- Valley Panthers is a multi-school program, how is the relationship between players coming from different schools?

C- We’ve spent a lot of time fostering 1:1 relationships to break down any barriers between schools—we had six different high schools represented this season!—and it’s been surprisingly seamless. We’re all Panthers!

LLR- Do you have words of encouragement for young girls currently playing in middle school, elementary, on continuing playing rugby as they move up in grades? 

C- Unfortunately there are few elementary and middle school opportunities for girls to play rugby in Oregon right now. But Girls Rugby Inc. is working to fill that gap!

LLR- What's the best way for everyone to follow the team and get updates? 

C- Instagram @Valley.panthersrugby, or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/valleypanthersgirlsrugby. 

 We also have a basic website at https://valleypanthers.carrd.co/, though it’s not updated as often as our social media accounts. But our contact information is there—feel free to reach out any time!

 I would like to thank Christine very much for her responses and I would also like to acknowledge the previous female leaders and players of their respective clubs that I have interviewed. The way each of them talks so passionately and cares deeply for their teams, players and teammates and the development of not just the athletes themselves but also taking the time to care for each one of them as a individual person. It gives me hope as a father with some of my young girls already involved with Girls Rugby inc. that the path women's rugby is heading down right now here in America , the game is due for a explosion from the bottom up. If people like these women I've spoken with in the last 4-6 months continue to be involved and continue to keep doing what they are doing, I for one feel confident and comfortable leaving my kids in the hands of individuals to help mold them into great athletes and also great humans, and that the USA Eagles women's will be a force on the pitch come 2033.

Glory to Sparta

When you hear about De la Salle high school most would know the school for their top tier football program, but what others need to keep an eye on and stay focused on is their ever rising rugby club. Now over 20 years old this program has steadily risen to one of the most stable and top tier high school programs in the country. 2022 California state Champs and lead by Derek Holmberg who hails from another great program out of St.Marys college, it's safe to say the Spartans are in good hands and headed for history when it comes to the long list of achievements that Bay Area rugby has accomplished.

Could Rugby be a Varsity sport in California High schools? Including Derek and previous interviewees there's a strong push and need to flip the switch with the CIF to sanction rugby.

LLR- What is your rugby background?

DH- I went to Saint Mary’s College to play basketball. After that didn’t work out I looked to another sport and found Rugby. I played Rugby at SMC for three years finishing as Captain and MVP of our team. I was also a member of the Pelicans (Nor. Cal Collegiate All Stars) my Junior and Senior year and selected to the Grizzlies my Senior year. I played one year of Men’s club for the Old Blues after college. My coaching career began coaching youth Rugby at the Danville Oaks in 2010 and took over as the Head Coach of DLS High School in the 2016/2017 Rugby Season.

LLR- When was the club founded?

DH- The DLS High School Rugby Club was Founded in 2003

LLR- Where are practices held and home matches played?

DH- Practices are held on campus at DLS Monday-Thursday. Home matches are a combination of DLS and Saint Mary’s College

LLR- How's the relationship between the rugby club and other sports on campus, is there positive dialog between the various coaches?

DH-  The relationship is really strong with our Athletic Department and other sports on campus.  Football is a big ally of ours and fully supports their boys participating in rugby and other sports on campus.

 

 LLR- Are there more then one team, such as varsity and junior varsity or just one squad?

DH- We field a JV and two Varsity teams each year.  Varsity A and B.

 

LLR- What's been a highlight for you while being with the Spartans ?

DH- We have won several league titles and three California Single School State Championships.  The best we’ve finished is #1 in the country according to Goff Rugby Report in 2022.  The team went 14-0 that season winning the California Single School State Championship and the Nor. Cal Premier Championship.  Beyond our titles the most important thing to us has been getting several kids to the next level including Erich Storti and Dominic Besag who are now in the USA Eagles mix.

 

 LLR- Any player or players we should keep an eye on going forward? 

DH- From this year’s team there are four to keep an eye on.  Chris Biller who is headed to Cal, Kai Moananu-Apela who is headed to SMC, Parker Beilke who is headed to the University of Arizona and Lucas Meranda who will be heading to Central Washington or SMC.

 

LLR- With the men's and women's world cups coming to the USA and most likely the Bay Area being one of the destinations for a host location. What efforts are being done on your behalf and of Rugby NorCal to expand the game and ensure the awareness of the sport? 

