Ryan Bachman, Alliance Rugby Club U19

 One of TYRA’s own has been selected as a recipient of the 2009 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Grant. Ryan Bachman ,who as captain of the 2009 Alliance Rugby Club (ARC) High School varsity side led them to their 2nd state championship, is the first TYRA player to receive the scholarship. We are all very proud of Ryan’s accomplishment and applaud his character, dedication, skills, and hard work both on and off the pitch. Here is the announcement from The US Rugby Football Foundation (USRFF). For more information on the program and the other 2009 Scholarship Recipients go to www.usrugbyfoundation.org

Ryan Bachman -
2009 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Grant Recipient

San Diego, CA (October 20, 2009) – Ryan Bachman has made great strides in rugby after picking up the sport just three years ago. It was all about football for Ryan until his sophomore year in high school when a friend was looking for players for a local rugby team. It took Ryan a few tries to convince his mom that rugby was safer than football and when she finally gave the okay, Ryan immediately saw that the game was meant for him. He studied the laws and picked up the little nuances unique to rugby and soon found himself starting for Alliance Rugby U17 team and on the bench for the U19s.

Ryan wasn’t satisfied with playing second fiddle so he played summer 7s and attended rugby camps to improve his skills and knowledge of the game. The added work paid off and one short year later, Ryan was making his presence felt as a starter on the Alliance U19 team. He made the Texas Select Side all three years he’s played the game and was selected as an all state flanker in 2008 and 2009.

This past year Ryan was chosen by his teammates to captain the Alliance U19 team. Alliance coach Mike Jefferson said Ryan’s teammates had their reasons for selecting him as their skipper. “Ryan was selected by his teammates not only for his knowledge and experience of the game but also because of his leadership skills and maturity. He leads his team in practices, organizes film sessions, and gives everyone a chance to learn and grow in the sport. He commands respect and leads by example.” It’s a common site too for Ryan to lay it all on the line with his physical play during a match but be the first one on the opposing sideline laughing and joking with the opposing players.

It was a good year for Ryan and his Alliance team as Alliance won the 2009 Texas State U19 Championship title. Ryan was named his team’s MVP and was also awarded the Captain’s Award in addition to being named the MVP of the Championship Match at the Dallas Jesuit Tournament.

Off the pitch, Ryan has also demonstrated his leadership ability by being the VP of Equipment, making sure all areas for a successful practice or match are covered. Ryan also helps coach the Alliance U10 and U12 youth players, offering the kind of positive role model and reinforcement that guarantees future Alliance rugby players of his caliber. He is so important to the lower age grade players that there is now a Ryan Bachman Fan Club of kids that come out to watch their coach play his high school matches.

Another achievement that Ryan is especially proud of is obtaining his Eagle Scout Rank from Boy Scouts of America. The amount of time, effort and self-discipline required to reach this accomplishment is great and puts him in select company with those who have attained such distinction.

Ryan’s goals in rugby are to one day play for the United States National Team and to also continue coaching youth rugby, “spreading the word about rugby to the next generation of players.”

Ryan is making an immediate impact with his new team at the University of Oklahoma as he started in the Sooners’ first league match versus Nebraska. He played out of position against the ‘Huskers but according to OU coach, Kenneth Forehand, was selected because of his ability to tackle and play rugby well.

While at OU, Ryan will be studying meteorology and hopes to get a Masters Degree in his chosen field.

Congratulations Ryan on being named a 2009 Kevin Higgins College Scholarship recipient.