Life West Rugby breaks new ground in Tucson, AZ
In only three years of existence, the Life West Rugby program has grown into a burgeoning powerhouse of American Rugby. At the recently USA Rugby National Championships held in Tucson, Arizona the Men’s D1 side advanced to the National Championship Semi-Final against the highly rated Austin Blacks after accounting for Southern California champion, the San Diego Old Aztecs in the quarter final on Saturday 21 May.
After a tough and physical encounter, the Life West Gladiators came out on top 31-22. That result led the team to the USA Rugby Western Conference Championship game against the Austin Blacks on Sunday 22 May, and one game away from the National Championship final.
After a slow start in searing heat, the Gladiators succumbed to the Austin Blacks side 30-17. Despite the result, Head Coach and Athletics Director, Adriaan Ferris was philosophical when asked about the game that ultimately finished the team’s season. “We will learn from games like this and we will gain experience and continue to grow. To finish in the top four of the National Championship in our first year at D1 level is a huge accomplishment. We have to be excited for the future of our program” said Ferris.
The program is powered by regular chiropractic care from Life West’s new Sports Performance Institute. Combine the benefit of having personalized whole food organic supplements from sponsor, Standard Process, the end result is that you can expect to see more appearances of the Gladiators at future National Championships.
Life West women’s team head to the Championship game in Denver
Whilst the men’s team fell agonizing short this year, the Life West women’s team, the Gladiatrix, continue to champion the chiropractic message as they cut through all opposition in the D2 league. The Jarrod Faul coached side, continue to raise the profile of the new women’s program after emphatic wins at the recent National tournament in Tucson, AZ.
Fronting up against Ventura County Lady Outlaws on Saturday 21 May, the team powered through to the Western Conference title game with a margin of 62-29.
On Sunday 22 May, the ‘Trix , as they are affectionately known took on a committed Houston Rugby side and despite season ending injuries to standout players Jenn Sever and Life graduate, Morgan Rovetti DC, the young side prevailed by blowing out the opposition 97-8.
The team has continued to grow all season and Coach Faul believes the ‘Trix have what it takes to go all the way after winning the Western Conference title in convincing fashion in Tucson. When asked what was the secret to the team’s success he responded by saying “the culture of the entire program at Life West is about maximizing athletic potential through the use of chiropractic care. Our players a fitter, faster & stronger because of it. It makes a huge difference”.
The Women’s D2 National Championship final is on June 4, 2016 at Infinity Park, Glendale CO (kick off at 3:00pm local time). Expect to see the Gladiatrix work hard to replicate last years men’s D2 title when they take defending national champions, Wisconsin Rugby.
Life West Rugby heading in a positive direction
So despite the Gladiators falling short in their first attempt at D1, the Life West Rugby program continues to grow in status and reputation through the performance of its elite women’s team. The club is building a high performance program that is illustrating the power of regular chiropractic care, elite level coaching and support from Life Chiropractic College West.
The program led by Athletic Director and Director of Rugby, Adriaan Ferris is growing in stature and confidence. With 100 test cap All Black centurion, Mils Muliaina joining the side next season after enrolling to study at the college, you can expect Life West Gladiators to come back bigger, faster & stronger in 2017.
The focus now turns to 7s where Life West will continue to build their program by repeating last years feats of taking both Mens and Womens elite sides through to the National Tournament.