The touring side will consist of 26 players from 13 different universities. The players were picked from the Midwest U23 Tournament in April and invited to attend the Midwest U23 Elite Camp which boasted 75 players. Below is the list of players and their schools:
Maggie Armstrong, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Rebecca Brown, University of Northern Iowa
Rebecca Underwood, Cobb Brown University of Northern Iowa
Talia Carasquillo, University of Northern Iowa
Meghan Flanigan, University of Northern Iowa
Emily Gazella, University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Mariah Hinton, University of Northern Iowa
Grace Hovde, University of Wisconsin
Katana Howard, University of Minnesota
Kourtney Kavajecz, Winona State University
Mel Krug, University of Minnesota
Amber Kutnik, Wayne State
Amanda Martin, Lindenwood University
Ashley Nelson, Winona State University
Crystal Nye, University of Northern Iowa
Tupouhau Paea, Davenport University
Mary Jo Reddy, Ohio State University
Megan Salyars, University of Northern Iowa
Debbie Stenoien, University of Minnesota
Kate Stephens, St. Benedict’s University
Jacie Vonada, South Dakota State University
Alycia Washington, Ohio State University
Karlee West, University of Northern Iowa
Megan Wingert, Winona State University
Justine Wypych, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Coaching Staff:
Steve Murra - Head Coach, University of Northern Iowa
Roger Riley - Assistant Coach/Forwards, Winona State University
Gray Zischke - Assistant Coach/Backs. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Game schedule:
Saturday, August 17th - Midwest Thunderbirds v. Pontyclun Rugby Club
Tuesday, August 20th @ 6 pm - Midwest Thunderbirds v. Cardiff Quins.
Friday, August 23rd - Midwest Thunderbirds v. Welsh U23 Developmental Side @ Old Penarthians Rugby Club
The Midwest U23 Thunderbirds are being sponsored on tour by:
- Rugby Athletic
- Chicago North Shore Women’s Rugby Club
- And several very generous fans, family & friends
Please like their Facebook event page - Midwest Thunderbird Tour to Wales
The Thunderbirds will update the page everyday and post pictures as well.
The Thunderbirds would also like to thank the members of the Midwest Rugby Football Union for their invaluable support.
If you would like to support the Thunderbirds while they are on tour, please contact Head Coach Steve Murra at smurra@hawkeyecollege.edu.
If you would like to support the Thunderbirds while they are on tour, please contact Head Coach Steve Murra at smurra@hawkeyecollege.edu.
Article written by Steve Murra.