Opportunity

Just recently I was given the opportunity to plead my case to the USA Rugby Committee.

What case?

Why I should be granted clearance to play for the ATL Old White Rugby club, next weekend in San Fransico; while under contract with the Chicago Lions. This is the letter that I drafted for the committee to plead my case.


Hi,

My name is Brandon Culpepper and I would like the opportunity to continue playing Rugby onward into the national playoffs. May 18th 2011, I was notified about the combine hosted by the Chicago Lion's RFC. At that time I still was uncertain of how serious this sport is. June 19th, after the combine, I wanted to play.

The Atlanta Old White Rugby team has always supported me in my decisions and growth as an athlete; so I knew to get better I needed to train. I started training with Kevin Ward in Atlanta GA (member of ATLOWRFC) to help increase my skills and knowledge of the game. He also introduced me to Richie Mischa of the All Blacks (he is a beast). Soon after I started training with Atlanta OWRFC, I desired even more growth, to compete and to Win.

I contacted Aaron Manheimer, head 7's coach and head conditioning Zen for the Lions and asked if I could join there team to enhance my growth. He agreed and I joined their team team Tuesday, July 12th. July 14th, I requested transfer with USA Rugby from ATLOWRFC to the Chicago Lion's RFC and July 15 I was approved.

After much training under Lion's leadership, I joined the team in the Grand Rapids 7's tournament for some B-side competition (Saturday July 16th). I loved it, obviously didn't get the amount of playing time that I wanted (come on ladies and gent, when your an athlete you want to be in the game, new game or not :)), but we took first place and I felt even more confident that I could excel at this sport.

The following week I practiced with the Lions and Coach Aaron chose the A-side team for Midwest Championships. I figured I wasn't going to play, but the thought of playing Rugby only yearned more. So I did even more research lol and I came across the Milwaukee 5's beach social tournament. Now this made me excited, the thought of more competition and to LEARN MORE, I was pumped. I feel like a kid every time I play and my mother could watch (I'm MKE Native); what more could you ask for. Aaron gave the team the week off after winning yet another Midwest championship, so I have been playing touch in Milwaukee for the week.

Sunday, July 24th the captain of the ATLOWRC called me with an opportunity of a lifetime. He told me if interested they would like me to join them for nationals. Out of respect for both clubs and myself I contacted Lucy Zugschwert to see what steps I needed to take to make this a reality. She responded with a detailed email and I proceeded. Contacted Coach Aaron for permission to release me from Lion's care, he agreed in email also sent to Lucy Zugschwert.
Today I had conversation with C. Mckenna and she encouraged me to write a detailed letter stating my case of why I should be granted this opportunity. This game is fun, "I'm LOVIN It" and would like to share in this grand experience with the Atlanta Old White Football Club.

Cheers,
Brandon Culpepper AKA "PEPP"

First Rugby Tournament

Interestingly enough, this experience has been like a Scrum. You get down, put your weight behind you and push forward. "Life is Grand"

Chicago has been lots of fun. Played in my first tournament with Lion's at the Grand Rapids 7's; scored my first Tri and made lots of tackles, lol. Not going to lie, I was a little nervous when I got in the first game. You know that feeling when your on a roller coaster for the first time, yeah that feeling. I just remember going up, grabbing the ball out of the air and saying to myself, "Run Pepp".
I have been running ever since and I'm loving it.

To Be Continued...

First Rugby Tournament

What can I say besides I had a blast. This was my first official Rugby 7's tournament, The Grand Rapids Rock Hard. My 1st match I must say I was a lil nervous, didn't start but when I got in I made the best out of the opportunity. My first time carrying the ball was as I imagined it would be, run over as many guys as I could and get to the Tri Zone. Didn't score on first carry but on second I made it happen. Chasing my teammate after he picked up loose ball and being there for support, he dumped ball off to me and I scored (being in the right place at the right time). I got hit pretty hard once I put ball down, but that hit just jump started me for the remainder of the tournament. I went on to score 2 more Tries before the day was over and helped my team take home the first place trophy.

The Chicago Lions B side team led by Dom Mauer and Dan Wright faught for everything they got out there and I am thankful to be apart of the show. The A side although they lost their first match, took second place in the tournament. They will be attending the Midwest qualifiers this weekend to determine who will be representing the Midwest for National playoffs. I learn so much this weekend about Rugby and now I know why this sport is loved by many across the world.

Can't wait to play again: PeppNation

Chicago Lions Rugby Week One

The first week with the Chicago Lions Rugby Club has been as I imagined it would be. Lots of running, sweat, little blood and one tear lol. The team has welcomed me into the club house and into their Rugby community. This weekend will be my first game and I'm excited to put my training to the test. If you didn't know, this is Rugby Sevens, same size field as a Regular 15 vs 15 game (120m long & 75+m wide), but it's 7vs7. Lot more open space, lots of speed, lots of skills and I'm loving it. I'm also close to home, which means visit mother often, as well as do some volunteer work here in Chicago and Boy's and Girl's club in Milwaukee where I grew up. Found out this morning that I will be playing in my first game this weekend with the Lions, I'm pumped. Wish me luck this weekend and I'll be sure to have fun.

PeppNation

Rugby VS Football

Ok, I'm back and it feels like I have been gone for too long. Life is Grand, training and as of a two months ago playing lots of Rugby. I went to LA and trained with the Santa Monica Rugby club and soon after received the opportunity to workout for the US Rugby 7's coach in Chicago, Al Caravelli. He told us that this coming 2012 Olympics in London, will be the inductor year for Rugby 7's. The opportunity to represent my family and Nation in the Olypics is something that I wasn't going to let slip through my fingers. I returned to Atlanta and begin training with the Atlnata Old White Rugby club to sharpen my skills. OMG, the conditioning of Rugby is nothing like I have ever experience before; don't get me wrong I have had some tough football workouts, but nothing like this. The good thing is, I work hard and will be in great shape. I'm new to the sport, so I'll be taking it all in and having a bunch of fun doing it.

Tuesday July 12th after my brothers wedding (25 year wedding anniversery); I'll be traveling back to Chicago to train with the Chicago Lions, under the leadership of Coach Aaron Manheimer. From my research I feel like I'll have the best opportunity to hone on the skills that I have and transfer them over to Rugby.

STAY TUNED BECAUSE I'LL BE POSTING FREQUENTLY ON HOW MY TRAINING IS PROGRESSING IN CHICAGO

PEPPNATION