DH- Numbers are up in Nor. Cal and we are really trying to ensure that the best of youth rugby is always on display.  One of our main goals is to make High Scholl Rugby a CIF sport in the next 5 years which will guarantee a bright future for the US game.

 

LLR- How can fans, potential players and the general public fallow your journey and the De La Salle Rugby clubs?

DH- Visit the DLS Athletics Website and or download the Spartan App.

De La Salle Rugby 

I want to thank Derek very much for taking the time to answer these and his patience in me getting this out. I've always admired DLS from afar as a player, fan and coach, i wish him and all Spartans the very best and continued upward trajectory. 

For Sparta . 

Adelante para la Pueblo

 

Cuando se celebren las copas mundiales de rugby de 2031 y 2033, y cuando las águilas de Estados Unidos salgan a la cancha, quiero que todos recuerden un nombre, Susanna Guardado. Susanna no solo está iniciando nuevos programas de rugby, sino que está cambiando vidas, impactando comunidades y uniendo a las personas. A través del club de rugby de una sola escuela en la escuela secundaria Overfelt en San José, California, y ahora con Lanu Olin, un club destinado a la aceptación de las minorías en un deporte que todavía es jugado principalmente por blancos en una ciudad multicultural. La razón por la que digo recordar su nombre es porque un día escucharás el nombre de un jugador durante la transmisión de la copa del mundo y cuando mencione la ciudad de San José como su ciudad natal, sabrás que viene de jugar para uno de los clubes de Susannas.

 

 

 

 

Realmente espero que todos disfruten leyendo esta sesión de preguntas y respuestas, es realmente significativa para mí, es un ejemplo de lo que actualmente está mal con el deporte, pero aún así lo que es hermoso al respecto. Mi esperanza es que esto inspire algún cambio y también inspire a otros a ir y replicar lo que está ocurriendo en el 408.

 

LLR- Desde la última vez que hablamos has añadido algunos sombreros más a tu colección, ¿puedes compartir cuántos y cuáles?

S- Uufff, sí. Sombreros que me quedan bien y algunos en los que estoy tratando de crecer. Además de usar el sombrero de madre y abuela, actualmente soy la directora y fundadora de Lanu Olin Rugby, entrenadora principal de 30 niñas de secundaria, coordinadora-asesora de nuestro primer equipo masculino de secundaria, entrenadora asistente en el club de rugby femenino SJSU y el puente entre el equipo nacional de rugby de México para jugadores potenciales masculinos y femeninos en los EE. UU.

 

 

LLR- ¿Cómo ha sido el desarrollo de los Reales en los últimos 2 años?

S- El desarrollo ha sido genial. Nuestro programa Royal ha crecido enormemente. Nuestro primer año, tuvimos alrededor de 18-22 para el otoño 7, para la primavera crecimos en números entre 24-26. Nuestro segundo año, Fall 7s teníamos aproximadamente 26 jugadores y para la primavera teníamos un equipo de 1: 15 s, un equipo de 1: 10 s y 1 equipo de escuela secundaria. Actualmente estamos en el tercer año y tuvimos un susto porque nuestros números habían caído durante el Fall 7s a unos 20 jugadores. Pensé, este es el año para reiniciar el programa. Pero me equivoqué, actualmente, nuestros números son tan altos que es un poco difícil de manejar. Actualmente superviso; 30 chicas de secundaria, 18 chicas de secundaria y un equipo varsity masculino... por lo que son 73 jugadores bajo mi dirección.

 

 

 

 

Foto grupal de niñas de la escuela secundaria con jugadores de Harlequins.

¡Es abrumadoramente increíble! En cuanto al cuerpo técnico... solo que mi esposo José Ávalos y yo somos entrenadores certificados L200, lo que dificulta hacer malabarismos con los 5 equipos. Por supuesto, tenemos nuestros entrenadores voluntarios que nos ayudan a gestionar, pero ser el único personal certificado hace que sea mucho más difícil controlar 5 equipos.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LLR- ¿Puedes explicar qué es Lanu Olin y cómo surgió? 

S- Lanu es el término para color en polinesio. Olin es la palabra náhuatl (lengua azteca) que significa Movimiento.

