Annie Henrich slots the conversion while Jack Hanratty looks on. Photo South Africa Rugby.
Author: Alex Goff
Have a look at the photo above.
Annie Henrich is kicking for goal for the USA U20 women in South Africa. That's not what we want you to notice; it's the tee caddy. That would be USA Women's 15s Head Coach Jack Hanratty.
When he took on the job Hanratty said he wanted to ensure there was symbiosis within the entire national team pathway—age-grade, development teams, 7s, and 15s.
And while he's not the only senior national team head coach to be at an age-grade assembly, you don't normally see them running water and carrying the kicking tee out to players.
But that's what Hanratty did.
"Jack has shown from the start that he is really invested in this," said USA U20 Head Coach Katie Dowty. "We are all taking the long view in this program."
The Eagle coaching and pathway leadership, added Dowty, "understand the potential of this age group and are very invested in seeing they reach their full potential."
And that's what he did. He supported the tour in a manager role and just assistant where he could. What that also did was allow Hanratty to observe the coaches and players in action without worrying about the wins and losses.
And you'll see he hasn't stopped there. The USA Falcons will be playing Life University on Monday and then go on to Brazil for two matches. And listed among the coaching staff is ... Jack Hanratty. Coaching the backs and transition play under Oralndo Pulou, Hanratty is still on the job.
Clearly he is wanting to see the up-and-comers and different aspects of the USA program up close.
"The USA head job is a hard job," said Dowty. "So to also have the bandwidth and energy to come and support our tour is great. Jack's so clearly all-in and willing to go above and beyond. It's not just a job to him, he is so invested in the challenge."
Dowty added that his presence, plus that of senior national team staff—athletic trainers, analysts—had a massive impact on the players. They got the same film and analysis that the senior Eagles get. They felt the respect and how the programs and the coaches are aligned.
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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.
Nathan Caruso is a steady, smart fly half who drives Villanova’s attack with calm decision-making and a reliable skill set. He’s been central to Villanova’s success in the MARC, controlling tempo and keeping the team organized under pressure.
Tonga Kofe is one of the most promising young front-rowers to come out of the American rugby pathway. A powerful and hard-working prop, he rose through the Utah Warriors development system.
Ray Santiago has emerged as one of RPI’s most influential forwards, a player whose size, athleticism, and rapid development make him stand out in the Division II landscape.
Christy Ringgenberg is one of the most accomplished and versatile players to wear the USA jersey, earning recognition on the Goff Rugby Report All-Time American list for her impact on both 15s and 7s.
