skip navigation

Rugby Cat Senior Profile: Declan McCarthy

By Jacob Novak '19, 04/15/19, 2:00PM EDT

Share

Meet one of the men who helps keep the Rugby Cats rolling.

Declan McCarthy ‘19 lives in Berea and attended St. Mary of Berea. He lives with his mom, sister Nora, and brothers Aidan and Seamus, last week's senior profile recipient prop.

Declan discovered rugby through his brother Seamus. Declan liked watching the sport, rather than playing. Declan’s mom was happy to hear about his decision to manage the rugby team. Declan had served as a manager for the Saint Ignatius football, too. Declan served as an excellent manager for the Football Cats, doing an outstanding job.

Declan liked rugby because it was obviously different. The sport is an older one with a richer history. Rugby is a more complex sport than football, and in his opinion, more entertaining and more physical.

Just like his brother, Declan also loved that the brotherhood of the rugby team was strong.

“The brotherhood of the team is of one of the best I have ever witnessed,” Declan said. “It’s a no man left behind mentality, and I believe that is what allows us to play at the caliber we are at.”

Declan learned about rugby in a matter of weeks. Declan picked up the concepts after going to practices and after watching some international test matches on YouTube.

As for his responsibilities with the team, Declan does everything and anything. Two of his primary roles are filming the games and providing commentary on the SIBN. Declan does a great job at both of these jobs and all of his other roles with the team. 

Declan plans on attending  John Carroll University, as he follows in his mother’s footsteps, but also forging his own path in the fall. He plans on studying nursing and sports management.

Declan even plans to tryout for John Carroll’s club rugby team. If it doesn't workout, he will come back and help Coach Dan Arbeznik ‘00 and Wildcat Rugby.