While many graduating seniors are preparing to fathom the reality of interning, traveling and beginning their lives in the “real world,” Adam Ducoing, Kinesiology senior, has already set his sights on preparing for the Olympics.
Ducoing plans to make his Olympic debut in the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. He has already begun training for the U.S. Sevens National Team, the USA Rugby men’s national team. Through selections and recommendations, Ducoing was invited to play with the U.S. Team.
“It all fell into place,” Ducoing said. “From trainings and development since high school, coaches forwarded me to the Olympic tryouts.”
U.S. Sevens National team is ideal for smaller, faster players. Ducoing stands at a 5-foot-8-inch stature and an approximate 190 pound build. He declares speed and agility are his strong suits in playing Rugby Sevens.
“Training for the U.S. Sevens National Team is very intense and competitive.” Ducoing said. “There are former pro football players and other athletes that go out for the team.”
Billy Pecue, the Head Strength Coach for the LSU Rugby Team, has trained Ducoing for the past two years and has seen the growth in his performance.
“He shows a lot of promise and is a quick learner,” Pecue said. “Adam has all the skills and tools necessary to obtain the caliber of an Olympic athlete.”
Ducoing began playing Rugby his sophomore year at Brother Martin High School in New Orleans. There he was picked up by an athletic scout at the age of 16 for the USA national team, U.S. Eagles Under 20, which consisted of talented players under the age of 20.
“I was the youngest player,” Ducoing said. “It was an intimidating feeling playing with seniors in high school and freshmen in college.”
Ducoing is no stranger in competing in national settings. He has already gotten a taste of what it’s like to compete in the Olympics, for he has played in two Jr. World Cups.
He has played against Canada, Samoa, Russia, Romania, Georgia, Italy, Fiji, Japan, Ireland, Zimbabwe, Scotland and South Africa.
Ducoing currently plays with the LSU Rugby Team as a fullback. Ducoing expressed Rugby is a game he loves to play.
“It always challenges me to better myself because there is always something else that I need to work on.” Ducoing said.
Rugby has not been featured at the Olympic Games since 1924, having been introduced to the event in 1900. The sport did not receive the proper backing and support in 1924, so the International Olympic Committee (IOC) excluded Rugby from the Olympic Games.
However, in 2009 the IOC members decided at the 121st Session in Copenhagen of Rugby’s inclusion by an overwhelming vote. The decision will grant the world’s top men’s and women’s Rugby players the opportunity to compete for an Olympic Gold medal, the pinnacle of sporting achievement.
The popularity and interest in Rugby Sevens continues to grow around the world. Rugby is considered one of the most popular sports in the world, and is prevalent in Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the U.S.
Contact Carldeon Floyd at
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