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February
17/18th 2007 -
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ARU Players Clinic a Big Success A great many thanks go out to all involved in the 2007 ARU Player Development Clinic. Over all, the clinic was a smashing success with 57 (36 collegiate) players participating on Saturday, and 48 players on Sunday. Thanks to the well-experienced and well-credentialed panel of coaches who ran the clinic, as well as the many local coaches who came to help with drills and share tips from personal experience. Thanks also go out to Steamroller Rugby www.steamrollerrugby.com for donating rugby balls, printing the complementary T-shirts, and bringing along a plethora of other quality rugby equipment and t-shirts. When looking at the projected outline of the day from a player's perspective, it seemed like it would be a long and arduous one. I was delighted to find that not to be the case. After some dynamic stretching, the day began quickly and it was evident that the coaches had complete control. The coaching style was a refreshing approach to assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the individual and the team. The level of participation was high and the players were engaged and energetic throughout. The fact that the players were still focused and competing at the top of their skills right up to the last moments stands as a testament to the coaching skill and organization of the day. While the clinic was open to all, it was also a great opportunity to scout for select sides for senior and collegiate players alike. Paul Bergman, coach of the Midwest Thunderbirds, remarked about the potential for some of the men to compete at the Midwest Senior level. Also, 6 women have already been approached about participating at the Midwest U23 level. Moreover, quite a bit of talent was noticed for participation in the ARU U23/Collegiate Select sides, both for men and women. Upon viewing the roster, Tim Bechtold, coach of the ARU Collegiate Men's Select Side, had this to say: "I was very pleased with the commitment of my U23 players after I received a copy of the PDC roster...having 15 of my 22 man roster present without myself being able to attend was inspiring. I'm very happy they got an opportunity to go to a CLASS camp". Finally, thanks go to the organizers of this event, the ARU Officers. In keeping with their concerted effort to raise the level of play and organization in the union, they came together when it was necessary and made things happen. Putting something like this on is no small task, and these gentlemen volunteered quite a bit of their time to see it through to the finish. They are to be commended, not just for their efforts in the past, but in the future as well. This clinic is just one of many events planned to raise the bar of rugby in this area and to make the ARU a rugby union we are all proud to be a part of. More news in the archive. |
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