Although sometimes overlooked, rugby is both physically and mentally taxing as athletes throw their bodies on the line each and every match. For the Longwood University Rugby Football Club, they compete for something greater.
During a match at Virginia Military Institute in March 2008, former Longwood student and club member Todd Miller tragically passed away after suffering a head injury.
The club will be holding their 6th annual “Todd Miller Memorial 7’s Tournament” on Saturday, April 14 in honor of Miller, the first time they host the tournament in five years. The tournament will begin at Lancer Park athletic fields at 9 a.m.
“We really look forward to having a great day of rugby surrounded by both alumni, friends and family of the team,” said senior club president Curtis Ormsby.
The club will host squads from VMI, NC State, Duke, JMU, H-SC, CNU and VCU in the tournament.
“We are especially looking forward to playing VMI out of respect for the last team that Todd was able play against,” Club Captain John Fredrikson said.
The team wants to keep Miller’s legacy alive by putting on a well-attended tournament in his name, according to Frederickson.
Miller is remembered for much more than simply being a rugby player by his teammates, he is remembered for being a great leader and captain both on and off the field. While also bringing joy to everyone he interacted with according to Fredrikson.
Fredrickson added Miller was multi-faceted with his ability to play rugby, show proficiency in the classroom and he lit up a room with his singing talent.
According to a Rotunda article from March 2012, Miller had achieved a 4.0 grade point average in the semester before his tragic passing, while also being named to the Virginia Rugby Union all-star team in 2007.
The club also gives a one-thousand-dollar scholarship to both a male and female from the rugby teams on campus.
The scholarship through its growth over the years has now become endowed by Longwood University, which means that school will now support giving the scholarship annually.
To be eligible to win the scholarship the player must have a 3.0 grade point average and also have been a member of LURFC for at least two years.
“Todd’s legacy is an inspiration to all of us, and with this scholarship he continues to lead us all in the right direction to being better men both in the classroom and on the field,” said sophomore club member Andrew Synnott.
"We wish he was still around because even though a lot of us didnt know him personally, it is really telling of the great impact he left behind, and we want to honor him in the best way possible," Synnott said.
With both the scholarship and the tournament returning this year, the morale is high as the team goes into the competition.
“With the winner of the scholarship in Todd’s name being announced at the tournament in memory of him, there’s no better way to honor Todd’s legacy," said Ormsby.
