Fall Athlete Spotlight: Mark Gilbert
Mark Gilbert defines what it means to be a rugby player. Whether it’s coming up with a big tackle or getting his team in a position to make a big play, he is always passionate about the game.
In his senior year, Gilbert is once again the starting fly-half for the varsity squad. In addition, he has been named one of the captains of the program.
Gilbert started his rugby career as a sophomore, which he explained was a year of getting to know the game and developing his skills.
“Initially, I was hesitant to join a new sport,” Gilbert said, “but once I went to my first summer practice, I was locked in. I had a lot to learn, but I was determined.”
He credits a lot of his early development to the coaching staff. Varsity coach Patrick Moroney and junior varsity coaches Rick Sullivan, Greg Emiger, and Brian Sheehy helped Gilbert fall in love with the game and learn what it means to be a rugby player.
Gilbert’s upperclassmen as a sophomore and junior also helped him develop into the player he is today. Gilbert learned lessons from each athlete by playing with them or watching them on the pitch and at practice. Their actions spoke volumes to him as he picked up on ways to become a better athlete and teammate.
He learned lessons of leadership and hard work from former captains Liam Flood (’21) and Andrew White (’20). Learning from these previous leaders, Gilbert strives to put all his effort into every game and practice.
Gilbert attributes White as one of his biggest role models on the Rugby pitch. White, who was previously the starting fly-half, taught Gilbert important leadership and game awareness lessons that he hopes to carry on in his senior season. Through “little tips and jokes” in practice and before games, Gilbert noticed how White was always able to motivate his teammates.
“I definitely have a lot of work to do as a leader, but I always try to use (Andrew White) as a role model for the type of leader I want to be,” Gilbert said.
Gilbert learned to be fearless in-game and to stay motivated on and off the pitch from previous varsity players. The rugby leaders of the Class of 2020 helped Gilbert develop a routine of constantly staying fit in the weight room.
“During my sophomore year, the seniors were in the weight room whenever they could,” Gilbert said. “Watching them gave me the motivation to keep going to the gym because I recognized their skill during games. In order to be at their level, I had to work as hard as them.”
In his junior year, Gilbert took his game to the next level, becoming the starting fly-half on the varsity squad. He was the only junior to start in the backs line for the Colts that season. Learning from each game, he began to feel comfortable in this position and would shine as one of the best players that spring for the Colts.
Even though he learned more about the game and has developed since last year, Gilbert believes the most important lesson he has learned was to always have a strong work ethic.
“I would ask as many questions as I could in order to clear up any doubts I had about certain a situation or play,” Gilbert said. “I would be at practice every day and put in the maximum effort to guarantee my skills would improve.”
As a captain, Gilbert strives to be the best leader and role model possible for his teammates and the underclassmen.
“I want everyone to feel comfortable together as a team. I want to be able to motivate my teammates to be better players and to play their hearts out during matches,” he said.
Entering his senior year and last fall season, Gilbert is excited for another chance to play with the teammates that he has become so close with. He considers himself lucky to have developed such an incredible bond with his coaches and teammates. He hopes to make them proud as rugby has grown to mean so much to him over the years.
“I want to make this final year one that will remain with each of us forever.”
