Army West Point Athletics
Ferguson-Lewis Speaks at Captain’s Knock Dinner
March 30, 2017 | Women's Rugby
WEST POINT, N.Y. – Rookie Gio Ferguson-Lewis of the Army West Point women's rugby team was a guest speaker at the ninth-annual Captain's Knock Dinner, put on by Play Rugby USA, last week at the New York Athletic Club in New York City.
Play Rugby USA is an organization that brings rugby into urban areas and is geared at developing youth through rugby. The president and founder of Play Rugby USA, Mark Griffin, wants to emphasize the effects of the opportunities that rugby gives the children that are part of their programs.
The event was hosted by Jeremy Guscott, a Bath, England and British Lions legend, with other distinguished attendees including Paul O'Connell, who played for Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, Alex Corbisiero, who plays for the Northampton Saints, England and the British and Irish Lions, Dan Lyle, the captain of the USA Eagles, Dan Payne, the CEO of USA Rugby and USA Eagles, and Keven Mealamu, a member of the New Zealand All Blacks.
"I was a bit nervous at first, coming in uniform and telling my story to a large group of businessmen, but I got up there and did what I could to relay the influence that the organization had on my life," said Ferguson-Lewis. "Quite simply, the opportunities afforded to me as a result of Mark Griffin and his hard work got me to where I am today. My story, of a young student in an urban neighborhood being transformed through the sport of rugby, is in no way unique. Play Rugby USA caters to thousands of students weekly across the country, and being asked to relay my story to such an outstanding group of individuals was an honor."
Ferguson-Lewis came to West Point from the Play Rugby USA program and was a standout on the pitch as a freshman, being one of four Black Knights to garner All-American honors.
"Overall, it was an amazing experience and a great opportunity for me to help an organization that I owe so much to," Ferguson-Lewis expressed. "I plan on attending their annual gala in the spring and may have to say a few words there as well, so I'm looking forward to it."
Looking to give back to this organization, Ferguson-Lewis has been in contact with one of her former coaches at Play Rugby USA and is exploring the possibility of a partnership that would allow the Black Knights to go play rugby with elementary and middle school students as part of a youth-development effort.
In the fall, Ferguson-Lewis was one of three Army ruggers to start in all 10 matches along with senior captain Kristen Redmon and junior Sydney Dossett. The Rockaway Beach, N.Y., native scored two tries in her rookie campaign.
The Black Knights begin 7s play this weekend as they travel to Springfield, Mass., for the AIC Tournament on Sunday.
For more information on Army West Point women's rugby, visit GoArmyWestPoint.com and follow @ArmyWP_WRugby on Twitter.
Play Rugby USA is an organization that brings rugby into urban areas and is geared at developing youth through rugby. The president and founder of Play Rugby USA, Mark Griffin, wants to emphasize the effects of the opportunities that rugby gives the children that are part of their programs.
The event was hosted by Jeremy Guscott, a Bath, England and British Lions legend, with other distinguished attendees including Paul O'Connell, who played for Munster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions, Alex Corbisiero, who plays for the Northampton Saints, England and the British and Irish Lions, Dan Lyle, the captain of the USA Eagles, Dan Payne, the CEO of USA Rugby and USA Eagles, and Keven Mealamu, a member of the New Zealand All Blacks.
"I was a bit nervous at first, coming in uniform and telling my story to a large group of businessmen, but I got up there and did what I could to relay the influence that the organization had on my life," said Ferguson-Lewis. "Quite simply, the opportunities afforded to me as a result of Mark Griffin and his hard work got me to where I am today. My story, of a young student in an urban neighborhood being transformed through the sport of rugby, is in no way unique. Play Rugby USA caters to thousands of students weekly across the country, and being asked to relay my story to such an outstanding group of individuals was an honor."
Ferguson-Lewis came to West Point from the Play Rugby USA program and was a standout on the pitch as a freshman, being one of four Black Knights to garner All-American honors.
"Overall, it was an amazing experience and a great opportunity for me to help an organization that I owe so much to," Ferguson-Lewis expressed. "I plan on attending their annual gala in the spring and may have to say a few words there as well, so I'm looking forward to it."
Looking to give back to this organization, Ferguson-Lewis has been in contact with one of her former coaches at Play Rugby USA and is exploring the possibility of a partnership that would allow the Black Knights to go play rugby with elementary and middle school students as part of a youth-development effort.
In the fall, Ferguson-Lewis was one of three Army ruggers to start in all 10 matches along with senior captain Kristen Redmon and junior Sydney Dossett. The Rockaway Beach, N.Y., native scored two tries in her rookie campaign.
The Black Knights begin 7s play this weekend as they travel to Springfield, Mass., for the AIC Tournament on Sunday.
For more information on Army West Point women's rugby, visit GoArmyWestPoint.com and follow @ArmyWP_WRugby on Twitter.
Players Mentioned
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