Palyer of the Month: December

Gilbert De La Garza grew up in Southern California and went to Montebello High School. He left after two years due to, what he describes as, “creative differences.” Something about a math teacher and what he considered an “odd number.” Much like other players on our team that veer from the one true way, Gil found his way back to the path of the righteous man and completed his GED two years later. He has continued to better himself by completing his undergrad studies at University of Phoenix, where he attended the Pasadena onsite campus. Asked if it was easy to complete his degree later in life, Gil answered that, “it’s much harder than most people think.” Gil graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with aspirations of attending Law School or continuing his studies and becoming a Psychologist. He is currently a production manager at a postproduction facility where he runs the digital imaging department at IO Film. So, I can only assume we will be getting bootleg copies of next years Academy Nominated films???

Gilbert is twice married. The first time in 1995 to the mother of his 12-year-old son, Gustavo who will be 13 on Feb 23, 2008. He remarried on June 4, 2005 to Kathy. On July 13th 2006 they welcomed Alexander, he is now 17 months old and well on his way to becoming a rugby player himself and his dad seems to think he enjoys watching Rugby on Setanta Sport. But we all know Alex really wants the Wiggles or that god awful Pinky Dinky Doo. Gil found the team via the Internet, making our site the third most popular site on the net (#1. Porn, #2 Wikipedia)

Despite never playing organized rugby, ok that is not true, Gill will admit that he used to play in the winter as off-season football training while in high school…but sounded like a game of grab-ass more than rugby...Gilbert has taken to the game quite quickly. As with any “new to the sport” player, it has taken him a while to learn the basics. During the Huntington Beach Tourney, Gil still looked a tad tentative and reluctant to enter the fray. However, to this player’s eye, the month of December was a turning point in his development. Starting with attending the weekend fitness practices, Gil’s endurance, strength and quickness began to improve. This translated well to practices where he was able to provide a higher work rate in rucks and mauls, thus…far more effective as a forward. His tenacity at practice paid off with a stellar performance at the Mike Aston 15’s Tournament. Playing lock, Gil’s field awareness improved with each game. He ran well with the ball, rarely losing possession and made several defensive stops against far more experienced player that saved sure tries. During practices, Gil always listens intently and then applies, to the best of his ability, what the coaches tell him. He doesnt yet have a rugby mentor per se, but singled out his brother Al as his life mentor. Al played varsity football and baseball and has always supported Gil. He was instrumental in Gil’s return to school as well as getting a college degree. He is “the person I often look to when I need advice.”

Gilbert’s best memory so far has to be the scrimmage in the rain before our tournament. “It was everything you could want, playing a sport you love in the rain with the guys you have bled and sweat with all these months.” Who could disagree?

There you have it…we know a little more about one of our players…congratulate Gil on being the Player of the Month for December.

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