|
Stennis Bridges Culture Gap Through Rugby
Story Number: NNS090416-22
Release Date: 4/16/2009 3:44:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elliott Fabrizio, USS Stennis Public Affairs
PATTAYA, Thailand (NNS) -- Thailand's Pattaya Panthers clawed their way to victory over USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) Neptune's Bastards, winning 29-25; however, as an exhibition rugby match, the love of the game overshadowed the outcome.
Stennis' rugby team played its second game of the deployment against the Pattaya Panthers at the Horseshoe Resort in Pattaya, Thailand, April 10, and displayed the goodwill of the Navy through friendly sportsmanship.
"Our games are social events to enjoy the game of rugby and interact with the locals and give them a positive impression of the people in the military," said Stennis' coach Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class (AW) Paul Opie.
"Rugby is a means of bringing people together," said Pattaya Panthers Chairman Jim Howard. "Rugby is a game of three parts, two on the field and one off the field. We play hard against each other, and then we celebrate together. Some very strong friendships are made that way."
The Stennis rugby team more than doubled the points they scored in their first game in Hong Kong. Since Hong Kong, they have been holding practices four times a week.
Culinary Specialist Seaman Steven Baker showcased his team's improvement when he sprinted over half the pitch before two players from the Panthers yanked him to the ground less than 10 meters from the goal. On the next play, Stennis' team bulldozed through the remaining yards and scored.
"The team has come a long way," said Opie. "We're making strides in field awareness, passing plays and our overall level of fitness."
The Pattaya Panthers have been playing as a team since 1998, and have played friendly exhibitions against the U.S. Navy and the Thai navy on multiple occasions.
"We're always thrilled to have visitors and want to make them feel at home," said Mickey Price, a member of the Pattaya Panthers. "The greatest part of the game is the lifelong friendships it creates. I had a fantastic time playing against the Sailors. We'll always remember them, and hopefully they'll remember us fondly too."
Rugby players everywhere in the world share a brotherhood as part of the international 'rugger' community, said Price.
"Rugby is probably the best sport for building camaraderie between two opposing teams," said Stennis team member Lt. Galen Thorp, a pilot from the "Blue Diamonds" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 146. "We mixed the teams up a little bit. We gave them some of our players. It's still a fierce game on the pitch, but afterward everyone is best friends."
The Sailors of Stennis' rugby team accomplish the strike group's diplomatic objective of liberty as a mission by spreading international camaraderie through sportsmanship as they grapple with teams in each port Stennis visits.
For more news from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn74/.>
E-mail this story to a friend | Send
a comment about this story
|
|