 El nombre de nuestro equipo significa el "Color del Movimiento" Esto se produjo porque al ser una minoría en un deporte que es jugado predominantemente por blancos en NorCal, nos encontramos luchando por encajar, luchando por el acceso y luchando por ganarnos el respeto de la comunidad del Rugby. Recuerdo que nuestro primer año experimentamos algunos insultos raciales por parte de jugadores y adultos. Frases como "oh, ahí está ese equipo mexicano otra vez", "ugh, vamos a jugar contra esos mexicanos otra vez", "¿Qué es esto de fútbol?, por supuesto que patean, son el equipo mexicano" o mi favorita de un entrenador de primer nivel "oh, bueno, no hay nada que pueda hacer al respecto" al denunciar la discriminación racial.

 

 

Lanu Olin es el color del movimiento, así que en lugar de enseñar a nuestros jugadores a odiar o tomar represalias, les enseñamos a estar orgullosos de esos insultos o comentarios, a enorgullecerse porque los otros equipos temían nuestro juego, y cuando la gente teme, se produce el odio.

 

LLR- Siendo uno de los pocos programas de rugby femenino en el sur de la bahía, y mucho menos en toda el área de la bahía, ¿hay algo más que NorCal Rugby podría estar haciendo?

S- No estoy muy seguro de lo que sucede en las reuniones de la junta directiva o si el RNC tiene comités que luchan por esto, pero hay más que se puede hacer. Quiero decir, mira el fútbol femenino de bandera?... ¿Cómo es que ahora son un deporte CIF y el rugby no? No estoy diciendo que el RNC no esté haciendo nada al respecto, pero tampoco sabemos qué se ha hecho. He hablado con algunos entrenadores veteranos en NorCal sobre este tema y todo lo que escucho es cómo han tratado de que sus equipos masculinos sean reconocidos como un deporte CIF, pero nada más que eso.

Por otro lado, me di cuenta de que 2 de los estatutos de Rugby necesitan ser revisados y reescritos, en específico los estatutos de los grupos de edad. Por ejemplo, U10 y U12 son mixtos, un estatuto que ahora debería cambiar, ya que este estatuto se estableció cuando no jugaban niñas o no jugaban suficientes niñas. Pero ahora, cada vez más niñas están desarrollando un interés en jugar al rugby. Por ejemplo, tengo 18 chicas compitiendo en partidos de nivel MS, pero en realidad, si miramos mis listas y las comparamos con los estatutos, realmente solo tengo 4-5 jugadoras MS debido a su edad. Mis equipos de EM tienen entre 11 y 14 años. Aquí están mis 2 observaciones sobre por qué no hay muchos equipos juveniles femeninos; 1) los padres no quieren que sus hijas jueguen a un deporte mixto y 2) las niñas comienzan a desarrollarse físicamente a esta edad, lo que hace que sea incómodo jugar con niños, especialmente durante esa época del mes. Creo que si estos estatutos cambian, atraerán a muchas más niñas a jugar al rugby a una edad más temprana. ¿Sabías que en 1996-98 yo era la única chica en mi equipo de fútbol de MS, de hecho era la única chica en toda la sección jugando? Había un torneo anual de esclerosis múltiple al que no me permitían ir porque era una niña... Y a medida que pasaba el tiempo y el fútbol femenino crecía, los estatutos cambiaron para satisfacer la necesidad.

 

 

 

Deberíamos mirar a la organización sin fines de lucro "Girls Rugby Inc" en San Diego y Oregón, sus números son excelentes. Eso viene a demostrar que las chicas jóvenes jugarán al rugby. Quiero decir, mira a la EPA, los Wolverines y los Broncos (por nombrar algunos) que tienen equipos femeninos U10/U12, ¡tiene que cambiar

 

 

 

 

 

 

Las hijas de Susannas a la izquierda y a la derecha, ambas jugando para SJSU y UCSC

 

LLR- ¿El hecho de que los PR7 se ubiquen en San José como una parada en sus series ha sido beneficioso para el reclutamiento de jugadores o para atraer a más jugadores a sus programas?

S- Creo que PR7s está haciendo todo lo posible para ganar exposición del deporte en San José. Pero para responder a su pregunta, no he visto mucho del reclutamiento que ocurre a nivel de escuela secundaria como lo he visto en los niveles universitarios / adultos. Siento que debería haber una vía de desarrollo de HS como la que tiene México. O si lo hay, no he oído hablar de él, por lo tanto, no ha ayudado a mi programa.

 

 

 

LLR- ¿A qué actores clave, chicos o chicas, deberíamos estar atentos todos y las universidades en los próximos años?

