Caity Healy | Editor-in-Chief
It began on April 13, as four Men’s Rugby players took to the pitch after being invited to try out for the Pacific Coast All-Star team: Joey Caver, Matt Cornish, Kai Segundo and Trever Kahunahana. After Caver had been pulled aside and asked to join the team on the spot, the three others patiently awaited to hear whether or not they had performed at the level the coaches were wanting. May 1 was the day they’d hear the news, but before they could, another player was met with a surprise.
On April 29, senior Alex Treat was asked if he wanted to join the All-Star team. He wasn’t one of the original four invited to try out, so when he was contacted, he didn’t exactly see it coming.
“From what I gathered, they were watching film on some of the other guys, and while they were watching film they saw me playing … and then they decided they wanted me on the team,” said Treat. “I got a text from the head coach, and basically he said ‘hey we want you on our team. We want you to come play with us in Houston.”
Upon receiving the news that he was now an All-Star, he couldn’t help but feel eager.
“I was incredibly excited. I felt very honored to be selected and to go and perform,” said Treat. “I kind of thought my season was done, but I’m glad it’s not.”
On May 1, after weeks of waiting, the names of who would be on the team were released — out of the four Wolves who tried out, Caver was the single name presented to represent Western, with Treat added on, as well. Now, they’re preparing for what’s to come.
“I am running and working out, doing drills, practicing some skills stuff — just trying any way I can to be in the best shape possible to perform,” said Treat.
On May 11, Caver and Treat will be flying out to San Diego for a rugby camp. There, they’ll get to know their new teammates and learn how they play, as well as how their coach wants the team structured.
“I’m nervous, but I’m more excited than nervous. I’ve been training for this since I started playing rugby, and I’m just happy for the opportunity to go out and play … I couldn’t have gotten here without my teammates,” said Treat.
Catch the two in action on May 23, as they’re heading to Houston, Texas for the All-Star tournament.
Contact the author at howleditor@wou.edu
Photo by Caity Healy
