Raptors 2013 resolutions

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Published on Thursday, January 3, 2013

Written by Phillipa Snyman

Mike Kenyon is training hard in the offseason in the HATC.

The 2013 spring rugby season is fast approaching for the Raptors and the players have spent a good part of the offseason working hard in the gym on a program devised by the Raptors Strength and Conditioning Coach Nico Rithner.

But while we know what the Raptors have planned for their rugby season, we thought it would be interesting to see what the players have planned for themselves in 2013. So we decided to ask them to share their resolutions with us.

Dustin Croy: The Division I back-line player did not hesitate to tell us that he plans to abstain from drinking sodas in 2013. Head Coach Andre Snyman is also planning to drink less Coke.

Patrick Doyle: Utility forward for the DI team, Patrick Doyle, has a very committed plan for rugby, career and family in 2013. His rugby/fitness goals include dropping 15 pounds by the start of the season, being one of the top three forwards in the fitness test and leading by example throughout the season. Career-wise he plans to manage his team of engineers to become the best in the nation, complete 1,200 projects on time and create a better process from start to finish. Doyle also wants to make more time for family.

Mehran Ahmed: The DII front-row player’s resolution for 2013 is to not get concussed during the rugby season. M-Dogg, as Ahmed is fondly known by his teammates, sustained a concussion during the 2012 spring season and had to refrain from playing for a good part of the season.

Joe Hasch: Another DII front-row player, Hasch set himself firm for 2013. “I gave myself an offseason resolution which will flow into 2013,” said Joe. “I joined a new gym and my goal is to no longer be a prop. I intend to get into better shape and get into contention to play flanker/second row.” Hasch has also set his sights on becoming a regular on the DI/Elite Cup team going into his second season.

Justin Pauga: With a goal to become faster and stronger in the offseason, the Raptors Men’s DI center wants to be the best on the pitch. “In order to achieve this goal I have been training with Loren Landow who trains professional football players including Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn,” Justin explained.

Zac Pauga: Justin’s brother and DI strongman forward has his sights set on getting back into professional sports — whether it is rugby or football. “2013 will be one year since the Houston Texans released me,” said Zac, who pursued football until he joined the Raptors program in 2012. “I'm still working on getting back into the NFL but I've fallen in love with the game of rugby and would love to try and compete professionally.”

He continued, “I have a lot to do to get my knowledge of the game caught up to my physical skills but I know that’s something Coach Andre can help me with since he has been where I’m trying to get to.”

Mike Kenyon: The DI loose forward recently underwent a second surgery after sustaining an ankle injury in May 2012 during the DI playoffs’ Round of 16 in Chula Vista, Calif.

“My resolution for 2013 is to work on speed and agility training with the goal of another National Championship title for the Raptors and selection to the USA national rugby team,” Mike said.

Sam Botkin: Rounding off the resolutions, the senior DI back line player gave a very frank and committed resolution, “My plan for 2013 is simple — I want to make it more successful than 2012. I want to be the best man I can be in all phases of my life, including rugby.”