Los Alamitos High School Rugby Club celebrated their 2019 season last Friday night at their End of the season banquet held at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. Just over 100 players, parents and supporters were in attendance enjoying the Knott’s Famous Chicken Buffet Dinner. This is the club’s 3rd year with the High School Boys. They started with only 16 players in 2017, 22 in 2018 and had 32 signed up this season. The boys were the So Cal HS White Division Champions in 2017 and lost in the Finals to a very experienced and older La Jolla team in 2018. “This year we have a lot of new and young players who played against much stronger and experienced Varsity opponents. We held our own but unfortunately came up short in the Semi-Finals.” said Captain and Senior Jonah Charlton. “That was only our 2nd loss in 3 years!” Coach Dan Chase noted, “We are a young team and we look forward to an awesome season next year.” Los Al Rugby has a lot to be proud of this season. Three boys were awarded rugby scholarships – Jonah Charlton to ASU while Ken Sale & Aizak Fido will be attending Davenport University in Michigan this Fall.
Los Al Rugby has added a High School Girls team this season. They only had 9 girls sign up but there was enough talent there to carry them to 2nd place in the So. Cal HS Girls Division. “These girls may be new to rugby but don’t sleep on them. They are athletes and once they get to know the game of rugby they will be unstoppable!” commented Jeanette Meni, team mom. The only Senior Lexi Villagran will be accepting a rugby scholarship to Wayne State in Nebraska.
“I’m most proud to present the scholar athlete awards” said Dayna Faupusa at the podium on Friday night. About 2/3rds of the team had a 3.0 and above, 14 of them had a 3.5 or better and 6 had a 4.0 or more! “This is a true testament to their strength, determination and work ethic. It’s hard enough being a student but to excel in both on and off the field is remarkable” Faupusa continued.
Los Al Rugby said their good byes to Seniors and founding members, Anthony Leomiti, Elijah Tuialii, Jonah Charlton, Ken Sale and Mavaeganailetai Roberts. The new captains for next year were announced. Darren Fauni, Joseph “Jo-Jo” Nuez, Jeremy Zwick for the boys and Maci Mackenzie, Asia Meni and Lyric Casados for the girls.
