Nelson College Experience Exceeds My Expectations
Nelson College Experience Exceeds My Expectations
Chuck Gehl had already accepted that he wouldn’t get the Nelson College scholarship.
The Missoula, Montana front-rower had been told he would not be going to New Zealand. But then, suddenly, it all changed. The US Rugby Foundation found funding for a third scholarship recipient, and Geh got the call.
“It was a very big shock,” he told GRR. “I was close to being overwhelmed. “I guess they saw something in me.”
Gehl has joined fellow Montanan Jamie Clegg and Kolo Kahanu at Nelson College with a US Rugby Foundation scholarship, studying, living in the dorms, and playing some high-level rugby.
For Gehl dorm life has worked out nicely. The adjustment is different for him compared to the other Nelson College scholarship recipients because he has been homeschooled for the last few years.
“Going back to class was an adjustment,” Gehl told GRR. “But it’s been cool. I’m studying calculus and engineering as well as cooking.”
And rugby. He actually has rugby class time, learning tactics and laws.
“I think what I have been really learning about and interested in is the mentality, having that competitive mentality.”
It’s just been a different experience.
Tackling, the pace of play, and rucking are very different.
“The breakdown is perhaps the most different. The speed of play is so much faster. But what I notice is the rucks. If you just kind of go into a ruck and and just kind of stand there you will get blown back. You have to get to the rucks much quicker and the cleanouts have to be really good or you will get smashed.
Scrums have been a good lesson for the front-rower. It’s his favorite part of the game, but it’s not just been about rugby.
Gehl has made several friends outside of the Americans at Nelson. He plays on a rec basketball team
“That’s been really fun,” he said.
What about how this experience will be carried forward?
“It’s amazing to think that there’s only seven weeks left,” Gehl said. “I have got so much from this experience. There are so many plays and things I will bring back to my team. I love working with our U18 Head Coach, Clay [Gallagher]. He’s been pretty great and has been showing me how to do well on offense. I was always trying to be a monster on defense, but I am learning more about it all.”
Gehl is pushing to get time on Nelson’s 2nd team, and he said it’s hard work to be seen in a program where there are a lot of rugby players. Of course, if it was easy, why would he want to do it?
"It has been an amazing experience. I have learned more in rugby than I ever thought I would. With that, I have also improved my skills in the game greatly. My teammates over here have been great, I have been making a lot of friends both on and off the pitch.”
The whole experience has “somehow exceeded my expectations 10-fold. My rugby skills have improved drastically. I can read and react to the game in a whole new way. I've learned countless tricks to improve all aspects of my play, and have met some amazing people. Im so great full to be here.
Gehl will be captain of his Missoula team in Montana next year.
“It’s going to be a fun year.”
As for now, a winter break is coming up and Gehl will be staying in-country. He will take a trip to see the All Blacks play.
“I am really excited about that.”
