Rugby has been something of a family affair for Andrew Gilroy.
The recent Central Bucks West graduate has been playing rugby ever since his mother signed him up to play when he was 5 years old.
Julian Bellman, vice president/treasurer of Doylestown Rugby Football Club, has had a front row seat to Gilroy’s career, which will continue at Penn State University this fall.
“I’ve known Andrew and his family for a little over a decade, but I’ve only coached him for the past two years,” Bellman said. “He comes from a nice rugby background. His mom and stepdad both coached him going through the ranks, and I actually play rugby with his dad on a men’s club team.
“What makes Andrew good is his dedication to the craft. He really takes it seriously. Rugby is one of those weird sports – you can’t really put somebody in a box. The only box I would put him in is dedication. If you work hard, there’s a spot for you on the pitch. People admire and look up to him for his leadership.”
Competing in college was not on Gilroy’s radar until last year.
“Rugby picked up, and the coaches started contacting me,” said Gilroy, who will major in cyber security this fall. “I was getting D2 contacts, and I was accepted at Penn State.
“I was like, ‘Let me try out here.’ I met with the coach, and it’s picked up ever since. I’ve always been a Penn State fan. I wrestled for six or seven years, and they have the best wrestling program, so I love watching that. I love watching sports up there, and they have an emerging rugby program.”
Gilroy was one of three Central Bucks West seniors recognized on Tuesday, May 21. Joining Gilroy were Ava Mattes and Carter Benson.
Mattes will continue her softball career at King’s College where she will major in exercise science with her sights set on a career in occupational therapy. She also considered Eastern University and Wilkes University.
“I just really fell in love with the campus of King’s and how tight the community is,” Mattes said. “When I met the softball team, I just fell in love with them – they were all so nice.”
Mattes made the decision to play collegiate softball junior year.
“I actually started a little late,” Mattes said of the recruiting process. “I realized junior year I wanted to do college softball, and I hoped teams still had room for me.”
Benson will continue his baseball career at Misericordia where he will major in sports communication. He also considered the University of Virginia at Wise.
“I liked the location, and I felt a good connection with the coaches and the players,” Benson said of choosing Misericordia. “I’ve always wanted to play baseball as long as I can.
“I’ve loved playing since I was 4 when I started T-ball. (Playing college) became a reality in 2018 when I joined my club team, Angels Baseball, and my coach started helping me find schools and find the right fit for me.”
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