Rugby

FAIRMONT – With the start of the 2016 Rio Olympics rapidly approaching, marking the first time rugby sevens will ever be played as an Olympic event, two of the major difference makers for the squad from the United States are former Division II athletes.

FAIRMONT — In all of the excitement at Fairmont State University concerning Perry Baker’s run to the Olympics, two messages rang true in the thoughts of those wishing him luck in Rio.

First, the community is proud that it has an athlete headed to Rio to compete at the highest level.

Second, the community couldn’t be happier that it’s Perry Baker representing them.

FAIRMONT — Members of the Fairmont community gathered Thursday at the Falcon Center on the Fairmont State University campus to wish one of their own the best of luck as he makes his way to the Rio Olympics.

Perry Baker, a Daytona Beach, Florida, native who graduated from Fairmont State in 2013, will represent FSU and the United States as a member of the USA men’s Rugby sevens team in this year’s Olympics.

Update Aug. 9, 2016

Read a summary of Tuesday's Team USA performance in the Men's Rugby Sevens by Chris Thomas:

http://www.fightingfalcons.com/news/2016/8/9/falcon-features-rio-update-...

Update Aug. 9, 2016

Check out this link to a story about the #Perry4Gold Watch Party:

USA Rugby annually recognizes collegiate rugby student athletes for their excellence in the classroom with the USA Rugby National Collegiate Academic Honor Roll. 

Adam Martin of Elkins graduated from Fairmont State University in May 2013 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. During his time at FSU, he and his twin brother Ian Martin were four-year starters on the Men’s Rugby Team, a club sport team.

On Wednesday, Nov. 28, Fairmont State University and Pierpont Community & Technical College will host a drive to register bone marrow donors. Sponsored by the Rugby Team, the drive will urge students, faculty and staff to “give a spit about cancer” by signing up for the Be the Match Foundation bone marrow registry via a simple cheek swab. 

Fairmont Rugby players have been invited to participate in the Three Rivers Rugby Conference All-Star Match at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at Grove City College in Pennsylvania.

The Fairmont Rugby team is recognized as part of the Club Sports Program through the Office of Student Affairs, which serves Fairmont State and Pierpont Community & Technical College. The Club Sports program complements the Intramural Sports Program and the Varsity Athletic Program.

Fairmont State University will host the First Annual Rugby Day 2012 on Saturday, Aug. 25, for the Derek Hotsinpiller Heavenly Sevens Memorial Tournament.