Having played in South Africa and Italy, junior Clint Lemkus has helped Central’s rugby team to a 12-0 record this season.

BY Chance WeekS-Williams

Staff Reporter

What’s the biggest difference between Ellensburg and South Africa?

Home I’m more used to a collectivistic society, where everybody is more inclusive and in America in general it’s more of an individualistic society. Just in terms of being here and what I’ve experienced thus in America, it’s full of opportunities. It’s just a great opportunity to be over here. I’ve enjoyed my time in America thus far. I’m looking to pursue my career and finishing up my studying in America and once I’m done with that pursue a career and potentially live in America and also potentially play for the USA Eagles rugby team, that’s an aspiration.

What are you studying?

I’m designing my own degree through independent studies. It’s honed in on human sciences, and then I’ll incorporate a business minor to balance things out.

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen in America?

When I got here I couldn’t quite fathom the size of the trucks on the road. Back home we don’t have cars nearly close to what they are in America.

What was the hardest thing about moving?

I first moved to Italy where I played professional rugby for a year. Then I made the transition from Italy to America. I haven’t been home for about two and a half years. Something that’s always been on my mind is the distance factor and my family, and maintaining a healthy relationship.

What was your main reason for moving to America, rugby or your degree?

I think both. I think they work hand in hand and when I left Italy a big factor was to pursue playing rugby. However I wanted to get back to my degree and get some kind of qualification behind my name, but with that I knew I had to be on a sports field too. I looked for a University that could accommodate me in both areas.

What’s your favorite thing about Ellensburg?

Ellensburg is a small quaint little town. It was a bit of a culture shock at first. But now that I’ve lived here for roughly a year, it’s certainly grown on me and it’s great because I can call this place home now because I’ll be here for a total of four years by the time I’ve finished my degree. It’s unique in its own way, home for now.

Have you traveled elsewhere around the United States?

With rugby I’ve been fortunate to travel to an array of states, I think it’s six or seven states that I’ve been to. I’ve been to California six, seven or eight times. That’s been pretty cool. I’ve been to Idaho, Utah, and Oregon.

Have you learned any other sports?

Football is a big part of American culture. American football kind of emulates rugby in the way that, at home rugby is part of the nation; it’s brought the nation together after the happening of apartheid and that type of thing. Football kind of brings everyone together in the same manner. It’s grown on me too, I’ve learned a lot about that and picked up on the rules.

What’s your favorite thing to do besides play rugby?

For the most part now I’m really busy with my studying, so that’s my priority. So studying and rugby and maintaining my strength in the gym, I also have a job on campus. But besides that I love being on the golf course, that’s my absolute hobby. Every opportunity I get, I go straight to the course.