USA sevens head coach Al Caravelli has successfully managed to transform America into a real IRB World Series contender in only a few years.

He played some of his club rugby and coached at the New York Athletic Club (NYAC), where another Caravelli has joined the playing field. His son, Kyle, is 20 years old and playing sevens for NYAC this summer.

UR7s.com columnist Dallen Stanford spoke with Kyle about the American rugby powerhouse that is Cal, his rugby goals, the expectations of being ‘the coaches son’ and if he could beat his Dad in a foot race!

Dallen Stanford: Firstly, tell us about your university experience at the famous Cal Berkeley?

Kyle Caravelli: Going to Cal has been an unbelievable experience, both in terms of rugby and academics. I couldn’t have asked for a better atmosphere to play and study. Berkeley is academically considered one of the best universities in the country and is home to one of the most prestigious rugby programs here too. The two of them together, as well as being in a spot like the Bay Area, has been the perfect package for me and I think I’ve really been growing and maturing as a result. I have two years left at Berkeley and will enter my junior year this fall where I plan on declaring history as my major. I’ll be graduating in the spring of 2012.

Dallen Stanford: How has your XVs season at Cal gone this year, and what is it like being around such a professional rugby program?

Kyle Caravelli: Last season we really couldn’t have asked for a better year. We were National champions and completed an undefeated season. Hopefully this coming year we can build on that success. My goal this is to be the first choice halfback and I think if I’m training hard and playing to my potential it’s definitely a possibility.
The rugby program at Cal is easily the most professional program I have been a part of and it has helped me improve my game immensely. Our coaching staff has prepared an excellent strength and conditioning program, which has helped me physically mature during my time there. We also have access to some incredible resources and facilities, be it weight rooms, pitches, or medical facilities. Our coaches, Jack Clark and Tom Billups, both of whom are incredibly accomplished individuals that I have a lot of respect for. Under their tutelage I know I’ll continue to grow as a player and reach my goals as an athlete.

Dallen Stanford: When did you start playing rugby, and what sort of influence has your Dad had?

Kyle Caravelli: I started playing rugby when I was 14 years old, my freshman year of High school at Fairfield Prep in Connecticut. Before that I played just about every other sport you can think of: football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, and wrestling. My Dad has had a pretty massive influence on me getting involved in the sport, had it not been for him I probably would have been playing something else. His passion for the game has helped foster my own love for it. Growing up we were definitely a rugby house. Like how most American Dads probably watch baseball with their sons and play catch in the front yard, that was like my Dad and I with rugby. Rugby has been a big part of both of our lives.

Dallen Stanford: You come from quite a rugby family, can you give us a brief background about your grandfather and fathers playing careers?

Kyle Caravelli: My grandfather was from Argentina and represented the National team there as a scrumhalf. My Dad grew up in Argentina and began playing there where he was capped in 7’s. He moved to California to attend college. Upon graduating, he played scrumhalf for a few clubs here in the States and eventually began coaching 7’s for NYAC.

I’m the third generation Caravelli to play rugby, and scrumhalf in particular, so there’s definitely a nice pedigree there and one I’m proud to be a part of. It’s part of our heritage I guess and we are creating a bit of a legacy in the sport.

Dallen Stanford: In fact your father helped coach NOVA at Cape Fear this year. You were on that squad, what was it like having your Dad as the coach?

Kyle Caravelli: It really hasn’t been too unique of an experience. My Dad has coached me since I was 5 years old playing soccer so to a degree it’s part of my sporting experience and I’m pretty used to it at this point. With rugby though it does present a different obstacle for us because the spotlight is always on me and I think a lot of people view me as “the coach’s son” which has been difficult at times. I’m always going to be questioning whether or not I’m treated differently as a result of my last name in the sport which is something I don’t like very much and struggle with. Despite that though, my Dad and I have a really good relationship and he’s been tremendously supportive and understanding of my goals in the sport.

Dallen Stanford: Which do you currently prefer: XVs or sevens?

Kyle Caravelli: I’ve played a lot more XVs so at the moment I think I’m better at it. I do enjoy playing both, but if I had to pick I’d say I prefer sevens. I like it most because there’s a lot more running room and open space which is nice for a player like me. In sevens I also like the fact that the positions don’t have such specific roles. In XVs positions are pretty specific and players perform tasks unique to that position. In sevens everyone needs to be a capable defender, playmaker, and finisher, which I like. Whether you are playing prop or flyhalf you still need to be a versatile player.

Dallen Stanford: Will you join NYAC after University?

Kyle Caravelli: To be honest, I have a hard time figuring out what I’m doing next week, let alone two years from now! We’ll see what’s in the cards for me but playing for NYAC after school is something I’d love to do and will consider. My goal after I graduate is to continue playing rugby at the highest-level possible so whether that’s for a domestic team here in the States or overseas it doesn’t really matter to me. Regardless, I want to continue playing at the highest level possible.

Dallen Stanford: Excellent to hear Kyle. When will we next see you in action?

Kyle Caravelli: I will actually be playing for the New York Athletic Club at the National 7s Championships in San Francisco. Hopefully I get a chance to play against you!

Fantastic! Look forward to catching up on Treasure Island then!

Click here to read the USA National 7s preview as well as an interview with the NYAC coaches.

UR7s.com columnist Dallen Stanford played 7s for the USA from 2006-2009. He will be representing Belmont Shore at Nationals this year, looking to defend their 2009 title. Dallen is an ambassador for the Tackling Cancer Foundation, and also writes for RugbyZone, Rugby IQ, Eagles XV and Pakis Corner.