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Withrow High School rugby team breaks school’s state championship drought
Seven years ago, a high school history teacher starting walking the halls with a rugby ball.The goal at the time? Find enough students to field a team.Now, Withrow High School is heading into the summer on a high note following a celebration nearly 75 years in the making.The last time the Tigers walked off a court or a field as state champions? 1950.The drought is over now as the city public school celebrates its’ new title team. Withrow is the new class of Ohio in rugby.”When I see each face, I know their story. And I know the depth to a lot of their stories, and I know the confidence they have developed to the point that they’ve got to,” coach Nathan Meyers said.A decade ago, Meyers and his wife left their longtime home in Virginia for Cincinnati. He wanted to teach and get their rugby program together. His infectious energy quickly turned into kids across the city joining his high school club team, with 15 earning college scholarships over the past five years.”I’m emotional. Honestly, it’s like it makes me channel my emotions into something greater. He wants to see a lot of people develop as young men, and that is one thing he did for me, and I am eternally grateful for that,” Ja’Mez Early said.Meyers talked about how this story can make a difference for public schools across the United States.”100 percent this can be used as a blueprint. Rugby is a simple game. It requires a mouth guard, cleats, and coaches willing to nurture an environment where young people can grow. I would tell my guys, you’re capable of more than you think,” Meyers said.Cities across Ohio are watching closely. Withrow alum and Hamilton County commissioner Alicia Reece is already a believer.”Black and white working together, young and old, working together. A public high school of unlikely sport. This is a story that the whole city, the whole county, should get behind,” Reece said.Coach Meyers hopes that one day, a Withrow club rugby member will represent the United States on the world stage.
Seven years ago, a high school history teacher starting walking the halls with a rugby ball.
The goal at the time? Find enough students to field a team.
Now, Withrow High School is heading into the summer on a high note following a celebration nearly 75 years in the making.
The last time the Tigers walked off a court or a field as state champions? 1950.
The drought is over now as the city public school celebrates its’ new title team. Withrow is the new class of Ohio in rugby.
“When I see each face, I know their story. And I know the depth to a lot of their stories, and I know the confidence they have developed to the point that they’ve got to,” coach Nathan Meyers said.
A decade ago, Meyers and his wife left their longtime home in Virginia for Cincinnati. He wanted to teach and get their rugby program together.
His infectious energy quickly turned into kids across the city joining his high school club team, with 15 earning college scholarships over the past five years.
“I’m emotional. Honestly, it’s like it makes me channel my emotions into something greater. He wants to see a lot of people develop as young men, and that is one thing he did for me, and I am eternally grateful for that,” Ja’Mez Early said.
Meyers talked about how this story can make a difference for public schools across the United States.
“100 percent this can be used as a blueprint. Rugby is a simple game. It requires a mouth guard, cleats, and coaches willing to nurture an environment where young people can grow. I would tell my guys, you’re capable of more than you think,” Meyers said.
Cities across Ohio are watching closely. Withrow alum and Hamilton County commissioner Alicia Reece is already a believer.
“Black and white working together, young and old, working together. A public high school of unlikely sport. This is a story that the whole city, the whole county, should get behind,” Reece said.
Coach Meyers hopes that one day, a Withrow club rugby member will represent the United States on the world stage.