 

S- De GHS: Mónica Rivas (11ª), Vianney Mamea (10ª), Lillyen Rios (11ª), Naiomi Robles (11ª), Siriana Tautolo (10ª)

 De GMS: Ronise Tautolo (6º), Fautino Tautolo (6º), Cruz Fiaui (6º), Dominique Kilgore (8º)

 De BH: Lecco Nieufe (8º), Lino Iti (11º)

 

 

 

LLR- ¿Tener el rugby reconocido como un deporte universitario por la CCS sería lo que el deporte necesita para sobresalir en el área?

S- Sí, pero eso solo ayudará a cambiar la parte administrativa de las cosas, por ejemplo, la financiación ayudará al deporte, el acceso a las instalaciones de la escuela debe ser igualitario entre todos los deportes, el reclutamiento no debería ser un problema y un entrenador certificado real puede liderar el equipo en lugar de un personal acreditado que no está certificado L200.

PERO para un cambio real, tenemos que empezar con los estatutos de U10/U12 para que no sean mixtos a todos los equipos/competiciones femeninas y cambiar los estatutos de MS basándolos en la inscripción de MS en lugar de la edad (13 y 14 años). Si realmente lo piensas, los grupos de edad de EM comienzan a los 11 años, cualquier cosa más joven es elemental. Una vez más, estos estatutos se crearon en torno a un modelo que se adaptaba a la forma en que los niños jugaban y se desarrollaban en el pasado.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LLR- Algunos estudiantes atletas anteriores ahora se han graduado y han seguido adelante, ¿cómo ha sido la relación con ellos y los jugadores actuales? ¿Hay algún tipo de respuesta y ayuda u oferta de asesoramiento entre los dos grupos?

S- Oh, cómo echo de menos a mis antiguos atletas. Las relaciones podrían ser mejores. Quiero decir, todavía me mantengo en contacto con un puñado --- hecho, algunos vienen a ayudar con el toque en la línea de banda durante nuestros partidos en casa y algunos me hacen facetime a menudo compartiendo su vida de rugby universitario. Durante los partidos en casa me di cuenta de que mis jugadores actuales que jugaron con los ex alumnos tienen una camaradería que se creó a través del rugby. Es algo hermoso de ver. Aunque mis ex alumnos no regresan para ayudar en las prácticas, mantenemos conexiones a través de IG y nos comunicamos de vez en cuando.

 

LLR- En los próximos 5 años, ¿cómo te gustaría que fueran los programas de rugby?

S- Esta es una pregunta hermosa pero difícil porque tengo sueños para nuestros jóvenes y tengo grandes expectativas para este programa. En primer lugar, me gustaría tener a todos mis voluntarios certificados para que podamos tener 2-3 entrenadores por equipo para centrarnos en las especialidades. En segundo lugar, me encantaría expandirme a un club de nivel juvenil para que los hermanos de los jugadores actuales puedan jugar, así como más kidos del lado este de San José. En tercer lugar, me encantaría tener una furgoneta del equipo. Semanalmente estamos constantemente luchando para transportar a nuestros jóvenes porque muchas de nuestras familias no tienen el lujo de estar libres los fines de semana, principalmente trabajando. En cuarto lugar, se convertirá en un programa 501c3 para que sea más fácil obtener fondos. Anualmente nos volvemos creativos para recaudar fondos, pero atendemos a 72 jugadores y voluntarios no remunerados; El dinero se convierte en algo en lo que debemos centrarnos además del coaching. Y, por último, me encantaría que el 75% de mis jugadores tuvieran conexiones de camino; ya sea para la universidad, el primer ministro o a nivel nacional. Quiero asegurarme de tener conexiones seguras en todo el mundo para que mis jugadores tengan acceso, mejor aún, tengan una opción. Pero, por supuesto, mi objetivo final y personal es... para que a mis propios hijos (de 3 y 8 años) les guste y jueguen al rugby jajajaja!

 

 

LLR- ¿Palabras finales para la comunidad del rugby y también para aquellos niños que aún no se han unido a la experiencia?

S- El rugby es un deporte hermoso. Es un deporte en el que te descubres o te reinventas. En el rugby damos la bienvenida a todas las formas y tamaños, hay un lugar para ti. Sea cual sea tu debilidad, juntos podemos encontrar tus fortalezas. Pero, por supuesto, no es fácil. Hay que trabajar.

 

¡Prepárate para hacer amigos para toda la vida porque en el rugby sudarás juntos, llorarás juntos, sangrarás juntos y harás ruck juntos!

