Kalamazoo Times

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University (WMU) exercise science alumnus Ivan Delgado, B.S.'21, M.S.'24, has gained international recognition by representing the Bronco men’s rugby club on the global stage. Delgado was one of 32 players selected nationwide to join the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) All-American team for the France-USA Rugby Centennial.

The centennial event concluded in Paris as the city prepared for the Olympics. "To be able to play in those high-level games and go to France to experience it all, that's a pretty cool thing," said Delgado. "It's a perfect example of why someone should come to Western and play club sports. You don't have to be a Division I athlete or play a varsity sport to still get noticed at the national level."

Delgado's team competed against Academy-level French teams and the world champion French military team, commemorating both the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the 100th anniversary of the 1924 Olympic gold medal match between France and the United States.

Steven Hiatt, NCR vice chairman, described the series as "a fantastic opportunity to showcase the unique, long-lived connections" between France and the United States. He added, "Being part of the All-American team is one of the highest honors in American sport, and sending the All-American team underscores the importance of the event."

The NCR All-American team played matches in Hauts-de-France, Normandy, and Paris while also engaging in sightseeing and fan interactions. Team USA won all their matches during this two-week tour.

"It feels pretty unreal to have been selected because coaches were telling us there were thousands of applications and tons of film they watched," Delgado remarked. "For me to be selected for one of those 32 roster positions felt pretty good. I'm grateful for the opportunity and grateful to be considered one of the top collegiate players in the country."

Delgado discovered WMU through its rugby club while growing up in Chicago. He credits his studies in exercise science with enhancing his athletic performance significantly.

An impactful internship with WMU Athletics' strength and conditioning coaches allowed Delgado to apply classroom knowledge practically by training Bronco athletes. "They really shaped me to be a good strength and conditioning coach," he said. This experience led him to secure a full-time job as a sports performance coach in Hinsdale, Illinois.

Delgado noted that proper training techniques learned during his internship helped prevent injuries that previously plagued him: "Every sport needs specific training... Learning proper training techniques helps me become a better athlete myself."

Rugby is among WMU's more competitive clubs within its Sports Club Council, which oversees 30 clubs ranging from badminton to esports. Kyle Bushee, assistant director for club sports at Western, emphasized that these clubs offer students valuable resume-building experiences alongside their passions.

"We have clubs vying to be on the national stage...and then we have clubs that just enjoy...finding community and a sense of belonging on campus," Bushee explained.

Clubs are student-run and provide leadership training each fall for executive board members. Bushee added that this training includes conflict resolution, budget management, and other real-world skills.

More information about Western's club sports teams is available online.