ARIZONA STATE SUN DEVILS
MEN'S RUGBY
Matt Brennan - ASU sophomore, former Seattle Rugby Club, HSAA, Loggers and EIRA Washington
What attracted you to apply to Arizona State?
I applied to ASU for a number of reasons. My father (Steve Brennan EIRA WA Head Coach) attended ASU which was a big factor, and rugby was a big factor in my decision as well. ASU is a top 15 program year in and year out and that was something I wanted to be a part of. ASU also offers a really cool college experience because it is a PAC-12 school so everyone knows ASU and going to a big school just really had an appeal to me.
What year are you in college and what's your major?
I am currently a sophomore, and my major is Political Science.
Did you play club rugby before coming to ASU and if so for who?
I started playing rugby in 6th grade for the Seattle Vikings.
Did you play all star or representative rugby before ASU and or since you've been here?
In high school I played all star rugby from my sophomore year through my senior year for the Washington Loggers in 7's and 15s. I played for the HSAA's my junior and senior year. I played mostly 7's for the HSAA's but also attended the Stars and Stripes camp my junior and senior year.
How demanding is your academic program?
My academic program is challenging but I'm learning about things that I'm really interested in, so that makes it fun.
What advice would you give a high school prospect to prepare for college academically and for rugby?
My advice would be to take your academics very seriously, that is a big reason why I am able to attend ASU. As far as rugby goes you will go as far as you're willing to work.
What aspects of ASU Rugby do you like the most?
The thing I love most about ASU rugby is the people that are apart of it from the alumni, to the coaches, to the players. It is a group of people that may not be the most well known but still are
Describe the schedule ASU plays.
We play one of the toughest schedules in the country, if not the toughest. Last year we played a lot of really tough teams and managed to have a winning record.
Tell us about the Rugby Bowl?
The Rugby Bowl is an annual game we play at the end of the season against a non conference opponent. It's a really big promoting deal for us, we get a very large crowd and play in Scottsdale Stadium. It's a very fun deal, this year we're playing Mexico's national team.
What ambitions do you have for ASU Rugby over the next few years?
I think with all the young talent we have right now we have the potential to really grow and push to that next step of being a top 8 team. Coach Lane is really pushing us in the right direction and has a very professional approach.
Describe the facilities you have for ASU Rugby?
We don't have access to some things that a varsity program has but we make the most of what we do get. That is a certain time reserved for lifting, and the field for training, as well as a trainer who is also our nutritionist.
How do you balance your time between academics, rugby and other interests?
I keep busy that's for sure we train 3 times a week and lift 3 times as well and then play games on Saturdays or go on 7's tours. You really just have to plan accordingly but it's not too much and I still have some free time to just relax.
What do you like the most about your ASU Rugby?
I like most how tight this group of guys is, we're not always projected to win but we kind of embrace it we like the fight and that's what I love about these guys. I've had a great experience so far at ASU and couldn't see myself anywhere else.
What attracted you to apply to Arizona State?
Arizona state was the first college campus I toured as a sophomore when I was invited to the HSAA Winter camp, additionally knowing Coach Salty graduated there as well as Steve Brennan I was more and more interested in it.
What year are you in college and what's your major?
I am a first year student (freshman) and I am majoring in Biomedicine (Biological Sciences).
Nathaniel Short - ASU freshman, former Dixon H.S. Nor Cal All Stars, HSAA Stars and Stripes and EIRA Sevens 2015
Did you play club rugby before coming to ASU and if so for who?
Yes, I played rugby for the Dixon Rugby Football Club for 7 years.
Did you play all star or representative rugby before ASU and or since you've been here?
Yes, Sacramento Valley - All Stars 6 years, Nor Cal All Stars 6 years, HSAA 1 year, EIRA 1 year.
How demanding is your academic program?
My academic program is challenging but I cannot make many assumptions about it since I am only taking General Ed classes.
What advice would you give a high school prospect to prepare for college academically and for rugby?
TIME MANAGEMENT, having too much homework to go to lifting or practice is no excuse. A man gets his studies done so he can focus on rugby.
What aspects of ASU Rugby do you like the most?
I love the Camaraderie on the team and the brotherhood all the players have. Each guy looks out for one another like he is his own brother. It's better than joining a fraternity in high school hands down. Nothing beats the friendships you gain here at ASU Rugby.
Describe the schedule ASU plays.
ASU has 4-5 7s tournaments in the fall for players to go to including the West Coast 7s and Pac 12 7s Championships. As a freshman I was placed in the most challenging tournament in the country and I've only been here for 3 months already. The level of skill at this age is a huge step from high school club or regional all stars.
What ambitions do you have for ASU Rugby over the next few years?
Over the next few years I hope to see ASU Rugby broadcasting all home 15s games.
Describe the facilities you have for ASU Rugby?
The facilities we have at ASU are good, We have a professional crossfit coach who keeps our bodies in check at the gym. A key conditioning coach who pushes our minds to the limits on the field. And a trainer who always is there for us and helps us with nutrition and diets.
How do you balance your time between academics, rugby and other interests?
I put school and rugby first, anything outside that is just a bonus for me. Although I do enjoy social time, it's not as important as my love for the game.
What do you like the most about your ASU Rugby?
What I like most about ASU is the trust you have in each member of the team. How everyone holds everyone accountable. The guys all keep you pushing for excellence that's the best part about it.
