It was announced on Wednesday that Life University Men’s Rugby had promoted long time assistant, Colton Cariaga, to head coach for the varsity team.
Cariaga has a very storied resume during his tenure with Life University,
“He was named the team captain from 2010-2013 and led the squad to two national championships and was a two-time Collegiate All-American. In addition to his college career, Cariaga was also a member of the USA U19 National team. After college, Cariaga spent time with Trinity Rugby of the All-Ireland League, as well as the USA Falcons and the USA Selects.”
Cariaga will follow, as head coach of Life University Men’s rugby, after great coaches like Dan Payne, and Blake Bradford. Cariaga has earned his opportunity to take over with a list of accomplishments that have shown his work.
“Cariaga accepted a position to coach at Blackrock College in Dublin, Ireland. Cariaga’s Blackrock teams were successful in winning dual provincial cup championships. Cariaga returned from Ireland and joined as an assistant on Life University’s coaching staff in 2014. Cariaga currently serves as assistant coach as well as head 7s coach. Cariaga has previously served as head coach at Atlanta Youth Rugby (2014-2015) and as assistant with Walton High Rugby Club (2011-2012).”
Cariaga will definitely carry the weight of expectations on his shoulder as Life looks to get back to the college rugby 15s national championships. Despite the obstacles of being in a new position of power, Cariaga seems to have all the tools to handle the job.