New England Free Jacks Signs Zack Stryffeler

After graduating from college, he moved back home with his parents and began his graduate degree at Cleveland State, graduating with a Master’s of Education in Exercise Science in 2013.

Not only will Zack be playing with the New Orleans Gold Rugby Club, but he will have responsibilities in promoting youth rugby in New Orleans.

Eammon Hogan, Former Ohio Aviators Assistant Coach: “Zack is a fine young man who was taking his first real steps on the coaching ladder, while I was with the Aviators and he was simply an outstanding role model for the team.”

“Also I would like to say that I am proud of all of the former Ohio Aviators players for retaining such high personal and professional standards to be able to participate in the new MLR.”

“Robert Hattingh, Peter Malcolm, Alan Hanson, Sebastian Kalm, and many others did so much for American rugby’s image both at home and abroad, whilst in Ohio colors, and they will all be a major asset to the new league and to their respective club sides.”

“The Free Jacks today announced the signing of emerging USA international winger, Deion Mikesell, and back row veteran, Zack Stryfeller, for the team’s inaugural season in Major League Rugby. The pair provide the Free Jacks playing roster with additional Major League Rugby experience. Deion joins from the Houston Sabercats, while Zack travels north from NOLA Gold.”

“We are ecstatic to have Zack and Deion join what is already shaping up to be a well-rounded roster. Both men embody the values of what we believe a Free Jack stands for and we are looking forward to welcoming the pair to the team in the next few days,” commented head coach Josh Smith. “Zack brings a wise head and gold standard work rate to our back row, while Deion adds unrivaled firepower with the ball in hand and a robust defensive game to the back three. Importantly, they are both visually excited to begin making the connections with the team and contribute to the growth of the Free Jacks as we head into the season.”

The pair will join the Free Jacks later this week when the team returns from the first week of pre-season training in the woods of New Hampshire. We are looking forward to welcoming both Deion and Zack to New England.