June 21, 2007
BERKELEY -
Eight members of the national champion California Golden Bears rugby team have been named 2007 All-Americans along with one honorable mention, USA Rugby has announced. Senior Louis Stanfill received his third All-America honor after thrice representing his country this summer on the U.S. National Team.
Stanfill joins hooker Chris Biller and flanker Rikus Pretorius as three-time All-America selections. The 2007 Cal rugby All-Americans are rounded out by first-timers Chase Brogan, the captain who excelled at flyhalf in his final tour as a collegian; sophomore Eric Fry, whose work rate at lock was unmatched throughout the year; junior Gary Golding, who brought unfaltering play to the midfield as Cal's inside center; sophomore Colin Hawley, the championships' MVP at outside center; and Brendan Wright, the senior who anchored the Bears from the scrumhalf position.
Ross Biestman, who contributed a fine senior season at flanker, received recognition as an honorable mention.
With five new honorees and three repeat selections in 2007, Cal rugby's list of all-time All-Americans now stands at 108.
"We are very proud of our selected players," said Cal head coach Jack Clark. "They've had outstanding seasons and this is just reward for their efforts and performances. I'm disappointed that Joe Welch wasn't chosen - his play was All-American worthy from start to finish this year."
Pretorius and Stanfill have also enjoyed success in assemblies related to the U.S. National Team, which will compete in the World Cup this September in France. Both have played in the North America 4 Series, in which two select sides from the United States face two Canadian sides in May, June and July. Stanfill also played for the National Team three times in May and June during The Barclays Churchill Cup against England (Saxons), Scotland (A) and Canada.
