ELSAH, IL – Congratulations to Principia rugby players,
Damir Conci and
Andy Naringo, on being selected as 2023 National Collegiate Rugby Division I All-Americans!
The list of All-Americans announced by National Collegiate Rugby includes a full 23-man team from each division designated by position number from a pool of over 10,000 players nationwide. Damir was selected at #10 as the starting flyhalf, and Andy was selected at #23 as a reserve back. The Thunder Chickens are honored to have two players recognized in their first season in NCR's premier division.
Damir Conci is a junior from Argentina and has been the captain of the Thunder Chickens since his freshman year. As the team's primary goal kicker, he was Principia's leading scorer this past season with 52 points on 21 kicks and one try.
Andy Naringo is a sophomore from Zimbabwe who is a bruising inside center playing at the #12 position. He had a hand in many of the team's tries this season as his deadly combination of power and speed make him very difficult to play against.
FULL LIST OF NCR ALL-AMERICANS
During the first weekend in January, Naringo joined six of his Principia teammates (
Bradley Mayekiso,
Celino Petersen,
Damilola Odunuga,
Ntando Sibanda,
Charles Luhanga, and
Kudzai Chiwara) at the NCR All-Star Challenge in Austin, Texas. All seven were key contributors for the Midwest Barbarians who finished in second place out of eight regional all star teams.
Over the course of the weekend, Naringo and Mayekiso each scored multiple tries with highlight reel plays, and the Midwest made an amazing, last-minute comeback in the semifinals to advance to the championship match. At the end of the competition, Mayekiso was named to the All-Tournament team.
The Thunder Chickens will begin their spring 7s season on March 16 in Kansas City, Missouri.
