Backs

 

SURFC’s backs are loaded with both international experience and potential and look to score numerous points against Empire Rugby Conference opponents this fall (2015). Former All-American and London Wasps Academy Player Alex Hodgkinson (’16) has left the Syracuse Football team after a stint with them kicking for two years, and returns to play fly-half and use his phenomenal boot and decision making to bring order to the backline and move John Daly (’16) to his better suited position at scrum-half. Dallas Haskins (’19), a freshman who has played with the Hong Kong U-19 team, and Eddie McCarthy (’18) from Xavier High School, look to be an appealing center pairing bringing a combination of speed, power and experience that is dangerous at the collegiate level. 

 

In the back three, a combination of Ethan Palleschi (’17), Seth Gilgus (’16) and Matt Hoalcraft (’16) as well as a handful of other underclassmen look to finish off tries with deadly speed. Seth Gilgus (’16) loves his transition from center to wing, where he has a chance to use his scoring acumen to put away a hefty amount of tries.

 

Forwards

 

In the forwards, the Hammerheads have a great mix of young talent and all-star veterans. Captain Angus Bishop (’17) and Jack Faure (’16), both ERC All-Stars, are looking forward to dominating the breakdown and set piece situations. Andrew Burdsall (’19) from St. Joe’s Prep in Philadelphia and David Fathers (’19) from Cardiff, Wales, look to add both size and skill to an extremely athletic pack.

 

Greg Fligor (’18) and Jake Smith (’18), both former wrestlers, added a good amount of skill playing 7’s last spring and come in this fall looking to make a colossal impact. Sam Reimnitz (’18) and Ryan Sanford (’18) are also flexible forwards who have been monsters around the ruck this preseason.