Try For The Gold America's Olympic Rugby Medals

Try For The Gold: America's Olympic Rugby Medals

Authored by Mark Ryan with a foreword by Dan Lyle, this book delves into the unique heritage of American rugby. It celebrates the legacy of the U.S. teams that won gold medals at the 1920 and 1924 Olympics, highlighting how their success was built upon the diverse athletic skills of their players. These athletes, honed by other sports like football, basketball, and baseball, brought a new level of dynamism to the rugby pitch.

A Legacy of Crossover Athletes

The book shines a spotlight on two remarkable players, Babe Slater and Rudy Scholz, whose athletic prowess defined an era. Slater, a towering figure known for his football and basketball talents, utilized his skills to become a formidable rugby forward. Scholz, a gritty and speedy quarterback, proved equally adept as a scrumhalf. Their stories illustrate how the American "crossover" athlete has always been at the heart of the sport's success.

Rugby's Return to the Olympics

With rugby's return to the Olympic stage in its "Sevens" format, the book's message is more relevant than ever. It explores how this new era promises to expose the sport to a wider American audience, fostering a new generation of players who possess both the speed and skills of modern sports and the dedication of seasoned rugby veterans. Try For The Gold is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of American rugby and a hopeful look toward a future where the heirs of Slater and Scholz once again strive for victory on the world's biggest stage.