08/25/2006

'Big Dave USA' rocks rugby world

TC West grad finds success internationally

By Garret Ellison

Special to the Record-Eagle

Special to the Record-Eagle
Phil Thiel has his sights set on the Rugby World Cup.

TRAVERSE CITY — In England, they call him 'Big Dave USA.'

No wonder.

Standing 6 feet tall and carrying 255 pounds of mostly muscle, Phil Thiel is a scary sight barreling down at you from across the field — especially when nobody's wearing any protective padding.

The former football star and 2003 graduate of Traverse City West has found his niche on the rugby field. Just 21 years old, Thiel has been playing locally for the Traverse Bay Blues RFC for several years. But in 2005 he got his chance to hop across the pond and has found international success playing for a 120-year-old semi-pro club in Cinderford, England.

A rising star in the sport — a cross between football and full-contact soccer — Thiel is trying out for the Michigan Union Select Side. The coaches there will pick the best players from the region to comprise the Midwest Select Side team. If he makes that cut, he's on the fast track to the Rugby World Cup.

"The U.S. really wants players with the potential to become great players and Phil fits that mold," said Tony Dell'Acqua, a veteran rugby player and coach who runs the training practices for the Blues. "He's on the right track because of his age, skill level and ability."

Thiel picked up rugby in high school and played for the Traverse Bay Alliance, a local youth team. But it was at Indiana University where he fell in love with the sport.

"It's a lot like football," Thiel said. "But there's a huge camaraderie spirit to it. You get involved in it and you've automatically got 40 friends who will do anything for you."

Playing with the Blues during the summers, Thiel's teammates raised $1,500 last year for transit to England to hone his skills in a country that takes rugby very seriously.

He was starting within a week of his arrival.

"He's a fantastic athlete," Dell'Acqua said. "His focus on the game is above standard and he's super coachable. He learns his stuff and doesn't forget."

The Cinderford RFC team, in Gloucestershire, dates back to 1886. They play in the National 3-South league. Thiel will be resuming his position in September as a loose head prop, or first line defense.

While there, he's all set up. His contract includes pay and benefits like housing, gym membership and transportation. The season runs September to May at a game per week. It's not the highest level of rugby in England, but it's darn close.

"Some guys get a lot of money to play for our team," Thiel said. "We've got a lot of guys that are ex-professional who still want to make some money playing rugby but can't play the professional level anymore. Or, they're up-and-coming like myself."

Considering that the sport's origins spring from the United Kingdom, at times the competition can be edgy.

"What happens on the field, stays on the field," Thiel said. "If somebody punches you in the face, like on the bottom of a pile, you'll probably have a big shiner after the game. But you buy them a pint later. You don't hold any animosity."

He said bruises and injuries just come with the territory. You ice yourself as much as possible and take some ibuprofen.

"After a game, my face is usually destroyed," he said. "My ear is mincemeat."

During practice sessions with the Blues, Thiel acts as a pseudo-coach, mentoring new recruits and demonstrating techniques while the coaches are busy.

"Start lifting weights at least three times a week," he told a group of rookies at a recent practice. "Or, you will get hurt."

Dell'Acqua said that the U.S. is about a 10 years behind the rest of the world in rugby, but should be catching up over the next decade. With Thiel's experience in Cinderford — which is comparable to playing at the top-level in America — his future looks bright.

"I'm hoping to take it as far as it will go," Thiel said.

He'd like to move up to the Premiership, the top level in England, and to play for the U.S. National team.

Whatever route to his advancement, the Blues will likely be involved.

"They take care of me," he said. "There are e-mails going out every day, getting me tryouts and stuff. Hopefully someday you'll see me in the Rugby World Cup. That's the ultimate goal. It's a realistic goal."

And he's not sure where the nickname came from, but they "might have been drinking" when it got coined. Whatever the origins, it stuck — and followed him back home.

"You wont hear 'Phil,' ever. Even my coaches are like, 'Dave"¦'" he laughs. "It'll stay with me."

Thiel and the Blues will compete in the 33rd annual Cherry Pit Rugby Tournament on Saturday at the Civic Center. The tournament, hosted by the Blues, will include 20 teams from Grand Rapids, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Flint and more. There will be games in the men's, women's and "old boys" divisions. The event is free and open to the public. More information can be found at www.tcrugby.com.