Jack Wendling, CWU alumni and former Center for the men’s rugby team led the USA SVNS National Team in the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Tournament in Perth, Australia. After five years of attending CWU, the 25-year-old former Wildcat signed with Team USA SVNS program to be a full-time national team player. As a full-time SVNS player for a year and a half, Wendling was recently selected to be the captain of the men’s team for HSBC tournaments. These tournaments allow the display of the highest level of international rugby and different National teams to compete.
Wendling in college achieved the opportunity to play with the men’s Under 20 and Under 23 National Team for both 15s and the sevens team. Currently, in his professional career, Wendling has scored 30 points and played in 26 matches. Serving as the captain for the USA Eagles, Wendling earned the honor to be their captain after being a co-captain and in prior captain positions during his age-grade national tours.
“It’s an honor, when I was younger I dreamt of being on the national team,” Wendling said. “My dad was my coach and I was passionate about it, he truly pushed me to make the team, let alone captain it.”
Team USA had a tough matchup in Australia. Looking back on the first day, Wendling described it as “the pool of death” due to their opponents: the Republic of South Africa, Argentina and Australia. All three made it to the semi-finals and two went to the finals. Wendling and the team walked away with a win over Argentina 24-19 with Wendling scoring a try. The next day, they faced Kenya in their bracket, which they lost 21-26 to Kenya.
The young SVNS team ranges with an average age of 23 years old. Wendling is confident in this team’s future performance. “We beat Argentina which won the whole thing,” Wendling said. “All the other teams we were one score away, could have gone either way.”.
Wendling and the Eagles are due to play their next tournament in Vancouver, B.C. on February 21-23. Ahead of them, his job is on and off the field. “As the captain, you are leading more film reviews, guys are looking up to you for words of encouragement, you are the first person people come to for logistical things.” Wendling said. “You have to do more all around, it’s definitely more than having a ‘C’ on your chest, it’s a lot of unseen work.”.
After the Perth tournament, the Eagles are heading back to the States to recover and prepare for the HSBC Vancouver with a determination to clean up their game and win.
