This Local Rivalry goes back to 2007 when the Glendale Stadium was Constructed |
Talkin' Rugby, Tellin' Stories, Rugby PickEm
This Local Rivalry goes back to 2007 when the Glendale Stadium was Constructed |
Over the past 6 weeks, we've been watching the games and keeping a temperature on the early part of the 2021 MLR season. On Saturday night, Bt and Tommy NoPiks sat down to take in 3 games at once (4 games if you count the 2nd half of the Cali Cup).
Much to the chagrin of our dear friend (the 2020 "Blogger of the Year" RPA winner) and seasoned rugby reporter Bryan Ray, the MLR decided to load up Saturday night's slate of games. While Bryan prefers the game schedule to be laid out over the course of an entire weekend, we strongly disagree... What could be better than 3 games on, all at once?!
We saw a great opportunity to binge some games and thanks to a generous TV donation by The Rugby Network, we built a triple screen masterpiece.
What if I told you the future of Rugby ATL was a lacrosse convert, who's ripped up & shredded (like cheese), loves a good bump off, ... oh yeah and he's not just a great dude, but also perhaps a fashion and trend setting icon ..... ?
It's Jalen Tatum and he's heading towards a try zone near you!
Don't you DARE Run it Straight at this Man. |
Jalen and I linked up this past fall in the U-23 pathways camp. From the moment he showed up to the camp, I had a feeling there was something special to this absolute unit of a player. A lacrosse convert, Jalen dropped this stick and opted for the more physical game of rugby, cutting his teeth at Kennesaw State University. He learned quick and has blossomed into a backs coach's wet dream: A winger who can run around you or through you.
Crossover Athlete is an Understatement |
After spending an entire year with Rugby ATL and going uncapped, Jalen looks to cement himself into the week to week lineup in the 2022 campaign were the franchise hopes to retain their claim atop the Eastern conference. The road to success is never a straight line, and young players often have to overcome the hurdles and curves that are ever present in professional sports. Jalen's path has landed him on his hometown squad, ready for what comes his way.
The Cactus and the Jolly Black Giant |
It's obvious that being a great player isn't the only requirement for success. Jalen takes the term "teammate" and delivers on all fronts. He's not the yelling and screaming type, but he's able to connect with fellow teammates and offer his expertise on how to be better. Often "micro-coaching" on the pitch, he knows that the team is only as good as it's weakest link. He's a connector, a communicator, and most importantly ... a Big Time Gamer. Keep you're eyes peeled for this man in #MLR2022 !
PICKEM!