ELLENSBURG, Wash. (July 15) -- Central Washington University men's rugby standout Aladdin Schirmer (North Bend, WA) was selected to compete for the USA Men's Collegiate All-American rugby team last month, and spent a couple of weeks competing at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire.
 
We asked Aladdin to share his experience with his Wildcat Family:
 
ALADDIN SCHIRMER -
What up Wildcat Nation!!! This summer I was given the opportunity to try out for the Men's Collegiate All-American rugby team. It was an honor for me to have the opportunity to play alongside the best collegiate players in the country. Over fifty-five players were invited to the camp, after a three-day tryout the players were placed onto two teams for a scrimmage on Sunday; the team was posted Monday morning. Blessed, I was chosen as one of the thirty-three to represent my country in the game that I love, alongside my current teammate at Central, VILI TOLUTA'U.
 
Soon after the team was posted, we were on the road to begin our tour. It lasted two and a half weeks and we had so much fun! We practiced everyday, and although we were hard at work the coaches let us blow off some steam during our free time. We were able to explore Dartmouth College's campus in Andover, New Hampshire and meet their students as well as tour Boston to see what the city had to offer.
 
We played two provincial teams from Canada and Cambridge University from England twice.
 
For a team that had only been together for two and a half weeks, we played as if we had been together all year. We didn't win all of our games like we had hoped, but we fought hard against teams that have been together a lot longer than us. The coaches were so knowledgeable and taught us a lot, taught me a lot. They helped me pinpoint exactly what aspects of my game that needed improvement if I was to continue on and pursue a spot on the men's national team, the USA Eagles. Being a part of the team and training with some of the best is a memory that I will never forget.

I had a lot of fun, got to see new places, be a part of a great team, and meet new people. It was awesome! As I said before, it was a great experience, very blessed to have been given this opportunity and as much fun as I had traveling and playing, I'm very glad to be home!