TELES LEADS ALL AMERICAN DUO
Bronson Teles helped the All Americans to a victory over Canada in their showcase match. (Photo credit: David Barpal)
Aug 7- Arizona's strong season has led to some high individual honors for two of their standouts, with Lock Bronson Teles and Flyhalf Robert Figley earning selection to the 2019 All American sides.
Teles, a rising Senior from Texas earned 2nd team honors after a standout season for the Wildcats, anchoring the Forwards and serving as Vice Captain this past season. Teles' work earned him a starting spot in the Men's Collegiate All American side against Canadian Universities in their showcase match in Glendale, Colorado that served as a curtain raiser or USA vs Canada. This is Teles' latest age-grade selection, having earned both High School All American and USA Under 20 honors over his career. "It has been truly an honor to wear the colors and represent my country. I would like to thank my coaches, teammates, and family who have gotten me to this point" said Teles.
Robert Figley joined Teles in the list of honored athletes, earning 3rd team honors to cap a strong sophomore year that saw him end the season as the team's Flyhalf and make the Sevens side for the 2019 Collegiate Rugby Championship. "I am honored and grateful to be selected. I'm thankful for my coaches and teammates who have pushed me to get better. Can't wait to get back after it with the boys this coming year" said Figley. Unable to join his halfback partner was Scrumhalf Matt Rogers, with a shoulder injury sustained in the season ruling him out of MCAA assemblies.
For the Wildcats, this marks the second straight year with an All American, following in the footsteps of Kyle Rogers in 2018 and the multiple previous All American selections in the program's 50-year history, including Ryan Kelly, Chris Kron, Peter Tiberio, and Ryan Matyas. "Both Bronson and Robert follow in the footsteps of some great athletes, and we're thrilled to see them recognized for their work. On top of this both are first class people, and exactly the type of students we want representing us" said Director of Rugby Sean Duffy.
Arizona will assemble for the start of their preseason in the coming weeks, with their 2020 schedule to be announced shortly.