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Halloween 7s Teams and their College and HS Connections

irish rugby tours

Halloween 7s Teams and their College and HS Connections

West Point standout Will Holder is one of several players in the Halloween 7s who cut their teeth in high school rugby and then college. David Barpal photo.

This weekend the Halloween 7s is held at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Fla., bringing some elite-level teams from around the USA and abroad. 

Canada and Argentina send teams and so do elite programs from New York, Denver, Ohio, and Rugby Utah. USA Rugby has two teams in the event, with USA 7s team Head Coach Mike Friday putting together a Falcons team of younger players and a Hawks team of more experienced players.

College and high school programs have provided a large chunk of these players. Here’s a look:

In parentheses after player names are college/high school teams:

 

New York City

1. Akinola Raymond (CT Bulldogs), 2. Dylan Carrion (Arkansas State University/Alliance, Texas), 3 Eric Duechle (Air Force Academy/Prince William, Va.), 4. Chris Frazier (Northeastern), 5. Pono Haitsuka (Oregon State University), 6. Harry Higgins (Arkansas State University), 7. Rick Kirkland (Southern Conn. State), 8. Ryan Matyas (Arizona/Tucson HS), 9. Sean Rafferty (Stony Brook), 10. Alex Schwarz, 11. Mike St. Claire (Stony Brook), 12. Connor Wallace-Sims (Oklahoma)

 

 

 

Utah

1. Robert Ah Sue 2.  Josh Anderson (Brigham Young University/Highland), 3.  Austin Griffin (Snow Canyon HS), 4. Meiohihifo Kuli, 5. Tonata Lauti (University of Utah/Highland), 6. Ben Nichols, 7. Joseph Nichols (BYU), 8. Jason Pye (University of Utah), 9. Kevin Schofield (BYU/Dos Palos), 10. Will Taylor (BYU),  11. Josh Whippy (BYU/United), 12.  Jared Whippy (BYU/United)

 

Denver

1. Celester Asuega (New Mexico Highlands University), 2. Logan Collins (Colorado State) 3. Max de Achaval (University of Colorado), 4. Walter Elder (Kansas  State), 5. Ryan Hartnett, 6. Kyle Hitt (Northern Colorad0), 7. Bobby Impson (Oklahoma), 8. Kelly Mercer, 9, Jeremy Misailegalu (New Mexico Highlands University), 10. Gannon Moore, 11. Kenny Scott, 12. Kevon Williams (New Mexico Highlands University)

 

Falcons

1. Colton Cariaga (Life University/South Meck NC), 2. Alex Faison-Donahoe (Kutztown/Eastside, Ore.), 3. Seth Halliman (Central Washington/Colorado Springs), 4. Tua Laei (BYU/Herriman, 5. Will Holder (West Point/East Palo Alto), 6. Peter Malcolm (Wheeling Jesuit/Fla. Selects), 7. Ben Pinkelman (Colorado State/Cherry Creek, Colo.), 8. ConRoy Smith, 9. Joey Sok (Davenport/West Ottawa, Mich.), 10. Kevin Swiryn (St. Mary’s), 11. Andrew Durutalo, 12. Alex Elkins (Alliance U19s, Texas)

 

Hawks

1. Matai Leuta (Monterey Peninsula College), 2. Pat Blair (Central Washington/Tacoma, Wash.), 3. Ben Leatigaga (West Point), 4. Garrett Bender (St. Cloud State/Washburn, Minn.), 5. Peter Tiberio (Arizona), 6. Maka Unufe (United U19s, Utah), 7. Carlin Isles, 8. Nick Edwards, 9. Nate Augspurger (Minnesota/Southside, Minn.), 10. Madison Hughes (Dartmouth/USA HSAA), 11. Perry Baker (Daytona, Fla.), 12. Martin Iosefo (Montana)