Collegiate All-Americans

BOULDER, Colo. – The USA Rugby Men's Collegiate All-Americans for 2012 have been announced and Davenport's JP Eloff earned First Team honors while Demecus Beach and Ryan Hargraves were honorably mentioned.  The MCAAs staff named 30 All-Americans and 30 Honorable Mentions in recognition of outstanding play in the 2011-2012 Season.

Davenport University claimed their second consecutive USA Rugby national championship this past month by defeating San Diego State 39-0.  The Panthers then started racking in the national honors as three players were recognized as All-Americans this week.

Jean Pierre Eloff led DU for the second straight season in being named a 1^st Team All-American. The sophomore fly-half led Davenport in scoring with 174 points as he posted 13 try's, 41 conversions and nine penalty goals. Eloff is already on the traveling All-American squad that will go to Ireland in August.

Making the Honorable Mention list and also getting an invite to try out for the traveling squad were Demecus Beach and Ryan Hargraves.  Each player pivotal roles in helping the Panthers claim the national title out in Salt Lake City, Utah. Hargraves scored twice in the win over San Diego State while Beach had the go-ahead try in DU's 35-18 win over No. 2 Dartmouth in the national semifinal.

The MCAAs are also identified as players who can project to higher levels of competition and eventually, the USA Men's National Team.  Currently on the USA Men's National Team's 36-man camp roster, 18 players are current or former All-Americans.

All-Americans, Honorable Mentions, and other notable collegiate players will be invited to attend the MCAA combine-style camp in Houston in conjunction with the Men's National Team's test match against Italy on June 23 at BBVA Compass Stadium.  Out of that camp, the Collegiate All-Americans staff will name a touring side for a tour to Ireland in early August.