The Texas A&M Dept. of Rec Sports and Texas A&M RFC announce expansion of the Gareth Jones Tournament.
Press Release
June 16, 2007
Written By Johnny Smith
Back to Home
Back to Press Releases
College Station , TX - The Texas A&M Recreational Sports Dept. and Texas A&M RFC are happy to announce the expansion of the Gareth Jones Challenge Cup Tournament to include 4 age divisions, a Collegiate Recruiting Drive, a u17/u19 Select camp, and the 1st annual TRU Coaches Conference. These events will be taking place the weekend of March 29-30, 2008 on the campus of Texas A&M.
The tournament will consist of 4 divisions made up of 16 teams in u19, 8 teams in u17, a TBD number of teams in u15 and u12. The u15 division will be open for both touch and tackle variations of the game. Team President Kevin Becker knows the importance of the youth programs, “Texas A&M will do everything we can to accommodate all u15 & u12 teams. We don’t want to turn away any of those kids.” he said. The entire tournament will be played in a festival format with match ups based on geography and skill level. According to Tournament Director Johnny Smith, this creates an environment that is competitive while also maintaining the true spirit of the game. “I played in Missoula for a season and they run Maggotfest every year under the same format. Let me tell you, the atmosphere created under that system is awesome. It is a part of the game that every young player should be exposed to…friends, competition, and the true spirit of why we play.
“We decided after last year that 2008 would be the time to expand the tournament out and provide the teams and coaches with a full weekend of activities. It is our hope to not only see some great rugby, but provide the coaches and players with information and training that they can use all year. We want to make it a full service weekend.” said Tournament Director Johnny Smith. As an additional benefit, the tournament will be attended by members from all 3 levels of the Junior Eagles coaching staff including u20 coach Salty Thompson, U18 coach Mike Kwedar and U17 coach Sean O’Leary. It is their hope to use the tournament as a means to discover new talent and it offers the coaches of HS teams in Texas with an opportunity to get their players exposed. “It is a win-win situation for everyone!’ stated Texas A&M Head Coach Craig Coates.
Texas A&M has also initiated a “College Recruiting Row” to be present on Saturday of the tournament. We will have schools from all over the state come in to provide students and parents with information regarding their respective schools and programs. “We think this is an invaluable tool in retaining kids after they leave high school. Players have lots of choices when it comes to filling free time at college, we just want to make sure that rugby is on their radar screen, regardless of what school they attend.”
On Sunday, the TRU, in conjunction with the Texas A&M Dept. of Recreational Sports, will host the 1st Annual Coaches Conference on the campus of Texas A&M University. Although final details are to follow, the Jr. Eagles coach’s will give a presentation as well as a scrummaging session with Senior Eagles Forward Coach Bill LeClerc. “We hope to have coaches from all levels participate in this conference” said TRU President Dave Jenkins. He continued, “It is the goal of the conference to provide something for everyone, regardless of whether you coach your club’s u12 team or the TRU Senior Select Side.”
If your club would like information about participating in the tournament, having your collegiate team participate in our collegiate recruiting row or about the Coaches Conference, please contact Johnny Smith at aggieforwardcoach@msn.com or jsmith@aggierugby.com. Additional information will be posted at www.aggierugby.com/garethjones.htm