 

 

Lanu Olin Instagram > lanu olin

Los Reales > Rugby de los Reales

 

Susanna Guardado,- coachguards@gmail.com

 

Forward For the People

When the 2031 and 2033 rugby world cups happen, and when the USA eagles run onto the pitch I want you all to remember a name, Susanna Guardado. Susanna is not only starting new rugby programs but is changing lives, impacting communities and bring people together. Through the single school rugby club at Overfelt High school in San Jose, CA and now with Lanu Olin, a club aimed at acceptance for minorities in a sport that's still mostly played by whites in a multi culture city. The reason why I say remember her name is because one day you'll hear a players name said during the broadcast of the world cup and when they mention the city of San Jose as their hometown, know that they came from playing for one of Susannas clubs.

I truly hope you all enjoy reading this Q&A , it's truly a meaningful one for me, it's a example of what is currently wrong with the sport but yet still what is beautiful about it. My hope is that this inspires some change and also inspires others to go and replicate what is taking place in the 408.

*La traducción al español llegará este fin de semana

LLR- Since we last spoke you have added some more hats to your collection, can you share how many and which?

S- Uufff, yes. Hats that fit and some that I'm trying to grow into.

Aside from wearing the mother & grandmother hat, I am currently the director & founder of Lanu Olin Rugby, head coach of 30 high school girls, coordinator-advisor for our first high school boys team, assistant Coach at SJSU women's rugby club and the bridge between the Mexico National Rugby team for both male and female potential players in the U.S.

LLR- How has the development of the Royals gone over the last 2 years?

S- The development has been great. Our Royal program has grown immensely. Our first year, we had about 18-22 for Fall 7s, by Spring we grew in numbers between 24-26. Our second year, Fall 7s we had roughly 26 players and by Spring we had 1: 15s team, 1: 10s team and 1 middle school team. We are currently in year three and had a scare because our numbers had dropped during Fall 7s to about 20 players. I thought, this is the year to restart the program. But I was wrong, currently, our numbers are so high it's kind of hard to handle. I currently oversee; 30 high school girls, 18 girls middle school girls and a boys varsity team...making it 73 players under my direction.

Girls middle school group photo with Harlequins players.

it's overwhelmingly amazing!

As for the coaching staff...only, myself and my husband Jose Avalos are certified L200 coaches making it hard to juggle all 5 teams. Of course, we have our volunteer coaches that help us manage but being the only certified staff makes it so much harder to control 5 teams.

LLR- Can you explain what Lanu Olin is and how that came to be?

S- Lanu is the term for Color in polynesian.

Olin is the Nahuatl (aztec language) word for Movement.

Our team's name means the "Color of Movement"

This came about because being a minority in a sport that is predominantly played by whites in NorCal, we found ourselves fighting to fit in, fighting for access and fighting to earn the respect of the Rugby community. I remember our first year we experienced some racial slurs from players and adults. Phrases like "oh there's that mexican team again" , "ugh, we are gona play against those mexican again", "What is this soccer?, of course they kick, they are the mexican team" or my ultimate favorite from a premier level coach "oh, well there's nothing I can do about that" when reporting racial discrimination.

Lanu Olin is the Color of Movement, so instead of teaching our players to hate or retaliate, we teach them to be proud of those slurs or comments -to take pride because the other teams feared our game, and when people fear, hate occurs.

LLR- Being one of only a few girls rugby programs in the south bay let alone the whole bay area, is there more that NorCal Rugby could be doing?

S- I'm not really sure what goes on in board meetings or if RNC has committees fighting for this, but there is more that can be done. I mean look at girls flag football?... how is it that they are now a CIF sport but rugby is not? I'm not saying the RNC is not doing anything about it but we also don't know what has been done? I've spoken to a few veteran coaches in NorCal about this topic and all I hear is how they have tried to get their boys teams recognized as a CIF sport but nothing further than that.

On the other hand, I noticed that 2 of the Rugby by laws need to be revisited and rewritten, in specific the age group bylaws. For instance U10 & U12 are coed, a bylaw that should now change as this bylaw was established when no girls/or not enough girls would play. But now, more and more girls are building an interest in playing rugby. For example, I have 18 girls competing in MS level matches but in reality, if we look at my rosters and compare them to the bylaws, I truly only have 4-5 MS players due to their age. My MS teams range from 11-14 years old. Here are my 2 observations about why there's not many youth girls teams; 1) parents don't want their daughters playing coed in a tackling sport and 2) girls start developing physically at this age making it uncomfortable to play with boys, especially during that time of the month. I think if these bylaws change, it will bring a lot more girls to play rugby at a younger age. Did you know that back in 1996-98 I was the only girl in my MS soccer team, in fact I was the only girl in the entire section playing? There was an annual MS tournament that I was not allowed to go to because I was a girl...and as time went by and girls soccer grew, the bylaws changed to meet the need.

