Seattle, Wash. – The Washington Loggers boys rep-side announced its 7s selections for the Las Vegas Invitational Serevi Boys Elite High School division. The Loggers feature a strong lineup that is nonetheless challenged by the elevation of three Loggers to the High School All-Americans, who will play in the same bracket in Vegas.

A pool of 24 Loggers began squad sessions in November, including six weeks in the Eagle Impact Rugby Academy (EIRA). 

For 2015, selections proved challenging. “There are a lot of highly capable rugby players in the Pacific Northwest’s high school ranks,” said Washington Loggers Director, and Boys Head Coach Steve Brennan. “We can’t just look at them for an afternoon and say, ‘Hey, that kid’s a stud.’ You have to see them play during the regular season – and then see how they perform and improve over weeks, when they’re among the best and everyone around them is playing at that next level.” This combination of deep experience, athleticism and EIRA high-performance training sees Loggers Will Brennan (Seattle), Brian Nault (Shelton) and Alfonso Cornu-Labat (Eastside Lions) moving over to the High School All-Americans (HSAA) squad for the February 13-14 competition. 

And how does this leave the Loggers for Vegas? “Proudly confident,” says Brennan. “We’re bringing a strong side, including HSAA Winter Camp attendees Finlay Bruce (Seattle RFC), a 6’5” restart specialist, versatile hooker Tristan Ingold (Kent & Seattle), and a physical Kyle Saalfeld (Kent & Seattle). 

Over years the Loggers have emerged from a regional rep-side program to serve as a platform for development of future USA national team players. Recently that includes Titi Lamositele, a 19-year old academy player named by ESPN as a "Rugby World Cup star in waiting." 

“Titi came from a rock-solid Chuckanut program, worked through the Loggers and into our program, and now he’s overseas working on his 9th cap with the Eagles," said Salty Thompson, USA Rugby HS All-American coach. "It’s just a matter of us getting local players and coaches together on strategy, skills, standards and selections, for all of this to work together.” 

Featuring the top rep-sides from Canada and the HSAA teams, Las Vegas has become a showcase for the Loggers. In 2014 the side tied the High-School All-Americans II, topping British Columbia II for the bowl. “Competitively, we know this is a big ask for our guys,” said Brennan. “But a few of them have two or more years at this level under their belts. Starting last fall we’ve saturated them with expert coaches and a weekly training program.” The Loggers training was supplemented by strength and conditioning coach Sgt. Mike Lawson, a retired US Army commando. “EIRA brought-in Sean Duffy and Andy Katoa from the University of Arizona, Tony Pacheco came over from Central Washington University, Kevin Swiryn from University of Washington, Paul Horne and Adam Roberts from Western Washington University. All passionate about the game and our success.” 

“Some of our more visible talents are leaving us for highest honors, but that’s what this is all about. Working with their local club coaches, select-side volunteers, and Salty’s EIRA team we take an integrated approach to high-performance. Its a success with contributions from every level of the game,” said Brennan.

The 2015 Loggers feature a punishing Derisa ‘Bubba’ Fuga, a veteran of the HSAA XVs campaigns, who has begun to impose his 6’2” 245-pound frame on opposing defenses. A physically impressive and committed Kasey Self has been a rising star in the Loggers’ EIRA programming. Jack Wendling, Brandon Burn, and Connor Miller afford Brennan some versatility in selections, with adventurous attacks sparked by scrappy scrumhalf Malcolm Walton. For a team that can attack in many formations, Lui Sitama and Uli Togiola are charging runners and combative in the breakdown. 

With other players rising, some boys now have to step up. Chemistry and selfless commitment – family – will factor significantly in the success of this side," said Brennan

2015 Washington Loggers – LVI Elite 7s 

Player        Position        Club

Kasey Self         Prop            Eastside Lions    

Tristan Ingold     Hooker        Kent & Seattle RFC

Kyle Saalfeld       Prop/Hooker        Kent & Seattle RFC

Finlay Bruce         Prop            Seattle RFC

Derise Fuga         Prop            Liberty

Jack Wendling      Hooker/Center     Chuckanut

Malcom Walton     Scrumhalf        Liberty

Jonny Reid        Flyhalf            Chuckanut

Connor Miller     Scrum/Flyhalf    Seattle RFC

Lui Sitama         Center        Budd Bay

Uli Togiola         Wing            Budd Bay

Brandon Burn     Center/Wing        Kent & Seattle RFC