August 29, 2016
Andrew Matyas Added As University of Arizona Rugby Coach
Photo: Chris Mooney
University of Arizona Men’s Rugby Release: Aug 26
Arizona has made a move in the coaching staff for the upcoming season, with Andrew Matyas re-joining the program in a Junior Varsity and Developmental staff role.
Coach Matyas comes to the program after successfully adding coaching to his still active player status. Since the end of his eligibility in 2015, Matyas has been busy, assisting with both the Tucson Magpies Men’s Club and the Tucson Barbarians U19 sides. Matyas fills the void left by the departure of fellow alum Zac Sepulveda, who is pursuing career opportunities outside of Tucson.
Head Coach Sean Duffy said that Matyas’ hire was a strong one, as he’s clearly shown a knack for talent identification and player development that will serve him well. “Andrew is in my opinion one of the fast-rising coaches in this game. We are about player development but also coach development here, and he’ll be given a significant role in developing our Developmental and Junior Varsity sides to be the next Wildcats” said Duffy “the fact that he’s an alum, having played for both Dave Sitton and myself provides him even more experience in our program, and he has a clear understanding of our mission on and off the field for our boys.” Matyas joins his father, Micole, former Arizona Scrum coach and his brother, Ryan, former Arizona skills coach in a family that clearly is Arizona. “The entire Matyas family have been dedicated servants to our program, and while Micole and Ryan are not officially with us, they’re always going to be Wildcats and will provide contributions as Micole continues his coaching career and Ryan his playing career with San Diego Breakers” said Duffy.
Coach Matyas was excited to get started with the program, one that projects to have a roster of nearly 100 this coming season. “I am really looking forward to making a real contribution to the program. As my playing days wind down to be able to work with a coach like Coach Duffy and get my feet wet is a real privilege and I look forward to it” said Matyas.
The Wildcats recently concluded their 2016 training camp, and now shift to their Fall presason. They have both Fifteens friendlies and Sevens tournaments lined up for the Fall semester, including the 2016 PAC Rugby Sevens Championship in Tucson. In addition, they will hold their walk-on period the first three weeks of classes, opening up opportunities for crossover athletes to join the program. The Arizona Fall schedule will be announced shortly, with the regular season schedule to be released in October.
