Dominic Peterson, who played his high school rugby with the EPA Razorhawks and was a student and rugby player at Saint Mary's in Moraga, Calif., has died.
Peterson was a lock-flanker who, while still a freshman, suited up for the Gaels in their run to the CRAA D1A 7s final this past spring.
He was selected for the CRAA U19 team that won the RAN U19 Championships this summer.
According to a letter forwarded to GRR and penned by University President Roger Thompson, Dominic was training with his teammates on Friday when he experienced a medical emergency.
He was taken to a local hospital but, tragically, did not survive. A memorial service was held this morning, Saturday, September 5 t the Saint Mary's College Chapel.
"Dominic’s death is a heartbreaking loss for our entire community," said President Thompson ins his statement. "Our deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones, and with the teammates, coaches, classmates, faculty, and staff whose lives he touched. We hold all of them close in our hearts and prayers as they confront this unimaginable loss."
De La Salle HS
Saint Mary's (Rudy Scholz Finalist)
USA U20s (Captain)
USA Men's National 15s Team (Debut vs Georgia 2023 at age 20)
As a 17-year-old Spencer Huntley required a waiver to play for the USA U20s, an indication of how he was rated in the USA age-grade pathway. He got that waiver and impressed for the USA U20s, and then moved up to the USA U23s. He led the San Diego Mustangs to a national HS Club championship in 2024.
He also played in the SoCal single-school league for Cathedral Catholic.
Hope Rogers began playing rugby at age 16 in high school and continued to compete during her time at Penn State University. There, she won four National Championships, was crowned MVP on two occasions, was named to the USA Under-20s and earned Collegiate All-American honors for four years. Rogers was also an impressive discus player during her senior year in high school where she broke a school record and won Gold at Districts for the sport.
Mike played for Life College, Philly-Whitemarsh and played for the USA National 7s and 15s teams in the 1980s and 1990s.
He was also part of the Atlantis touring side, playing 7s for the team in several around the world.
