Growing new roots on the rugby field

Over 8,000 miles, a continent, and an entire ocean separate Anthony Wamwea from the life he knew for seventeen years.  Armed with youthful exuberance, a contagious smile, and wisdom far beyond his teenage years, Wamwea left his home in Kenya and came to the United States to follow his dreams of achieving a higher education.  “They say schools over here are better, and I agree.  So when I was done with high school, I packed up my stuff, and here I am,” he says.

The transition of moving from Kenya to the United States was very difficult for Wamwea.  “It’s like uprooting a tree that’s already half grown and planting it in a different location,” he reminisced.

Three weeks into his first semester at Towson, Wamwea joined the men’s rugby club, seeking solace in the sport he’d played since his freshman year of high school.  “Imagine being from a different country, not knowing anybody.  The team gave me something to do, social contact, a place of friendship, and a sense of belonging,” remembers Wamwea.

The camaraderie that is shared between teammates on the club sports teams is inarguably one of the greatest intangible benefits to manifest on Towson University’s campus.  Wamwea credits his teammates with helping him adjust not only to college life, but also to aid in his transition from a Kenyan to an American lifestyle.

Wamwea extolled the physical benefits of playing a sport like rugby, explaining that it is a constructive expenditure of energy, improves strength and agility, and keeps you fit.  In addition to rugby, Wamwea is an avid swimmer, runner, and cyclist.

He is also an instructor for the ballroom dancing club at Towson University.  “I know, it’s a big change from rugby to ballroom dancing, and trust me, I never stop hearing it from my teammates.  It’s always in my face,” he says with a smile.  Then he explains how dancing helps his rugby game by working on his flexibility and agility, improving his juking ability on the field.

The way that Wamwea uses ballroom dancing to help him become a better athlete epitomizes his commitment to rugby.  He is also currently training for his first triathlon.  Wamwea takes fitness and nutrition very seriously as a holistic approach to leading a healthy lifestyle.

Head coach Don Stone describes Wamwea as a great athlete who posses innate leadership skills and radiates confidence.  “By far, he’s the most important person on my team, not only because he’s one of the top players on the team, but it’s because of his natural leadership ability,” says head coach Don Stone. “Wams has a lot of confidence and people are attracted to that in him.  When he’s on the field, people listen to him.”

On and off the rugby field, Wamwea exudes a calming presence.  His insouciance and fierce optimism permeate the atmosphere around him with a feeling of lightness.  He is confident in his abilities on the field, and has proven himself countless times in battle, gaining the respect and admiration of his teammates.  As teammate Colby Buss explains, “When Wams is on the field, everyone takes a deep breath and relaxes.   He has a big presence on the field he’s pretty damn good.  He’s a leader and an impactful player.”

In person, Wamwea is polite, soft-spoken, and articulate.  He is studying pre-medicine, with a major in biology and a double minor in psychology and chemistry.  His dedication to furthering his education, making himself a stronger candidate for medical school, and finding a balance between academics and athletics is representative of his inherent ambition and determination to follow his dreams.

After graduating from Towson University, Wamwea hopes to attend medical school and become a pediatrician.  He wants to work with kids so that he can teach them not only about health, but also about social responsibility. “If you can affect children positively when they’re young, they’re more likely to grow up to be mature, responsible adults,” says Wamwea.

“I think it’s not only important that you make yourself better, but that you make your world better,” he says. “All people need is the right challenge to bring out their inner potential and make it a reality.”

Coach Stone motivates his players before an important pre-game practice as Wamwea (fifth from right) listens with his teammates.