As we enter the fall and get going in school, spring sports are starting their offseason, and the Jesuit rugby team has been practicing since the first week of school. Things are looking up for the team and they’re gearing up for a great year.
The team is determined to do big things this year and they are really putting in the work, practicing every single day Monday-Friday. Trevor Lastelick ’16 describes the practicing as hard at times but “we are reminded that the effort we put in now is what will produce good results for us in the season.”
With many returning players, the Rangers are hopeful for this year and the players are optimistic. Sophomore Ryan Black has high hopes for this team and believes it is very possible to go all the way to state. Black went on to say that “[the team] will be better at every aspect and everyone has significantly improved.”
Black, however, is not the only one that believes this team can make it to state. Austin Gustafson ’14, in his final year, believes this year is the best shot for his team to make state and even win.
Along with great players, there is a new face helping coach the team this year, second year teacher and former Jesuit rugby player Mr. Matt Ortiz ‘08. He was on many successful rugby teams at Jesuit and was even coached by the current head coach, Coach Anthony Mattachione.
Mr. Ortiz has the same expectations for his team as he did when he was a player, stating “[The goal] is to win every game and have a lot of fun doing it.” The team did well last year and should even improve with many returning players for this season.
Captain Manny Salazar ’14 believes that this year will be great overall for the seniors and will be a great year for the team. He stated that the seniors have played together since freshman year and will step up. Salazar went on to say that the team will be great in comparison to last year because “it is a much tighter unit, and [he] expects a lot from [the] team.”
There are very high hopes for captains Manny Salazar and Brandon Locke ’14 who both had a very good year on varsity last year. Mr. Ortiz sees a lot of improvement in the team each week with their leadership and has really noticed the younger players stepping up.
The season will start in January and Jesuit will host their annual rugby tournament on the first weekend of spring break where they have shown success in the past. After the tournament, the team may travel to California or Florida and take on some very tough competition.
This is shaping up to be a great year for the Rangers so be sure to come out during the season and watch some of their games.
