Jack Viens '13 makes practice squad for state rugby team
He isn't 100-percent sure he'll be on an official roster, but Wilbraham & Monson Academy's Jack Viens '13 will be in full uniform and on the sidelines when the best rugby players in the northeast compete in a tournament at WMA this weekend.
Jack made the practice squad for the Massachusetts U17 team, which will compete in the New England Challenge Cup Saturday. The regional tournament includes state-based U17 and U19 boys and girls teams from New England, New York and Pennsylvania. Games will be played Saturday and Sunday.
“I'm looking forward to it,” said Jack, who's interested in playing rugby in college. “Even if I don't get to play, I'll get to see some pretty good rugby.
“I'm glad I was invited back. I'm a little disappointed there's no second game, but if I'm lucky enough I might be able to play Saturday.”
Jack attended both tryouts held by the Massachusetts team. He thought he performed well but acknowledged the level of play was very high and he wasn't among the elite players on the field.
“All these kids were my age and just as good as me or better,” Jack said. “I thought, 'This is different'. These kids actually knew what they're doing. They knew what was wrong and we were giving each other tips and what to try.”
Massachusetts will face Connecticut Saturday at noon.
Schedule
Girls U19 Division
Saturday, June 16
Massachusetts vs. Eastern Pennsylvania, noon
Vermont vs. Connecticut, 1
Massachusetts vs. Capital District, 2
Vermont vs. Empire (N.Y.), 3
Eastern Pennsylvania vs. Capital District, 4
Connecticut vs. Empire, N.Y., 5
Sunday, June 17
Bowl Final, 11
Plate Final, 12:30
Cup Final, 2
Boys U17 Division
Saturday, June 16
Massachusetts vs. Connecticut, noon
Boys U19 Division
Saturday, June 16
Connecticut vs. Capital District, 1:30
Massachusetts vs. Empire, 3
Sunday, June 17
Plate Final, noon
Cup Final, 1:30
