Feb 9- With a season-opening victory over Utah under their belts, two standout Wildcats have a chance to catch their breath and reflect on a special experience that each of them had last month. Jacob Broselle and EJ Freeman were both selected to represent the USA at the Coral Coast Sevens in Fiji, playing with the Falcons, the national team's development side. 

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Broselle, a rising star in the Wildcats' backline, earned selection after a strong second-year season in which he featured on the Wing. The Ferndale, Washington product led the team in tries scored at Sevens National Championships and has earned the attention of both opposing defenses and national team coaches. "I was honored to be selected, and Fiji was an amazing place with beautiful culture in both life and Rugby. My goal is to become an Eagle and I hope to keep working towards that" said Broselle. Jacob follows in the foosteps of older brother Ben, who currently plays on the Sevens national side. 

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For Freeman, the call-up was a continuation of his time with the USA U23s in August, where he emerged as a key contributor for the side to the delight of his teammates back in Tucson. The All PAC-12 performer has already made his presence felt in his return, scoring two tries in the Wildcats' season-opening victory. The Junior from Frankfurt, Germany felt the cultural differences and the pressure of schoolwork during the event but took it in stride. "Going to Fiji was an eye opener for me. I never thought I would be going there to play against some of the best in the world. My goal is to be an Eagle, but my focus now is to keep juggling school, playing for Arizona, and hopefully continuing to play for the USA if selected" said Freeman.

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"I'm honored to have the opportunity to coach these two each day, and we as a team feel honored to have them selected. We're also thankful to their professors and families for supporting them, and the USA staff for selecting them and taking good care of them. They've both come back better for that experience" said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.

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Broselle, Freeman, and the 13th-ranked Wildcats return to action this Saturday with a matchup against #8 BYU at Sitton Field at 1 PM MST.

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