USA Rugby Boys HS All-Americans Undefeated in British Columbia

July 19, 2016

USA Rugby Boys HS All-Americans Undefeated in British Columbia

Photo: USA Rugby All-Americans

Doug Coil

The USA Rugby Boys High School All-Americans arrived in Vancouver on Sunday, July 10 and played against the British Columbia’s Under 18 squad on July 13 and 16 at the University of British Columbia.

Salty Thompson’s Boys High School All-Americans won both matches in British Columbia 48-0 and 54-3, as they did in sweeping the Ontario Blues’ under 19 team in two matches over three days on the campus of Appleby College.

The team was made up mostly of young student-athletes selected from the Great Northwest Challenge and Rocky Mountain Rugby Challenge Regional Cup Tournaments. They consist of 1997, 1998 and 1999 born athletes.

Thompson’s coaching staff includes Scott Bracken, who was with the team in Ontario, and AIG Men’s Junior All-Americans Head Coach JD Stephenson. Bracken focused on set pieces, while Stephenson on defensive strategies. The coaching staff helped to develop the the players’ skill sets as well as identify players that will continue through the age-grade programs in the future.

Thompson said “It was a challenge, time-wise, to scout the Regional Cup Tournaments and select the BHSAAs ‘east’ and ‘west’ so quickly. The product was encouraging. It gave us a blend of seniors who will challenge for MJAA consideration and returning high schoolers providing continuity for the next cycle.”

BHSAA-eligible student-athletes reconvene at the Winter Camp in December.

Preview Article of BHSAA BC Tour: Boys HS All-Americans In Vancouver to Play BC Rugby’s U18s 

Boys High School All-Americans British Columbia Tour