Rugby takes Utah Summer Games by storm in first year of competition

Snow Canyon vs Spanish Fork U14 Rugby, Utah Summer Games, Cedar City, Utah, June 28, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, asppix.com, St. George News

CEDAR CITY – The Utah Summer Games is known for long time running competitions, as well as adding new ones. For the first time in the games’ history, rugby for all ages was added to the 2014 sports.

“Rugby is an incredible sport,” said Dayna Regouski, USG rugby event coordinator. “It’s growing at a rapid rate and it will be recognized and grow in the United States and we need to have it in Summer Games, it’s important to have it in Summer Games.”

1usgTo be a part of the Summer Games is an exciting opportunity, Regouski said. They do a professional job and put on quality sporting events.

The rugby competition was heavily participated by northern Utah teams. In the U14 category, Snow Canyon was the only team to represent Southern Utah.

“Snow Canyon’s a great representation of (southern Utah),” Regouski said. “They are an incredible team, an incredible organization and we’re happy that they’re here. They ‘re good quality rugby. They’re very great athletes.”

Snow Canyon vs Spanish Fork U14 Rugby, Utah Summer Games, Cedar City, Utah, June 28, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, asppix.com, St. George News
Snow Canyon vs Spanish Fork U14 Rugby, Utah Summer Games, Cedar City, Utah, June 28, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, asppix.com, St. George News

Snow Canyon grasped the responsibility and embraced the opportunity to compete against new and familiar competition.

“It’s been great to represent southern Utah,” said Tarnue Ali, coach for Snow Canyon. “It’s been an opportunity and a blessing. We’ve had good support from family and the people in Cedar City here.”

After beating unfamiliar competition, Snow Canyon was denied of the gold medal game after losing to familiar Spanish Fork.

Snow Canyon has been defeated by Spanish Fork three times for the state title. Although the loss was déjà vu, Snow Canyon went into the bronze medal game with high spirits.

“We just said, ‘Let’s get this,’” said Mikaera Puriri, Snow Canyon team member.

Snow Canyon vs Spanish Fork U14 Rugby, Utah Summer Games, Cedar City, Utah, June 28, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, asppix.com, St. George News
Snow Canyon vs Spanish Fork U14 Rugby, Utah Summer Games, Cedar City, Utah, June 28, 2014 | Photo by Robert Hoppie, asppix.com, St. George News

The team brought home the bronze medal after defeating Tooele, representing the area well.

“Kind of makes me feel good that we’re kind of representing our own area,” said SC player Andy Day. “It’s kind of cool.”

It felt good to have new challenges from new teams, Magalei Stevenson, Snow Canyon team member, said. It was a great experience.

Summer Games competition will conclude it’s 2014 season Sunday with Archery.

Results

U10

1st – Glendale
2nd – Kaysville
3rd – Riverton

U12

1st – Tooele
2nd – South Jordan
3rd – Rosepark

U14

1st – Spanish Fork
2nd – Salt Lake City
3rd – Snow Canyon

Adults

1st – Southern Utah Cannibals
2nd – Southern Utah University
3rd – Dixie State University

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2014, all rights reserved.

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