Looking back to my post 40 is the new 25..., implied in my tone was a new found excitement in life and what it offers. The successes that I had in OSUT fostered a renewal of confidence for me in my life and a certain amount of clarity of what I want to do with the rest of my life. The result was what I call “THE LIST.”

“THE LIST” is a conglomeration of goals that I want to accomplish in my life. Because it is an extensive list I decided to add a feature to my blog called “THE LIST.” From time to time I will post entries in my blog with “THE LIST” in the title followed by the item in the list. It is my hope that this will become a touchstone for those following this blog and will give some order to my posts.

THE LIST–Play Rugby for a National Team

In 2009, I applied, was invited, and selected for the All Army Rugby Team (AART). Rugby is an oft misunderstood 15-man team sport of skill, strength, speed, and intelligence. I often describe it as the sport closest to actual combat. Due to the continuous style of play, there is little opportunity to stop and get your bearings. You must rely upon your teammates to do their job as they depend on you to do yours.

Photo Courtesy of Colin Miller

The eight forwards are the workhorses of the team. On average they run twice the distance of the seven backs in a match. They tackle, ruck, maul, scrum, and jump in the line outs. All of this, while continuously adapting to what the opponent is throwing at them.

I was up against seven other soldiers for my forward position–prop. Each were younger, fitter, and likely better skilled than me. I was bigger, stronger, and teachable. Which, in the end made the difference.

I am proud to have worked with these guys. They made me a better rugby player.

We all went through the grueling two-a-day practices together with the constant running and tackling drills. At the end of the day, the ice baths were a welcome torture to sooth the aches and pains. For those two weeks we gelled together and became a tight knit, fierce fighting unit. It was a sad day for all when the final cuts were announced. These were the guys we had just trained with and now they weren’t going on to the playing field with us.

Photos Courtesy of Shane Seggar and Colin Miller

Even though we took second place overall, losing to Air Force in the championship match (link to YouTube video clip), it was one of the best teamwork experiences in my life.

The AART only plays for one tournament–The Armed Forces Rugby Tournament. The whole process takes about three weeks–two weeks for the trials and one week for the tourney. A Combined Services Rugby Team (CSRT) is selected at the end of the tournament and those players are eligible to play together internationally.

Even though I achieved this goal in 2009, I wanted to do it again, only this time as a more effective player. Specifically, my goal is to not only make the AART, but also perform well enough to be selected for the CSRT too. That way, I can represent my country in sports internationally, which is another of my goals.

To do so, I am studying the game, working on my position skills, improving my physical endurance, quickening my speed, and building my strength so that I can be more effective every minute of the 80 minute match.

As I mentioned above, I came away from OSUT feeling that I could accomplish anything. This assurance led me to try out for the AART. Coming away from the AART, my confidence was reinforced and I had a plan of action to improve myself for the next trial.

This is just the first manifestation of my new mantra the 40 is the new 25. As long as my body, heart, and mind allow, I will play rugby for the the Army.

Go ARMY!