Eastern Student Thomas "Stork" Valencis of Terryville Makes USA Rugby Honor Roll

2016 Aug 24

Thomas "Stork" Valencis '17, a student and rugby player at Eastern Connecticut State University, has been selected for the USA Rugby National Collegiate Academic Honor Roll for the 2015-16 academic year. Valencis, an Accounting major from Terryville was selected as one of 15 male rugby players in the country with a 3.9 or better GPA; recipients of the award have to be starters on their teams.

Valencis plays the position of "lock" (second rower) and is president of the Eastern Connecticut Rugby Club. He has played rugby for Eastern since his freshman year. Valencis and his teammates participated in the Rugby National Championships in Colorado this past spring, placing fourth in the nation.

"The team and coaches are very proud of Tom," said volunteer assistant coach Ray Aramini. "Eastern rugby is committed to excellence on the field, in the classroom and in service to the community, and Tom continues to excel in all three areas. We look forward to a great season this fall with Tom as club president."

"As the quality of rugby at the college level grows, it's important to remember the fundamental reason for attendance," said USA Rugby College Director Rich Cortez. "The student-athletes named to this year's Academic Honor Roll have kept their priorities in line and have represented their families, schools and communities with great pride. Not too many years ago our list of academic honorees was a fraction of the number in this year's list. It's a reflection of commitment to maintain rugby's core values in the classroom as well as the field."