Lorenzo Thomas became the first Lindenwood men's rugby player to earn a USA Eagles "Cap" when he was selected as starting #13 for the USA Eagles match against Chile February 20 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.    

The Oklahoma freshman who played at Union High School in Tulsa, was one of four Lions named to the USA Rugby AIG Men's Junior All-American (MJAA) Team last month.  He was selected as starting center for the U20 match versus Team Canada in Austin, Texas earlier in February, and was invited to the Eagles camp after his performance in that game.  He continued to impress the coaches, which led to his selection as a starter for the men's national team.  Throughout that game, which the Eagles won 64-0, Thomas showed his ability to play at that high level, and in the 52^nd minute, he became the youngest player in USA Eagle history to score a try, having just celebrated his 18^th birthday in January. 

Lindenwood freshman wing Deion Mikesell was also selected to the MJAA Team last month and he also played in the U20 match against Canada, a game that the U.S. won 19-18 to advance to the World Rugby U20 Trophy later this spring.  Mikesell, who heralds from Des Moines, Iowa, played 7's rugby with Southeast Polk High School, but had only played a handful of XV's games in his young career.  Still, he caught the attention of USA Eagles Head Coach John Mitchell and was invited to the Eagles camp as well.  He ultimately just missed making the final 23 player roster against Chile, but could have a very bright future in the sport.

Malon Al-Jiboori and Chance Wenglewski were also selected for the MJAA Team and all four Lindenwood players may have to miss some important conference and playoff matches this spring, but head coach JD Stephenson, who is also interim coach for the USA Rugby U20 squad, believes country comes first.

"While I'd love to have them help us try to win a national championship, representing your country is a much greater feat," he said.  "These players making an impact this young on the national stage just shows that USA Rugby could have a bright future ahead."