Rugby, Resilience, and the Power of Community: Lessons from Alaska’s Midnight Sun 7s
There’s something about rugby that transcends the sport itself. It’s not just about the tackles, the tries, or the trophies—though those are undeniably thrilling. What makes this particularly fascinating is how rugby becomes a vehicle for something much deeper: community, resilience, and the passing of values from one generation to the next. This was on full display at the recent Alaska Midnight Sun 7s tournament in Anchorage, where the All Army Men’s Rugby team didn’t just dominate on the field—they left a lasting impact off it.
A Homecoming with Purpose
When Sgt. 1st Class Michael Melendez-Rivera returned to Anchorage, it wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. For him, it was a chance to give back to the community that shaped him. Melendez-Rivera, a native Alaskan, spearheaded free rugby clinics for youth and high school students, a move that, in my opinion, speaks volumes about the man and the sport he loves. What many people don’t realize is that rugby isn’t just a game; it’s a culture. It’s about respect, teamwork, and grit—values that Melendez-Rivera credits to his Alaskan upbringing.
Personally, I think this is where the story gets truly compelling. Here’s a guy who found rugby after joining the Army, turned it into a passion, and now uses it as a tool to inspire the next generation. It’s not just about teaching kids how to pass a ball; it’s about instilling in them the kind of resilience that comes from growing up in a place like Alaska, where the cold doesn’t just test your body—it tests your spirit.
The Army’s Role: More Than Just Winning
The All Army team’s victory in the tournament was impressive, but what struck me more was their commitment to community engagement. This raises a deeper question: What does it mean for a sports team to truly give back? In this case, it meant taking time out of their schedule to host clinics, share their stories, and show young athletes what rugby—and life—is all about.
One thing that immediately stands out is the contrast between the team’s high-stakes competition and their willingness to slow down and connect with kids. For active-duty soldiers, this tournament was a reprieve, a chance to play the sport they love. But it was also an opportunity to be role models. As Melendez-Rivera put it, rugby teaches you to trust the person on your left and right—a lesson that resonates far beyond the field.
A Sport on the Rise
Rugby’s growth in Alaska is a story worth telling. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the state’s rugby scene has evolved over the past decade. When Melendez-Rivera was last in Anchorage with the All Army team in 2018, the sport was already gaining traction. Fast forward to today, and you see Alaska Select teams competing at a high level, nearly making it to the finals.
What this really suggests is that rugby isn’t just a passing fad in Alaska—it’s becoming a staple. Tournament director Jami Almonte noted the elevation in the level of play, and I couldn’t agree more. The fact that Alaska’s teams are holding their own against national and international competition is a testament to the hard work of players, coaches, and the community.
The Global Appeal of Rugby
While this year’s tournament didn’t feature international teams due to travel expenses, the commitment from Australian teams to return next year is a promising sign. Rugby, after all, is a global sport, and its ability to bring people together across borders is one of its greatest strengths.
From my perspective, this global aspect is what makes rugby so special. Players like 2nd Lt. Nathan Gould, who joined the All Army team after playing at West Point, embody this spirit. For Gould, rugby is as much about travel and exploration as it is about competition. “Half the fun about rugby is traveling and trying new places,” he said, and I couldn’t agree more.
The Heart of the Matter
If you take a step back and think about it, the real story here isn’t about wins or losses—it’s about connection. Rugby has a way of fostering bonds that last a lifetime. Melendez-Rivera’s pitch to parents to let their kids try rugby isn’t just about the sport; it’s about the values it instills. Trust, respect, resilience—these are the things that stay with you long after you’ve hung up your cleats.
What this tournament showed me is that rugby isn’t just a game; it’s a community. And in a place like Alaska, where the winters are long and the challenges are many, that community becomes a lifeline. The All Army team didn’t just win a tournament—they reminded us of the power of giving back, of paying it forward, and of the enduring impact of a sport that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on the Alaska Midnight Sun 7s, I’m reminded of why I love rugby. It’s not just the physicality or the strategy—it’s the way it brings people together, the way it teaches us to rely on one another, and the way it leaves a mark on everyone it touches. Personally, I think this tournament was a masterclass in how sports can be a force for good. It wasn’t just about dominating the present; it was about building the future. And in that, the All Army team scored the biggest victory of all.
