Ed Robinson updates us on the latest Long Beach rugby news. Robinson is a former England international rugby player and coach who was also a professor at Long Beach State. Photo courtesy Brian Jackson.
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Adrian Ojeda is a shining star with Belmont Shore Rugby Club who combines outstanding athleticism with terrific personal values. He was recently chosen as a USA Rugby’s MVP, and his dynamic play is eagerly anticipated when Belmont Shore takes the field.
Ojeda is also greatly respected and admired by colleagues where he works with special needs children. As a “gentle giant” Ojeda combines physical prowess with human kindness to those in need.
Ojeda’s father, Ernie, also played for Belmont Shore, and is internationally recognized for his expertise in Federal Emergency Management Relief services and counsel. He credits his son’s determination, fortitude and citizenship to his ancestral background with the Yaqui Tribe in Mexico.
Sportsmanship and civility are consistently emphasized as soon as children are introduced to the game of rugby. This is very evident around our Seal Beach/Long Beach local parks and school fields where around 500 boys and girls ages 5-18 are playing. Many parents are also getting involved with local rugby.
The increasing success of the sport can be noted at local high schools such as Los Alamitos, Wilson, Millikan, Lakewood and St. Anthony where rugby standards are increasingly high. Long Beach State has a long-established tradition of excellence and, of course, our local Belmont Shore Rugby Club is consistently one of the best teams in the country.
Several other Belmont players have similar background and welcome interested supporters to their games at LBSU. Information is available HERE
