News

Academy cadet repeats as USA Rugby all-American

  • Published
  • By Amber Baillie
  • Academy Spirit staff writer
U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. --  One Academy rugby player continues to grab the national spotlight for his performance on the field.

For the second straight year, Cadet 1st Class Jackson Bristol has been named a USA Rugby Collegiate All-American for 2013, and was featured in Rugby Magazine's 2013 Men's Collegiate All-Americans list for being among "the best of the best" in college rugby, according to an article on the magazine's website.

"I am honored to be named to this prestigious list of players," Bristol said. "Rugby has become more popular and is played by better athletes every year as it builds on that popularity. These honors have rightfully given the Air Force Academy rugby team greater national recognition."

The six-foot-six-inch Colorado native has played Falcon rugby for the past three years and gained national recognition for his abilities.

Last year, Bristol was featured on USA Rugby's All-American Sevens list and this year was included on USA Rugby's Honorable Mention Collegiate All-Americans list.

"I have coached rugby for over 30 years and Jack is easily the best in the country in his position," said Joe Muehlbauer, the Academy's head coach of men's rugby for the past eight years. "He can go on to play at any professional level."

Bristol plays as a lock for rugby sevens and a prop for rugby 15s. Rugby teams are usually comprised of 15 players but can be played with teams of seven players in a formation known as seven-a-side or "15s."

Last February, Bristol had the opportunity to play with a combined services team in the elite division of the USA Sevens Rugby Las Vegas tournament, where he competed against teams from France, Russia, Belgium and Iceland.

"The experience was priceless and gave me a taste of what is out there," Bristol said. "I try very hard to pass on what I learned with some of the opportunities I have been afforded, and I want my fellow teammates to have those same opportunities. Working hard and winning matches will help them tremendously."

Bristol's knowledge of the hard-hitting sport has caught up to his skills, Muehlbauer said.

"He's becoming more of a leader on the team," Muehlbauer said. "Through Jack's success, upcoming freshman realize the Academy offers other great sports besides football and basketball. We're also starting to receive more players who played rugby in high school."

The Academy Class of 2014 is extremely motivated to bring about a championship, Bristol said.

"The team chemistry is fantastic and each player looks to learn from the next," Bristol said. "It's very exciting to be a part of. Gone are the days of the stereotypical rugby player who plays to party. Today's game is far too competitive to consider that a factor for playing the game. The level of athleticism in this sport is staggering and the rate at which it's increasing is even more so."

Bristol said his personal goals this season line up with the team's goals.

"I want to win the national championship in both sevens and 15s," Bristol said. "I also plan to work hard to get more of the excellent athletes on our team noticed nationally."

Bristol said he's motivated to give it his all during his last year on the team.

"I'll be sad to leave the Academy but excited at the other opportunities to play the game at higher levels if my military career allows it," Bristol said.

There are approximately 50 players on the men's rugby team this season. Their first match will be held here Aug. 31 at 9 a.m. against the Colorado School of Mines.