Ohio wanted wide, fair representation at its U24 all-star tryouts, and so the staff spread its 100 invites across 20 high school, college and senior clubs. The Ohio Elite program also ensured that 25 invitations went to players who submitted their names for consideration – versus by coach recommendation – and the result was a diverse roster that included some discoveries. It’s an everyone-wins situation, as the Ohio U24s look to further develop its homegrown talent as well as defend its all-star title in spring 2017.
Sixty-eight players attended the tryout at Denison University and were deemed eligible for U24 selection, but a number of ineligible players (high schoolers) were also present.
“We wanted to make this event more than a tryout. We wanted to make it a networking event,” Ohio Elite head coach Jeff Horton explained the inclusion of high school players. “We wanted to give as many women as possible the opportunity to grow their knowledge of the game and become a better player through this process. Our hope is that they will be able to take what they learned from the camp and apply it to their home clubs in the near future.”
That strategy paid off immediately, as Brunswick Valkyries’ Marina Mullins enraptured the entire coach staff.
“Initially, we invited the high school players to give them an opportunity to see competition at the next level and gain some experience,” Horton recounted. “Mullins ended up becoming evaluated as our number two center on the day. Being only 17 years old, we are still waiting to hear back from USA Rugby in regard to being eligible for competition. Should USA Rugby approve her status, Marina will participate as a developmental player and will receive playing time if and only if we feel the time is right and the environment is appropriate for her.”
In a similar vein, when the Ohio Elite staff saved those 25 invites for non-coach-nominated players, the immediate goal was to neutralize the politics of selections to representative teams. The result was six quality additions to the all-star program.
“Justine Perl was the star of the day,” Horton praised the University of Cincinnati halfback. “Coming in to the tryout, our biggest concern was filling the flyhalf position. After watching her compete in the DII playoffs against Davenport, I knew that she would be a strong contender, but I was pleasantly surprised by how truly great she is as a player and leader.”
Although months away from the team’s first scheduled outing – D.C. Ruggerfest – and the Midwest LAU Championships in late May, the team already knows its on-field leaders. Cyndi Campbell of W1823 will assume the captainship, while Alexis Beach (Clarion University alumna / current Akron WRFC player) serves as co-captain. Horton and staff are looking for more playing opportunities, which are tough to schedule given players’ spring schedules. It’s all about getting more exposure and giving players the opportunity to sample higher-level play.
2016/17 All-Ohio Team
Barnes, Alexis – Kent State University
Bass, Danielle – University of Cincinnati
Beach, Alexis – Akron
Bell, Kayla – Cleveland Iron Maidens
Bell, Chip – Scioto Valley / W1823
Campbell, Cyndi – Scioto Valley / W1823
Cimperman, McKenna – Ohio State Univ. / W1823
Clark, Indy – University of Akron
Clifford, Brooke – Kent State University
Day, Taylor – Ohio State University
Fantozzi, Tori – Ohio State Univ. / W1823
Hamrick, Ashley – Kent State University
Hoy, Ashley – University of Findlay
Hustosky, Shannon – Kent State University
McNulty, Mary Kate – Denison University
Morrison, Brittany – Scioto Valley / W1823
Mullins, Marina – Brunswick Valkyries (HS)
Perl, Justine – University of Cincinnati
Peterson, Kendra – University of Cincinnati
Riedel, Alyssa – Notre Dame College
Riedel, Veronica – Bowling Green State University
Strasser, Alex – Notre Dame College
Tent, Rebecca – Cleveland Iron Maidens
Trommer, Hannah – Kent State University
White, Katie – Kent State University
Yost, Mary – Miami University
Staff
Head Coach – Jeff Horton
Assistant Coach – Ian Brooks
Assistant Coach – Hannah Henry
S&C Coordinator – Lance Hupp, BS CSCS
Manager – Brigitte Ford
#Ohio