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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jean Pierre Eloff was selected to take part in the trials for the USA 7's National team at the Olympic Training Center while Angus MacLellan, Gabe Sochanek, and Mason Baum have all been selected for the USA U/20 final trails also at the Olympic Training Center.
 
Eloff, who has been training with the National team for the past few weeks, is excited to train with some of the best rugby players in the world. “I know I will learn a lot and be exposed to the fastest and fittest players around the world if I do make the squad, but just training with the USA 7's team is not just a privilege but also a honor,” said Eloff.
 
“With the excitement comes a lot of nervousness. It's a different level of competition and I'm going to have to play to the best of my abilities to make the squad,” added JP.
 
JP Eloff is trying to follow in his brother's , Davenport Assistant Coach Phillip (Thabu) Eloff, footsteps as Thabu played for both the 7's and 15's USA National teams representing the team in three World Cups.
 
“My brother did great in his playing career representing Team USA in 3 World Cups. I have looked up to him since I was a little boy. One life lesson he showed or taught me is that everything is possible if you are willing to work for it. Since I've been at Davenport my brother helped me a lot, pushed me to do better all the time, passing down little things he experienced while playing at that level that will help mold me into a more complete rugby player.”
 
Angus MacLellan received his second invitation to the USA U/20 final trails. Last season, MacLellan originally missed out on a selection but was called up just before the Junior World Trophy Tournament started in Europe.
 
“Competing on a global stage was a whole new level of play and I feel more prepared this year due to the experience and skill I gained from the tournament last year. This time around, having the opportunity to play with both Mason and Gabe, the experience will be that much more special and I look forward to representing not only our country but Davenport, our friends, and families as well,” said MacLellan.
 
Joining MacLellan at the USA U/20 final trails will be Gabe Sochanek and Mason Baum, who are making their first appearance at the trails.
 
“I feel tremendously honored and blessed to be selected for the final trials for the U/20 team. Watching Angus make the team last year motivated me to work extremely hard to do the same. I'm ready to accept the challenges ahead of me and I'm going to strive to represent our country, friends, family and Davenport at the next level,” said Sochanek.
 
Baum added, “It feels great to know that I get the chance to not only tryout for the USA U/20 team, but also possibly represent my country this summer in the 2012 Junior World Trophy. I am very excited and anxious to see how this camp goes. I get to go to the camp with a few familiar faces from DU. I hope to make my teammates, coaches, and Davenport University proud, and also show the country what DU Rugby has to offer.”
 
The decisions will come down in the next couple months. The first USA National team match will take place on June 23 in Houston, Texas when the Eagles take on Italy. For MacLellan, Sochanek, and Baum, they will be competing for spots to play in the 2012 Junior World Trophy where the USA will play Tonga, Chile, and Russia in Pool A for the right to play the winner of Pool B in the finals.
 
“I don't think there is anything bigger then to represent your country in a sporting event on the global stage as it's not just a privilege but also an honor to be part of something that special. Angus, Gabe and Mason worked hard for that invite and hopefully all three will get selected to play in the Junior World Trophy in June representing the USA. JP's is still new to the USA set up but I am sure if he doesn't get picked this time around he will get his shot real soon,” said Rugby Head Coach Kruger Van Biljon.
 
“All these players are dedicated not just in on the sports field but also in the class room. They all know that with hard work and dedication anything is possible. For DU Rugby this will be a massive step in the right direction that shows we are developing some of the best young players in the country.”