Drake Church scoring a try in the
team's win at Moon this season
(14 to 7).
North Pitt
United Rugby
Club introduces
young athletes
to classic game.
BY JENNIFER BROZAK
12 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Ross Township
W
hile rugby football has been
around since the 19th century,
young athletes in Pittsburgh’s
north suburbs have had little opportunity to
play the sport—until now.
Now in its second season, the North Pitt
United Rugby Football Club is flourishing
at the varsity boys level, with hopes to add a
junior varsity boys team in the near future.
This also is the inaugural season for the
varsity girls team.
The club’s mission is to introduce the
centuries-old sport to young athletes, says
organization founder and varsity boys coach
Jesse Danke.
“The goal is to introduce the younger
generation to the amazing sport of rugby
and teach them valuable life lessons through
the sport, both on and off the pitch,”
explains Danke. “We’re trying to develop
respectful ladies and gentlemen who will
give back to their communities.”
The club’s motto—“Live Like a
Gentleman (Lady), Train Like a Warrior,
Play Like a Champion, Conquer the Day”—
is reflected in that purpose, he notes.
“We’re always working on our players as
individuals, as well as rugby players,” Danke
says, pointing out that the club is currently
running a curriculum called “Coaching
Boys into Men,” which focuses on education
about domestic violence.
Players from numerous schools
throughout northern Allegheny County
are invited to participate. Current members
include players from Northgate, Avonworth,
North Hills, Shaler Area, Hampton, Deer
Lakes, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland,
North Catholic, Seneca Valley and Mars.
The team currently has 27 varsity boys and
14 varsity girls.
Interested athletes are invited to join
the club at any point in the year. The club
competes within the state-sponsored
Old Sport,