Cougar Corner: Aaron Webber, CRF President
February 17, 2010 by BYU Rugby
Filed under Cougar Corner
Howdy! Let me introduce myself, my name is Aaron Webber and I am the new President of the BYU Cougar Rugby Foundation. And, I might add, I am honored to be so.
New CRF President Aaron Webber
I grew up in New Zealand paying Rugby–it’s a national pastime down there, and when I came to BYU and saw they had a Rugby team, I was in!
Back in those days 1989/90 things were a little different, yes it was a great game, great school, great team environment; but we weren’t anything compared to today’s versions of the same. The sport at BYU has come a long way. In no small part to those currently involved and those who have passed through the program. Thank you.
But there is MUCH work to be done. We have a GREAT team, we have GREAT coaches, we are National Champions… now we need to turn that into a GREAT program that wins National Championships year after year and one that sets the bar for performance both on and off the field.
Rugby, to me is a great metaphor for life–the teamwork, the effort, the bonding (and the winning), are all great life lessons. People that “try” Rugby become hooked, I believe for all these reasons. That is why I want to do my small part to give back to the game, the team and the fine institution. I believe in BYU, I believe in our team, our players, our coaches and the program. It has given me (us) much and now it is time for me and for us to reciprocate.
As I have been tangentially involved over the last few years, I have been in awe of what our current coaches and administrators do–they are family men, they run businesses, they have church responsibilities, they coach, they pay their own way, they do all of the on and off field work–they are outstanding. It has been an almost overwhelming workload that they have carried with aplomb. It is time for me, for us, to take some of that burden from them, to allow them to focus on the on-field activities and do so with a greater emphasis and focus. If I, and we, can remove just a little of that “distraction” imagine what these great men will be able to accomplish in the environment already build and the one we going to augment as we go forward!
As you can tell, I am a fan. And, I believe, a true fan, a true alumnus, a true team-mate gives back.
I am trying to do so, in my small way. I invite you to do likewise.
I love BYU Rugby! I am excited to see the sport at BYU grow, and try and contribute in the ways that I can-attending all the games I can and cheering loudly with the Super Fans
Mr. Webber, I am the mission president in the South Africa Mission. My two sons have attended Westville Boys High and I know you have taken some players from there. There is a young man here Langa Mahaye who plays tight end prop for the Senior A team at Westville. (They are having a great year, by-the-way) He is being recruited by the Sharks (our local professional team) and is a terrific young man. He does well academically and is one of the student leaders at the school. In addition he joined the Church about a year ago and is just a terrific young man in every way. I think he could be a great asset to the BYU team. Is there a way I could introduce him to you?
President Mann
Nicely said sir.By the way KIAORA.Youve a supurb job and it will only help make it better for the many years to come.Is it possible to held more games at the Rio Tindo Stadium in the near uture?
I mean done a supurb work