The inaugural Collegiate Championship Invitational (CCI) 7s Series was a major success in Columbus Ohio (June 4-6th) putting rugby on the map in America.

NBC’s LIVE TV coverage was a vital component together with some thrilling sevens rugby from 16 of the top Universities in the United States. The final was a breath-taking affair with favourites Cal Berkley (veteran 15s champions) scoring on the final movement of the game against Utah to tie the match 26-26!

In what was a dream finish for Utah, Don Patti’s classic extra-time try gave his side an unbelievable 31-26 victory!

Thretton Palamo – USA 7s veteran at only 21 years old – produced an MVP performance scoring the try of the tournament against Cal.

“It was a monster team effort! And I am very proud of the boys,” Palamo told UR7s.

Event organizers USA Sevens LLC have done an outstanding job of recognizing the correct avenues to promote the exciting game of rugby in a country some call ‘the sleeping giant’. Other media have supported the tournament which is crucial for the future.

I interviewed tournament manager Dan Lyle (from USA Sevens LLC) last month, as well as coaches from Harvard (Dave Gonzales) and Dartmouth (Alex Magleby).

This time I caught up with the coach of champions Utah, Jason Pye.

Pye has a very impressive rugby resume, playing sevens for the USA in 11 IRB tournaments. The speedster led the USA Sevens's team in tries during the 2006/2007 season, and played alongside UR7s Dallen Stanford for several of those tournaments. Pye – a resident of Salt Lake City – started coaching the University of Utah’s 7s side in 2010.

Jason, congratulations on an unbelievable weekend at the Collegiate Championship Invitational! That final was something out of a movie – with everyone on the edge of their seats for more than 20 minutes! Tell us what was going through your mind during the final?

You are right Dallen it was unbelievable! I knew that we had the ability to win the game. After watching Cal play throughout the tournament, it was obvious that they were well coached. I knew that we had the ability to win the game and had a lot of confidence in my guys.
 

It was a thrilling finish. Did you tell Don Pati that when he dived to score the winner, a Cal defender almost knocked the ball out of his hands?

Dustin Munn was the player for Cal who almost got his hand on the ball! Hats off to Don though. We watched it as a team in the hotel room and it was kinda the "no harm, no foul"! Don had a great tournament and deserved to enjoy his moment in the sun.

Let’s talk about the pre-season. How much time were you able to spend with your side concentrating on sevens?

It was a hard build up Dallen. After a long 15s season the guys were pretty worn down. I had 4-5 weeks with the guys and we even had to resort to fitness sessions in the pool to save their legs.

What was the turnout like at trainings, and was it difficult to select the traveling squad of 12 players?

I was proud of how the boys committed. We actually trained 5 days per week and had 10 of my 12 starters at every training. We also had a hand from some of the Utah Alumni who would show up to run opposition.

How supportive is the University of Utah with regards to rugby?

Not entirely... but that being said I think that they will come around. The rugby community in Utah is strong and we gained a lot of support from our Alumni and the community. We are nowhere on the same level as Cal, BYU, or Army when it comes to school support though.

Tell us about the setup at the CCI 7s tournament – from when you landed in Columbus?

The organizers were class act! Really as close to an IRB 7's event as humanly possible. A massive ‘Thank you’ to all those involved.

Was the stadium in Columbus a suitable venue?

The Venue was great! The crowd was lack luster though... Utah, Bay area, Chicago, New York are my votes for next year. But yes let's keep the MLS relationship moving forward!

Unfortunately you and I are too old for this event, but what impact will this have on university rugby throughout America?

Sevens is the pathway! It is more palatable to the American public being less complicated and fast paced. I hope to see Universities making sevens Varsity.

Rumour has it that MVP Thretton Palamo will be turning his attention to Utah Football? Do you think he will return to rugby?

Thretton and I are close. He is turning efforts to football for a while but his heart lies with rugby! Guys like him should be making big money playing some sport. Wish it was rugby...

What are your future rugby plans – in terms of playing as well as coaching?

That's a good question Dallen! I love rugby and feel that it will be a part of my life in the future as well. I would love to make a career in coaching if it presents itself, but in the meantime, I think my legs have a little left in them so playing more is not out of the question.

Jason thanks so much for speaking to us! UR7s congratulates you and your team on a phenomenal win!

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