Rugby (Boys/Girls) | 10/3/2024 6:00:00 AM

Cathedral Catholic's Spencer Huntley '25 has made an incredible impact on the international rugby stage, becoming the youngest player ever to start for the USA Men's U20 team at just 17 years old! Spencer's journey began with an invitation to a training camp in Bellingham, WA, from May 13-29, where he was the only high school player selected. From there, he earned a starting position in the USA's first qualifying match against Canada, helping the team secure a spot in the U20 World Rugby Trophy in Edinburgh, Scotland from July 2-17.

Following rigorous training camps in both Washington and Charlotte, NC, Spencer was chosen for the final squad, alongside Cathedral Catholic alum Dylan Fortune '22. The team then flew to Edinburgh on June 28, and stayed and trained at St. Andrew's University during the World Trophy until just last week.    

Competing at the prestigious tournament in Scotland, Spencer was a standout, starting in the second game against Uruguay and playing a crucial role in the USA's comeback win. The USA were down 3-8 at halftime, but roared back in the second half to win 32-15. The second half is worth watching here through this link.

The team went on to defeat the Netherlands, Uruguay, and Kenya, reaching the Final for the first time since 2012. He was then named to the starting scrum-half for USA in the Final, and while the USA lost the Final against a top-tier team, that was a massive honor for him at such a young age, and he performed extremely well and represented our country and school with tremendous pride. 

Congratulations, Spencer, on this incredible accomplishment!