(Berkeley, California) 31 December 2001 -- Scrumhalf Jason Raven will
lead the United States in its first outing of the 2001-02 World
Sevens Series, as the Eagles head south this week for tournaments in
Chile and Argentina. Joining him in the 12-man squad are Alexander Magleby, Mose Timoteo,
Ben Trautwein, Kevin Whitcher, and Don Younger, all members of
successful US teams on the IRB 7s circuit last spring.
The balance of the squad was chosen from among a group of nearly 30
players who attended a four-day training camp at USOC facilities in
San Diego in November. Invitations to the Eagles camp were based on
performances at USA Rugby's club and all-star 7s championships in
August, as well as past international form.
We got a balance between experience and those who earned selection
through form over the past months, head coach John McKittrick said
in announcing the team.
There's an open door to the Eagles, but it's a big commitment. The
world circuit is becoming ultra-competitive. We'll need to improve as
a team just to maintain our relative standing.'
The squad also includes 15s Eagle Jone Naqica Koroi and past 7s Eagle
Mike Coyner. With an eye on longer-term development, David Fee, Eddie
Galpin, and Mike Harvey join the National Team for the first time
along with All-American Matt Huckaby.
Squad changes are expected over the next two assemblies, McKittrick
said, due to availability and playing form. Joining the head coach
for the South American tour are physiotherapist Jeff Ward and former
Eagle 15s prop turned manager, Chris Lippert.
The USA first competes in Chile on January 4-5 and then pushes on to
Argentina's Mar del Plata for competition on January 11-12. The
Eagles also expect to compete in World Series tournaments in
Brisbane, Wellington, Beijing and Hong Kong this season.
United States: Mike Coyner, David Fee, Eddie Galpin, Mike Harvey,
Matt Huckaby, Jone Koroi, Alexander Magleby, Jason Raven (captain),
Mose Timoteo, Ben Trautwein, Kevin Whitcher, Don Younger
Coach: John McKittrick, Manager: Chris Lippert, Physiotherapist: Jeff Ward
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