Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1524796
SUMMER / FALL 2024 13 first take wac rugby is might be the best year yet for the WAC men's and women's rugby 7's teams. Both groups qualified for the national tournament, set for August 10–11 in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin. e men punched their ticket at the Oregon Sports Union Roy Lucas 7's event, held in West Linn, Oregon, in early July. e WAC men and women both won their inaugural home tournament, held at Magnuson Park in late June. Families and friends enjoyed the festive atmosphere, which included food stalls and enthusiastic support of all teams in attendance. "When we have all 13 of our guys committed to our system of play—which is fast and disciplined—it makes it really hard for other teams to keep up," men's captain Jordan Anderson said following the home tournament. e WAC teams also took home both MVP awards, with Karl Keane winning on the men's side and Megan Sanders on the women's. Megan is also the women's team captain. "e new young players coming in bring a renewed energy," Megan said following the home tournament. "is injection of young talent plus all the returners is a recipe for a successful season." e women went on to qualify for nationals with their first-place finish at the Chuckanut CanAm 7's in Ferndale in mid-July. "I'm extremely proud of this year's group of players and coaches," WAC Chief Operating Officer Wayne Milner says. Wayne oversees the WAC club sports program, including recruiting players and hiring coaches. "Qualifying for the club 7's nationals is very difficult and always a huge accomplishment. Our players represent the WAC wings with excellence, sportsmanship, teamwork, and passion." —WAC rugby is sponsored by CenTrio and Alliant. Ruck and roll! WAC rugby teams qualify for national tournament Top: The men's and women's rugby teams pose after sweeping their home tournament at Magnu- son Park in Seattle. Middle: Sho Sekiya fights off a tackle. Bottom: Megan Sanders charges upfield on the Magnuson turf. D A N N Y B O R R E L L I By Tommy Clark, Special Contributor K AT E L I N B R E E N ( 2 )