August 13, 2018

Susquehanna University’s Ryheem Powell was selected to try out for the USA Rugby Collegiate All-American team.

Powell, a senior early childhood education major from Warminster, Pa., and captain of Susquehanna’s men’s club rugby team, was one of only 83 of the nation’s top student-athletes chosen to participate in the upcoming Men’s Collegiate All-American (MCAA) Selection Camp.

“We’re thrilled that Ryheem had opportunity to work with the top collegiate players in the country,” said Jonathan Niles, coach of Susquehanna’s men’s club rugby team. “Ryheem has been a great leader of our team and we’re all happy to see him get this kind of recognition.”

Taking place August 9-17 at Infinity Park, Glendale, Colo., the first four days included a mixture of training and trial games; after which 30 athletes stayed on to work directly with the Men’s Collegiate All-American staff. The camp concluded with a match against the Glendale Raptors of Major League Rugby on Aug. 17; after which USA Rugby named the first, second and third Team All-Americans.

Powell was one of only six players attending from the National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO), to which Susquehanna belongs. This year marked Susquehanna’s fifth trip to the NSCRO 7s National championships in the last six years, having finished third in 2016.

The All-American program—and receiving All-American honors—continuous to be a highly sought after achievement for student-athletes across the nation. With the competitive nature of college athletics, the All-American program honors those student-athletes who are routinely recognized as the best players in their conference throughout the season.