Red Rocks Trip About More Than Just Rugby

February 1, 2010

Provo, UT–The BYU Cougars and staff spent their short trip in St. George building ties with the community and giving back to the community that has supported them significantly.

Most notably the BYU Rugby players participated in a local elemantary’s Fitwalk campaign, which highlighted the need for the students to stay physically fit and active throughout their lives.

BYU staff also spent time speaking, getting interviewed and coaching at local community events in the St. George area.

The Cougars took some time out Friday morning before their tilt to spend some time with the students at Arrowhead Elementary School.

“We love coming down to this area [St. George, UT] because the people are so good to us,” said asst. coach Wayne Tarawhiti, who helped organize the Fitwalk experience, “We were asked to help out with these students and we were more than happy to take some time and give something back to the community that has been so good to us.”

Many of the students were seen getting piggy-back rides from the rugby players and no less than most of them were laughing and having a good time interacting with the Cougars.

The short Fitwalk campaign offered some of the BYU players a chance to show that it’s not always about rugby within their program.

“Doing stuff like this is great,” said fullback Andrew Harrison, “It’s nice to step away from the rugby once and a while to remember that you get looked up by younger kids and that being a part of this team means we can be good examples to them in some small way. I had a good time and I think the kids did too.”

Spending time at the fitwalk wasn’t all that the Cougars did during their short stint in St. George, UT. BYU coaches also were invited as special guests Thursday to the local chapter of the BYU Alumni Association luncheon to talk about the program, it’s challenges and successes as of late.

At the luncheon, head coach David Smyth and asst. coaches Justen Nadauld and Wayne Tarawhiti highlighted the 2009 National Championship and other facets within the program that have made it a success over the last 5 years.

Following the luncheon they also were invited on local St. George, UT sports radio station 1210 AM to discuss the upcoming match with Delaware as well as the program in general for an extended segment.

Lastly, coaches Smyth, Tarawhiti and Nadauld offered their coaching advice to the local Snow Canyon High School rugby team Thursday afternoon. The BYU coaches also offered practical skills advice and coaching perspective to the local area rugby coaches.

“This yearly trip has become a big part of our preparations,” said head coach David Smyth, “When you are treated so well every time you come down here, it’s not hard to want to give back and be involved in the community more than just coming and playing a few rugby games. We look forward to this every year and we’re thankful for the outstanding hospitality that we receive every time we come.”