Philadelphia, PA, February 20, 2018 (Maccabi USA Rugby Release) – David Rudzinsky, Maccabi USA Rugby Chairman, is pleased to announce the appointment of Sam Harrison as Head Coach for the Boys’ Rugby team at the 2018 International Maccabi Youth Games. Harrison is a 2-time alumnus of Maccabi USA, competing as an athlete on the Open Men’s Rugby 7’s and 15’s at the 2015 Pan American Maccabi Games in Santiago, Chile winning a silver and gold medal, and an athlete on the gold medal winning Open Men’s Rugby Team for the 20th World Maccabiah Games in Israel.

“I am excited to be joining the coaching side for the inaugural Maccabi Youth Games this summer,” said Harrison. “I’m looking forward to helping develop the skills of the youngsters keen to get international rugby experience, reconnect with their roots, and join the Maccabi USA Rugby family!”

While not on the field, Harrison teaches math at the Fountain Valley School of Colorado, where he also coaches tennis, skiing, and fitness. On top of his work for the high school, he is also in his third year serving as the Head Coach for the Colorado College Men’s Rugby team, a Division II program in the Rocky Mountain conference.

The Maccabi Youth Games will take place in Israel, July 22-August 1, 2018. The Games are in cooperation with JCC Association, the JCC Maccabi Games, BBYO, and Maccabi organizations around the world. Maccabi USA is looking to field a USA Team that is 200+ strong. The USA delegation will be part of approximately 500 participants from around the world including, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, and South Africa. There will be six days of competition in around the city of Haifa, followed by three days of touring based in Jerusalem. The Games will consist of U.S. teams for Boys and Girls born 2002-2004 in Baseball (M), Basketball, Rugby 7’s (M), Soccer, Softball (F), and Volleyball. To learn more about the sports offered and to access an application, please visit www.maccabiusa.com. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Maccabi USA builds Jewish pride through sports, generating the emotional intensity, high ideals, and powerful camaraderie of competition. We connect athletes, volunteers, and supporters with the global Jewish community. Our athletic, educational, and cultural experiences build Jewish identity, perpetuate Jewish continuity worldwide, and strengthen support for the State of Israel.

For more information, please contact Maccabi USA Program Director Shane Carr at 215.561.6900 or by email at scarr@maccabiusa.com.