USA Rugby’s Dan Payne Accepts Position at LIFE

Director of Athletics John Barrett today announced Dan Payne as the new Director of Rugby for Life University.

Payne will be responsible for the growth and development of the undergraduate rugby program in addition to maintaining the university’s well-established Super League team. The undergrad team will start competing this fall with plans to join USA Rugby’s Southern Conference in spring 2011.

“I am well aware of the storied history of rugby at Life University. The opportunity to build upon that tradition with an undergraduate program is something I’m extremely excited for,” said Payne after his initial meetings with Barrett and Life University President Dr. Guy F. Riekeman. Payne said he recognized the university’s commitment toward growth, and the vision for how rugby can play a part sealed his final decision.

“Life Rugby is excited to have Dan join the program. He is a proven winner both on and off the field and his leadership will be a valuable asset to current and future players,” said Life Rugby Head Coach Scott Lawrence.

Payne is the former Director of Competition for USA Rugby and an assistant coach to the US Men’s National Team. He was the head coach at San Diego State University for three seasons, leading the team to their first playoff appearance during his first year. Payne followed with two more consecutive seasons in the playoffs, driving the team all the way to the Round of Four last season.

“This is a great opportunity for Dan,” said Nigel Melville, CEO of USA Rugby. “We will of course all miss the hard work and commitment Dan has demonstrated during his time with us. The pull of coaching on a full-time basis is a dream opportunity for Dan, and we wish him every success.”

Life Rugby Playoffs: Round 1 Saturday at Home

It doesn’t seem like a full year has passed since Life Rugby dominated their way to the playoffs and won the 2008 USA Rugby Men’s Division 1 National Championship. Now, one year later and one division higher, they’re at it again.

On Saturday, May 16, Life is competing in the first round of the single-elimination Super League playoffs. At 2 p.m. they take on the Chicago Lions at home, who they previously defeated during the regular season, 42-0. If Life beats Chicago, they will compete at the semi-finals on May 23 at home to secure their spot at the championship game in Glendale, CO. on May 30.

After winning the national championship title in 2008 Life was invited to compete in the Super League, the highest level of rugby competition in the US. The team is continuing to dominate the rugby scene in this semi-professional league. For the regular season, Life finished number one in their division and boasts the third highest scoring player in the league, Nolte Coetzee. The team is 7-0 with a major win against the reigning Super League champions, New York Athletic Club, 29-24. Life’s overall record for the season is 19-0, which includes games against local and Division 1 teams.

Admission to Saturday’s game is free and concessions will be available.

DC Student Wins Bronze at NCAA Weightlifting Championships

Robert Hall got into weightlifting in 1999 after years of watching his friends compete. Before that time, his interests included basketball and track & field. But it wasn’t until he started lifting that he found his true passion.

On April 18, 2009, Robert represented Life University in the 2009 USA Weightlifting National Collegiate Championships. He won the bronze medal for his events, the “snatch” and the “clean & jerk.”

This isn’t Robert’s first time at a national event. In 2004 and 2005 he won the NCAA Weightlifting Championships, as well as the 2005 American Open while in his undergraduate program at Armstrong Atlantic University. Unfortunately, he sustained countless injuries during training that resulted in two bad hips and lumbar difficulties. Due to the detriment his body experienced in training, Robert retired from weightlifting in 2005 following his major win.

“Weightlifting is a sport of passion like any other. Once you start, it stays in your blood for life,” Robert said. That’s what he realized when he decided earlier this year to begin competing again.

To ensure that his body could handle the training, he consulted the expertise of the clinic staff at Life’s Center for Health and Optimum Performance. “They worked tirelessly to fix me and to have my body operating at peak performance for the competition.” He gives much of the credit for his success at the championships to his chiropractic intern, Jacob Canfield, and to the clinic staff.

After training for two months, Robert completed a 340-lb. double-body-weight clean & jerk, and he snatched 260 lbs., which combined, won him the bronze medal.

“It was really fun lifting again,” Robert said. “But next year I can guarantee a gold medal!”

Robert dedicated his medal to Life University, where it is proudly displayed in the Department of Athletics. Robert is a fourth-quarter Doctorate of Chiropractic student from Savannah, GA., and a member of Life’s weightlifting club.