The New Paltz Athletic and Wellness Center would like to congratulate and spotlight three outstanding athletes. Senior Irene Corvinus, sophomore Daniela Potes, and junior Thomas Anderson were all named to the Tri-State Collegiate Rugby Conference All-Conference Teams. New Paltz is one within over 12 universities affiliated with the Tri-State Rugby Conference. These students were awarded for their hard work and performances post this fall season.
 
At the end of the fall season, the coaches of the New Paltz Women's Rugby Team and the New Paltz Men's Rugby Team nominate players from their teams that they feel did exceptionally well that season. From there, the student athletes are eligible to be chosen to the All-Conference team. NPWRFC was qualified to enter two participants due to the success of their season.
 
This award is nothing new to now two-time All-Conference player Irene Corvinus. Since she started her rugby career in the spring of her freshman year, Corvinus, or Yak as her team calls her, has always excelled. She came to New Paltz with no rugby background but open to the idea of trying a new sport. Upon attending a basic general interest meeting her fall freshman year, Corvinus liked the attitude of the people she was around and wanted to become involved. However, she became ill and was not able to join until her spring semester.
 
Corvinus's lack of intimidation from the other team on and off the field quickly gained her a starting spot; by the end of her first season, she was the only rookie starting. This was rare, due to the fact that many players do not begin starting until they become veterans or someone who has been on the team for more than two semesters. Corvinus was named team captain her fourth semester on the team. This was a role she was proud to play though it did come with its own stresses.
 
Further, Corvinus credits the NPWRFC for changing her college career. "I love the sport. It gives me something to do, confidence, and opened me to a new lifestyle," said Corvinus.
 
Corvinus has set a gratifying example for all those on her team, however, Daniela Potes has stepped up in her own right for rookies.
 
Upon becoming a rookie member of NPWRFC in the spring of 2014, Potes or Jim as she is known, was named "Rookie Captain" by her three veteran captains. She was chosen due to her ability to get along with everybody, and her drive on the field. In her first game, during Ruckfest 2014, Potes was thrown into the game when another girl got injured. Having only been on the team for a short while, she wasn't exactly sure what to do but followed the instructions of her coach; follow the ball and make sure to be marking at all times. Potes kept that in mind as she saw a teammate get the ball and then become tackled. She ran over, picked up the ball and sprinted towards the tryline. Just as she was to reach the line, she was tackled. Unsure of what to do Potes threw her hands; ball still between, into the air as she fell.
Following the play, Potes rose to the sound of a whistle signaling the first try of the game.
 
Potes accredits all her success to her family. Since immigrating to the United States from Colombia at a young age, Potes has always wanted to make her parents proud. "They [her parents] didn't think Colombia was good enough for me, so they came here for me to have a good life," said Potes.
 
Potes, goes on to say that since joining NPWRFC, it has allowed her to embrace her strengths, as well as, convert her flaws into strengths by making her more outspoken and not afraid to step up.
 
As for the men, veteran Thomas Anderson, Big Red, was chosen to represent NPRFC on the Tri-State Collegiate Rugby Conference Men's All-Conference Team, after completing his rookie season this past fall. Anderson joined the team in the spring of 2014 and showed true potential.
 
Standing over 6ft tall and being quick, Anderson had a hard time finding his exact position on the team. As it goes, the bigger guys are usually in the pack; meanwhile the quick guys play in the back. Anderson was a so-called "hybrid" of both meaning he could play in either position. His defining moment this past season came after the first try of the season. A ruck had formed and the ball had become caught behind the ruck in a position where the ball was in open field. Anderson was on the back of his ruck and noticed the ball on the side. He swiftly made the move to grab the ball and run towards the try zone before the other team could realize it was a clean play, essentially securing the first try.
 
Anderson shared his success with all the members of his team. "I look up to all the older and younger guys. You wanna work as hard as everyone else is working… and are only as good as your weakest player," said Anderson.
 
When he isn't playing rugby, Anderson is an active member of the New Paltz community. He is a varsity swimmer competing for the New Paltz Men's Swim Team in fly, breaststroke and freestyle. Additionally, he is a member of epic glee and has been in several New Paltz productions including "The Dark I Know." "The Producers," and most recently "RENT."
 
Corvinus, Potes, and Anderson will not physically play a game but will be recognized through Tri-State Collegiate Rugby Conference.
 
 
**NPWRFC is currently looking for rookies for this semester, if interested please attend a general interest meeting or email the team captains at npwomensrugby@gmail.com