2007 All-Americans named; management draws more fire

The 2007 All-American squad was named, prompting further questions regarding its management.

Forwards Brendan McCarthy, Craig Clark and 'Auggie' Manalick and backs Brendan McCarthy, Andrew Locke, and Volney Rouse will be among the repeat visitors to Canada in 10 days’ time, joined by collegiate all-star MVP Steve St. Pierre. Some 25 players will travel, while 32 were named to the first team and another 17 gained honorable mention.

Just over 50 percent of the first teamers were present at last weekend’s collegiate Inter-Territorial Tournament, according to an analysis of ITT rosters prepared by the coach of national playoff qualifier and reviewed by Gainline.us. Players from Cal, Brigham Young, Utah, Navy, and Army were missing; some of those BYU and Army standouts will be part of the two-game Canadian Under-21 series.

Travel arrangements too have come under fire, because apparently for the first time the All-Americans will be asked to pay their own way abroad, and to do it on short-notice fares. USA Rugby historically has covered airfare, or at least organized fundraising programs for the collegians to earn “sponsorships,” sometimes in conjunction with senior clubs.

‘It’s a disgrace that an All-American has to pay his own way to go to Toronto. This doesn’t do the All-American program justice. If this is what USA Rugby thinks is the pinnacle of achievement for the All-American program, then you know what, its better not to have it,’ Arizona State coach Gary Lane previously told American Rugby News.

Others were unwilling to speak on the record out of concern for reprisals against their players.

Though college players make up the largest constituency within USA Rugby’s dues-paying members, it appears that more time and dollars are being devoted not only to the World Cup Eagles but also the Under 19 team. Alternately, the All-Americans can be seen as going backward while the other flagships are moving ahead.

Nine former All-Americans were in the Churchill Cup squad, down from recent years, but still more than the 2 former Under 19 players.

USA Rugby did not return calls and emails seeking comment.

‘We will expect all All-American candidates to participate in the territorial selection process and compete in an All-Star Championship setting if they wish to be considered for All-American honors in 2008 and beyond,’ All-American manager John McNamara said in a press release.

2007 All-Americans to Canada

Forwards: Ross Biestman (California-Berkeley), Craig Clark (Brigham Young), Patrick Danahy (Stanford), John Falkenberg (Wyoming), Joe Fontana (San Diego State), Morris Havea (Brigham Young), Cameron Kiser (Utah), Dana Manalick (Penn State), Brendan McCarthy (Army), Joshua Merliner (St Mary’s), Duran Ngakuru (Brigham Young), Steve St. Pierre (Brigham Young), Ben Reynolds (California-Davis), Steven Schmitt (Navy), Derek Smith (Brigham Young)

Backs: Maximo DeAchaval (Colorado), Nick Grala (Penn State), Justin Hundley (Penn State), Taylor Kjar (Brigham Young), Andrew Locke (Army), Chase McQuillen (Oregon State), Dan Murphy (Colorado), Volney Rouse (St Mary’s), Andrew Swindle (Utah), Kevin Swiryn (St Mary’s)

Management: David Smyth (coach), John McNamara (manager)

Comments

[cj]

Is coach Mcnamar or US Rugby going to be funding are way next year, or is this the rich kid all americans.

[suspicious]

Where are all the Cal players ? I've no love for Cal but shouldn't the national champs have as many players on the all americans as the runners up whom they smashed in the finals ? Who at the college level plays break better than Cal's # 7 ? Seems like there may be a bit of nepotism on the part of Coach Smyth.

[calsupporter]

Suspicious,

Don't pull Cal into this All American mess.

BYU has a good team they deserve every selection they recieved, if you don't think so, just schedule a match with them.

[Puma]

Yeah, leave Cal out of it...

USA Rugby has worked very hard at eliminating any people who come out of the closest thing to a rugby academy present within our borders.

As it is now, I see the steps backward, just looking for the ones forward...

[Cal Rugby Lover]

I would pay to see Cal play the All-American team...

That would be fun.

Not as fun as Cal v. the Mens Super League Champions, but better than Cal v. regular college teams.

[cougarrugby]

suspicious...

if you review the USA Rugby press release which isn't printed here, then you'll see that 8 cal players were selected as an all-american but few of those could make the touring squad due to scheduling conflicts like the NA4 which will have Cal's #7 and #8 starring for the hawks and falcons respctively.

Cal got more than any other team selected as an AA but they couldn't make themselves available to tour with the team.

I don't see nepotism in that.