Jon Garbin Presents: Man of the Match Insider
This Week’s Guest: Kevin McCorry
On October 13, the St. Bonaventure Bonnies took on the Fordham Rams in what was a must-win for the ruggers if they wanted to keep their dream alive of competing at the USA D1-AA Rugby National Championship. The Bonnies also looked to shake off their loss to Fordham in the playoffs of their inaugural D1 year four years ago when I was a freshman.
(Photo on left:) McCorry scores his first try of the season in the Bonnies win over Fordham
Strong groundwork by the forwards and kick placement by the backs lead to a 21-17 win, the Bonnies first in three weeks, following a loss to Binghamton and a tie with West Point. One player that stood out in the match was Kevin McCorry, a feisty scrumhalf who provides the team with strong tackling skills from a position not normally known for it, and stellar kicking ability, both for points and possession.
In the win over Fordham, McCorry scored 11 points for the team through a try and three conversion kicks. He went on to add 10 more points the following week against Syracuse when he added another try, a conversion and a penalty kick. McCorry leads the team with 47 points on the season, good for fourth in the Empire Rugby Conference.
McCorry, a Journalism major and Spanish minor, who recently began graduate school in St. Bonaventure's IMC program, balances it all with his internship in the President's office, as well as his role as S.B.U.R.F.C. president.
When he finally has a chance to sit down and relax, McCorry finds time to partake in his mother's cooking, which he claims is not only the best in the state, but perhaps the whole world.
While looking for schools, Kevin chose St. Bonaventure because on his college visit everyone was extremely friendly and welcoming. Factoring in the sights and sounds of the Bonaventure campus and surrounding area meant it was love at first sight.
A McQuaid Jesuit alum, like others on the team, Kevin had seen playing time in high school, but has excelled at the college level. Winning the Man of the Match was especially important to him, but he attributes much of his success to his teammates.
(Photo on right:) and his second try of the season in the Bonnies home hin over Syracuse, this one with numerous teammates in support.
“Winning the Man of the Match means that my team was successful on Saturday and we were able to get the win, which is all I care about,” said McCorry. “My position is unique because I'm a facilitator. When the other 14 guys are playing well it makes my job very easy and I have to credit my success to those hard working gentleman, especially the forwards.”
Kevin plans to continue focusing on strengthening the positive aspects of his game such as passing and tackling, while improving his field awareness and decision making.
“I take this Man of the Match award as a sign I'm heading in the right direction and hope to continue to move forward.”