FRU MEN’S COLLEGIATE ALL-STAR CAMP OCTOBER 18
2009-2010 FRU Collegiate All Star Program
Below you will find a brief outline of the FRU All Star Program for 2009-2010. I apologize for the late start, but we will be on track in time to compete in the South LAU Championships Nov 14 in Knoxville, Tn.
The primary objective is to identify the elite collegiate athletes in Florida and offer them the opportunity to play at the highest level possible. The success of the program can be measured as follows:
- Results of the South LAU Championship – FRU won both games last year and moved up to Tier 1. We will play against best in the South this year.
- Number for players chosen to play for the South Territory
- Number of players to make All American
The goal is to win the Championship, have 5 players make the South All Star team and have 2 or more All-Americans from Florida. This is a lofty goal, but we do have tremendous athletes throughout Florida. The key is to find the committed athletes that can compete at this level and enable them to become the best.
To accomplish this, we will need all clubs in Florida to get involved. Each coach needs to identify 4-5 athletes that show potential to play at a high level. We will send out a profile form within the next few days. Please take the time to complete it and submit ahead of time.
The first All-Star camp will be held Sunday Oct 18 from 10-2 at Hickory Point Park. There will be fitness and skills tests as well as some contact in practice. We are asking for coaches to submit names ahead of time, but we will accept walk-ons at this camp. There will be a second session on a Sunday in late October in the Orlando area. Details are coming soon.
The current plan for the LAU Championship is to travel on Thursday Nov 12 and use Friday to run walk-throughs and properly prepare and rest for the competition.
The coaching staff has not been finalized but right now we have Gary Byrne (UF Coach), Jason Heffelmire (Past USF and FRU coach) and Ken Simmons (UF Coach). I’m extending an open invitation to anyone that wants to get involved in coaching or managing the team.
That’s all for now. We’ll be sending out more info soon. Let your players know about this and let’s have a stellar turnout for the 2009 Collegiate All-star camp.
Contact me if you any questions or want to get involved.
Ken Simmons
FRU Collegiate Director
239-410-3032
October 5th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I appreciate the idea about trying to improve on the team (that was already pretty good) by switching up the coaching staff, but is the new staff going to build off of what was already there or scrap everything and start anew? There was a pretty good nucleus with a lot of players returning, including the front row, a couple loose forwards and pretty much all of the backline.
Also, whats going to happen to the team come ruggerfest when the coaches are busy taking their team through matrix play?
October 6th, 2009 at 12:38 pm
We plan to build on last year’s team by encouraging all teams to participate. The larger the pool, the stronger the team. We will contact these players we obtain contact info.
We have not switched anything around. We will hold a practice on All Florida Day Weekend and hold another session prior to the LAU’s in Tennessee.
We have set some short term goals for this year to get as many FRU players promoted as possible and will focus on that for now.
If you have more questions, call me at 239-410-3032
Thanks
Ken Simmons
October 6th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Coach Simmons,
L can’t possibly mean spots are taken, can he?
That would be a first for an All Star team, and death to any hope of a good turnout for camp.
Carson
October 6th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
There are never any guaranteed spots. Although when you think about it, past players should have an edge due to experience.
The bottom line is: to be selected, all players will have to demonstrate committment, rugby skills and team attitude.
All players have an equal shot.
Ken
October 7th, 2009 at 10:25 am
well said coach Simmons