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Economics and business major John Jorizzo ’06 (Lewisville, N.C.) and civil engineering major Matt Vanderwall ’08 (Webster, N.Y.) will compete on the East Penn Rugby Union (EPRU) Men’s Collegiate All-Star team this weekend at Edgely Fields, Fairmont Park in Philadelphia.
On the recommendation of their coach, Jorizzo and Vanderwall traveled to Albright College and Kutztown University for tryouts. They competed against more than 60 players from Division I, II, and III rugby sides. They are two of only three players representing Division III.
Players on the EPRU team come from a variety of colleges and universities, including Albright College, University of Delaware, Shippensburg University, University of Scranton, East Stroudsburg University, College of New Jersey, Culinary Institute, Millersville University, Reading Community College, Kutztown University, Widener University, West Chester University, Villanova University, and Lock Haven University. Bjorn Haglid and Rick McGovern of University of Delaware and Daniel Williams and Eric Nolan of Kutztown University will coach the team.
Jorizzo, who began playing the sport as a first-year student, looks forward to the challenge of competing against the best rugby players in the Mid-Atlantic region. He also hopes to learn from the coaches and athletes on his team.
“First, I would like to thank the rest of the team and Dan Williams for a wonderful season,” he says. “I am proud to represent Lafayette at such an event. I feel that this is a wonderful opportunity for Lafayette rugby. Being able to compete with athletes from all of these great rugby programs is going to be a wonderful learning experience, and I am hoping to pass along what I learn to other players on the Lafayette team.”
Vanderwall, who began playing rugby in high school and is secretary of Rugby Club, is excited about the opportunity the all-star team offers.
“We will be playing some of the best players in the country from Penn State University, who are ranked second in the nation,” he says. “It’s just a great opportunity to play more rugby and learn. I’m excited to play; it should be a competitive weekend.”
Rugby Club is always recruiting new players. No experience is necessary. For more information, email Jorizzo or Vanderwall.