Player of the Month: November

Suan Tan was born in Singapore and grew up in Southern California where he went to high school at Webb School in Claremont. Suan excelled in school as well as athletics where he played basketball, volleyball, water polo, football, and wrestling. Of course Keegan would tell you that volleyball is not a sport, but if Suan played it…well you know VB must kick ass. In the 9th grade, Suan decide that he wanted to play a new sport and thought rugby would be an interesting choice. He researched the game, but unfortunately didn’t find time to play then. However, the “itch” to play remained buried in the recess of his mind until he graduated.

Suan started playing rugby when he attended Union College in Schenectady (upstate) New York. Here, he finally found rugby and played in the forwards. Arriving home after graduation, he wanted to again play rugby and did what every other Pasadena Rugby player has done…Googled: SoCal Rugby. Suan, in his typical quite, yet direct response as to why he chose Pasadena, answered, “we had better jersey colors than Eagle Rock.” Apparently green flushes him out.

Over the past month, Suan has become more than just a defensive power. Despite his small size, he packs a wallop and has always been one of the best tacklers on our team. However, during the Huntington Beach Tourney, Suan demonstrated what an offensive force he could be. I know we have heard this before, but never about a back…. "it takes two to three players to stop him!” Many players can drag a defender two or three yards, but most end up losing the ball. Suan is become more and more adept at dragging two player 5 yards and then allowing the ball to be recycled, allowing for quick ball and so his other center and wingers the ability to get the ball with less defenders perusing him. Sure, maybe he didn’t score the try…but his tenacity and drive played a huge part in setting up that try for his teammate. His work ethic on the pitch and during practice is exemplar. While he may not deliver hate speeches or scream out insults, he leads by example. I for one am hoping more players pay attention to this silent giant.

When Suan is not on the rugby pitch, he enjoys…oh never mind. Just know that Suan Tan is my Player of the Month for November. Good job and keep on hitting.

Oops,
Tanner