Brother Martin Details (02-01-14)

The details for this Saturday are listed below:

Date:  02-01-14 (Sat.)
Location: STH -Granger Stadium

JV/Div. II v. Memorial H.S.
Arrival Time: 8:45 AM
Game Time: 10:00 AM
Details:  This will not be a full-match, but most likely divided into a number of periods to allow all of our players a chance to play with appropriate levels.

Varsity v. Brother Martin (N.O.)
Arrival Time: 11:30 AM
Game Time: 1:00 PM
Details:  Full varsity non-conference match

Change to Red-Green Scrimmage

Due to the possibility of inclement weather, the scrimmage against Strake Jesuit scheduled for Friday night (01-24-14) has been rescheduled for Saturday (01-25-14) at 12:00 (noon).  The scrimmage location will be at STH and all players need to arrive at school by 10:30.  Bring your practice kit.  Good luck Eagles!

Three-Bag Speed Ruck

Follow this video link to watch segment on our three-bag speed ruck.  Many of our drills are located on our Youtube channel STHSEaglesRugby -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y46h_9V5T3M

Run Like Shane Williams

We have discussed the importance of good footwork in setting the defender properly - please watch this video of Wale's Shane Williams.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozrKpWR-UUI

Shane Williams 

2014 Ruggapalooza Details

Below are the details for the Ruggapalooza event on Jan. 18, 2014 at the Houston Amateur Sports Part (HASP) complex:
Date: Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: HASP (12131 Kirby Dr. Houston, TX 77045)
Who:  All current STH rugby players
When:  All players need to be at STH by 8:15 Saturday morning - meet in front of the stadium.  If you live in close proximity to HASP, you may meet the team there at 9:00 AM.  You may NOT drive your own vehicle.
Departure:  Around 4:30 PM (be flexible, players will be asked to call parents before departing HASP)
Transportation:  Bus
Lunch:  Bring your own lunch
Kit:  Bring you new and old STH kit (mouthguards!) and make sure you have a pair of molded cleats for the turf at HASP
Schedule:  There is no current schedule for the event

Mills Named Collegiate All-American

St. Thomas Rugby Hall of Famer and Texas A&M Rugby captain Conor Mills (09) was named a Collegiate 7s All-American in 2013.  Mills led the Aggies to a 32-5 record and their second consecutive Collegiate National 7s Championship (where they finished 8th in the nation).  Conor graduated from A&M in June, 2013 with a degree in Business Administration.

Mills had a banner 7s campaign and finished the season as the Aggies leading scorer with 201 points.  He was also named the Allied Rugby Conference 7s MVP, Texas A&M 7s MVP, ARC All-Conference (unanimous selection), and SEC All-Conference.  

Conor had a spectacular career in College Station also being named named a Collegiate 15s All-American in 2012, Rugby Magazine All-American and was a All-Conference 15s selection (unanimous), and Aggie 15s MVP.  During his stellar career at Texas A&M, Mills led the Aggies in scoring all four years and captained the squad the last two seasons in which they won two conference championships. Conor is currently playing for the Woodlands Men's D1 team.

Congratulations to Conor for finishing his collegiate rugby career in style - best wishes as you continue playing in the future!   

Mills gathering the high ball against UT in 2013 championship

Locke Named to World Class Athlete Program

Former St. Thomas rugby legend (STH 03), Capt. Andrew Locke was recently named to the United States Army's "World Class Athlete Program" and has been assigned to United States Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA.  Andrew will be training with other members of the USA Rugby 7s team in preparation for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Locke's appointment came after captaining his Army team to the 2013 US Military 7s Championship at the Serevi 7s Tournament in Glendale, CO.  The team also won the Combined Services Division at the CRC Tournament in Philadelphia, PA.

Congratulations to Andrew on this amazing achievement and thank you for your continued sacrifice and service to our country - we are extremely proud of you!

Capt. Locke at the Olympic Training Center

Reed Hogan Invited to U20 Camp

Former STH rugby player Reed Hogan (13) was invited to the USA U20 All-American camp in December. Hogan who is now a freshman at the University of Texas was invited due to his performance during the collegiate 7s series during the Fall semester.  Reed was named a Texas Select player in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and Texas High School Forward of the Year in 2013.  He was a critical component during the Eagles' three straight state championships.

Hogan was a key factor on the Longhorn's sevens squad in the Fall, helping UT to a Southwest Conference Championship and a spot at the Collegiate National 7s Championships (where the Longhorns finished 12th.). Hogan will be heading to the Las Vegas Sevens in Jan. to compete with the Texas squad.

Hogan will be joining former Eagle greats Andres Diaz and Conor Mills if he makes the USA U-20 squad. The Eagles would like to wish him the best of luck at the U20 camp and in all his future endeavors!

Hogan defending against Westlake at the championship

Keegan Mills Accepts Rugby Scholarship to Lindenwood University

Senior Keegan Mills has accepted a rugby scholarship to play at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri.  Lindenwood competes in the Midwest Conference of D1-A, which is the highest level of competition at the collegiate level.  While a relatively new program (established in 2011), it has quickly become one the dominant teams in the college ranks.  The Lions are also one of the first full varsity programs in the country.  Under Coach Ron Laszewski, the Lions won the 2012 national championship in only their second year.

Mills is a three-time All-State selection for the Eagles, a Texas High Performance Player, and has been invited to the USA High School All-American camp.  During his career at STH, the Eagles have won three straight state championships, he was captain and team MVP, and stands among the top five in all career scoring categories of the school record book.  Mills set a school record for penalty kicks in a match (5) this season against the Woodlands.  "I am extremely excited to continue my rugby career at such a good program," said Mills.  "I am looking forward to competing against the best players in the country and continuing the growth of my game under Coach Laszewski."

Mills also had an offer from Notre Dame College in Cleveland, Ohio, but decided that Lindenwood was the best fit for him academically and athletically.  "The coaches and players of St. Thomas High School Varsity Rugby are extremely proud of Keegan's scholarship with Lindenwood.  Throughout his high school career Keegan has exemplified the principles of dedication, intensity, and sportsmanship that make rugby so special," said Head Coach Jim Wolfinger.  "Keegan is an avid student of the game and has, in addition to his playing and leadership roles, become an internationally recognized referee with great promise.  I couldn't be more proud of Keegan - he is a fine young man.  I feel sure we will be hearing great things about Keegan for many years to come!"