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Our Mission
Rugby XV is dedicated to nurturing the holistic development of student-athletes, fostering growth in mind, body, and spirit. Our vision is to cultivate a supportive community that empowers young athletes to excel not only in sports but also in academics and life beyond. Servant leadership is utilized to instill pride and responsibility within the community, guided by the pillars of faith, community, and the pursuit of excellence.
Our Team
Nick Whitrow
Sporting Director
Nick Whitrow has been involved in rugby since he was a youngster. Born and raised in Ormskirk England he played for Ormskirk youth before he moved to Waterloo Rugby Club in 1999. Nick also played County Level at the u18 level for Lancashire before embarking on traveling to the USA to further his life experience. In moving to the USA Nick found a love for developing the game beyond the touchlines.
Having started several youth programs in various states Nick began his college coaching at Clemson in 2013 in various coaching roles, after which he moved to an assistant coach at Queens University of Charlotte before starting the Belmont Abbey College program in 2019.
Coach Nick has also coached with EIRA, USA South the South East Bears and the High school All Americans.
Rugby XV is a culmination of all these programs and is geared to provide top level coaching in the spaces that traditional rugby in the USA do not serve.
Education:
- BSc Sports Studies Coaching
- M,Ed Special Education
- PhD (ABD) Educational Leadership
Certifications:
Level 300 USA Rugby Coach
CPR certified
Genaro Fessia
Head of Sports Performance
Genaro Fessia, born in 1981 in Córdoba, Argentina, began his rugby journey at the age of six with Córdoba Athletic Club, where he also concluded his playing career in 2014 at the age of 32. Throughout his athletic life, he pursued other sports, including football, swimming, handball, and volleyball. With the unwavering support of his family, Genaro represented the provincial team, Dogos, and achieved the honor of playing for Argentina's national team, Los Pumas. He traveled the world representing his country, including competing in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
In 2007, Genaro had the privilege of playing for the prestigious Barbarians FC. Professionally, he played rugby for renowned teams such as Sale Sharks and London Wasps in the English Premiership, as well as in the Vodacom Cup in South Africa.
After retiring as a player, Genaro transitioned to coaching, initially contributing to his local club as a coach and later as Rugby Director. He also worked with the Argentine Rugby Union academy in Córdoba, sharing his expertise with aspiring players. In pursuit of new opportunities, he relocated to the United States, where he now serves as a rugby coach at Belmont Abbey College, continuing to impart his knowledge and passion for the sport.
Education:
- B.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics, Local University
- M.Sc. in Sports Nutrition, Regional College
Certifications:
Certified Sports Nutritionist (CSN)