June 16, 2010
BERKELEY - With lists now published by USA Rugby, American Rugby News and Rugby Magazine, the California rugby program is proud to congratulate 11 ruggers recognized as All-Americans and two as honorable mentions by at least one outlet following the Golden Bears' undefeated national collegiate championship season.
The newest members of Cal rugby's All-America ranks are Derek Asbun (USAR), Danny Barrett (USAR, RM), James Besser (ARN), Sean Gallinger (USAR), Seamus Kelly (USAR) and Tom Rooke (ARN), with Drew Hyjer getting an honorable mention from USA Rugby and Asbun and Neill Barrett garnering honorable mentions from Rugby Magazine.
They are joined by Eric Fry and Colin Hawley, who earned the distinction for the fourth straight year (USAR 2007-10, ARN 2009-10, RM 2010); and three-time honorees Keegan Engelbrecht (USAR 2008-10, ARN 2009-10, RM 2010), Dustin Muhn (USAR 2008-10, ARN 2009-10, RM HM 2010) and Blaine Scully (USAR 2008-10, ARN 2009-10, RM 2010). Engelbrecht was also named the Muscle Milk California Student-Athlete of the Week on May 10.
"We are really happy for so many of our players to earn such widespread recognition," said head coach Jack Clark. "In certain ways it validates our athlete development systems while providing the individual players the acknowledgment they've earned."
While the breadth of All-America recognition honored the team across much of its lineup, coach Clark said, "I feel only two players were missed in James Bailes and Jason Law, and I'm disappointed for them. James was fantastic from start to finish this year at fullback and in my view the best player at his position in the competition. Jason was rock solid in his blind-side flanker role and he played so big for us in important matches. His performances against UBC in Vancouver and against Arkansas State in the national championship semifinals were huge."
He added, "I know both of these players will have a statement to make with their play going forward."
The list of official All-America Cal ruggers as named by USA Rugby, the national governing body, now stands at 121 all-time.
Cal Rugby 2010 All-Americans
Derek Asbun (USAR, RM HM)
Danny Barrett (USAR, RM)
Neill Barrett (RM HM)
James Besser (ARN)
Keegan Engelbrecht (USAR, ARN, RM)
Sean Gallinger (USAR)
Eric Fry (USAR, ARN, RM)
Colin Hawley (USAR, ARN, RM)
Drew Hyjer (USAR HM)
Seamus Kelly (USAR)
Dustin Muhn (USAR, ARN, RM HM)
Tom Rooke (ARN)
Blaine Scully (USAR, ARN, RM)
