Mike Short is going into his final season at Spring Hill College and is geared up to go out on top. During high school, Short played football, volleyball, and wrestling and was looking for a sport that could be an outlet for his competitiveness. He found rugby and found it as the perfect fit. “The rugby team had more fun, camaraderie, and support from the student body than any of the other sports on campus” said Short.
Entering his final year at Spring Hill, Short has a lot to be proud of. Last season, Short took home MVP for Spring Hill and had an opportunity not many players receive, playing with The USA South Panthers. Short, along with a few teammates, went to a tryout last Spring in Kennesaw, Georgia. Short made it to the final game of the tryout and was eventually invited to play a game with the Panthers in Tennessee.
“USA South Rugby opened my eyes to a whole new level of coaching and match play. Since our preseason match against a Saint Louis Men’s Club team I have been working to improve my mental and skill levels. Every member on that team inspires to contribute to the growth of the sport in America and to bring their own rugby career to the highest level. I am working toward earning a spot on the travel team next year” said Short.
Short has seen the club grow over his time at Spring Hill and is very excited with the recent direction the program is going. The Badger recently hired a new rugby coach, Justin Goonan. “Our new coach, Justin Goonan has implemented performance training, film sessions, nutritional meetings, and practice period to ensure we are ready for any obstacles this season has in store” said Short.
Short enters his final season hungry and excited to see how far Spring Hill can go. Short is ready to lead not only the pack but the team as a whole to new heights and hopefully a conference championship.