We should look at the non-profit "Girls Rugby Inc" in San Diego and Oregon, their numbers are great. That comes to show that young girls will play rugby.

I mean look at EPA, Wolverines and Broncos (to name a few) having U10/U12 all girls teams-- it needs to change

Susannas daughters on left and right, both playing for SJSU and UCSC

LLR- Is having the PR7s being located in San Jose as a stop on their series been beneficial for player recruitment or getting more players out to your programs?

S- I think PR7s is trying their best to gain exposure of the sport in San Jose.

But to answer your question, I haven't seen much of the recruitment happening at a high school level like I have seen at the college/adult levels. I feel as though there should be a HS developmental pathway like Mexico has. Or if there is, I haven't heard of it therefore, it hasn't helped my program.

LLR- What key players, boys or girls, should we all and colleges be keeping an eye on in the coming years?

S- From GHS: Monica Rivas (11th), Vianney Mamea (10th), Lillyen Rios (11th), Naiomi Robles (11th), Siriana Tautolo (10th)

From GMS: Lonise Tautolo (6th), Fautino Tautolo (6th), Cruz Fiaui (6th), Dominique Kilgore (8th)

From BHS: Leko Niuafe (8th), Lino Eti (11th)

LLR- Would having rugby recognized as a varsity sport by the CCS be what the sport needs to excel in the area?

S- Yes, but that will only help change with the administration part of things, for example, funding will help the sport, access to facilities in the school must be equality shared amongst all sports, recruitment should not be an issue and a real-certified coaches can lead the team rather than a credentialed staff who is not L200 certified.

BUT for a real change, we need to start with the bylaws of U10/U12 from being coed to all girls teams/competitions and change the MS bylaw basing it off of MS enrollment rather than age (13 & 14). If you really think about it, MS age groups start at 11 years old, anything younger is elementary. Again, these bylaws were created around a model that cartered to how boys played/developed in the past.

LLR- Some previous student athletes have now graduated and moved on, how is the relationship been with them and the current players? Is there any coming back and assisting or offering advice going on between the two groups?

S- Oh how I miss my former athletes.

Relationships could be better. I mean, I still keep in touch with a handful---in fact, a few come out to help with sideline touch during our home games and some facetime me often sharing their college-rugby life. During home games I noticed that my current players who played with the alumni have a comradery that was created through rugby. It's a beautiful thing to see.

Though my alumni do not come back to help at practices, we maintain connections through IG and check in every so often.

LLR- In the next 5 years, what would you like to see the rugby programs be like?

S- This is a beautiful yet hard question because I have dreams for our youth and I have high expectations for this program. First, I would like to have all my volunteers certified so that we can have 2-3 coaches per team to focus on specialties. Second, I would love to expand to a youth level club so that the siblings of current players can play as well as more east side San Jose kidos. Third, I would love to have a team van. Weekly we are constantly struggling to transport our youth because many of our families don't have the luxury to be off on the weekends-majority work. Fourth, is to become a 501c3 program so that funding can be easier to come in. Yearly we are getting creative to fundraise but catering to 72 players and non-paid volunteers; money becomes something we must focus on aside from coaching. And lastly, I would love 75% of my players to have pathway connections; whether it's for college, premier or nationally. I want to make sure I have secured connections across the globe so that my players have access, better yet, have a choice. but of course, my ultimate and my personal goal is... for my very own children (ages 3 & 8) to like and play rugby hahahaha!

LLR- Final words to the rugby community and also those kids who have not yet joined in on the experience?

S- Rugby is a beautiful sport. It is a sport where you discover yourself or reinvent yourself. In rugby we welcome all shapes and sizes, there is a spot for you. Whatever your weakness is, together we can find your strengths. But of course, it's not easy. You have to put in the work.

Get ready to make life-long friends because in rugby you will sweat together, cry together, bleed together and ruck together!

Lanu Olin Instagram-> Lanu_olin

Overfelt High Instagram-> Royal Rugby

Susanna Guardado,- coachguards@gmail.com

*spanish translation coming this weekend

La traducción al español llegará este fin de semana