P.E. Teacher Pursues Passions All the Way to the UK

The community gathered for a touching Morning Ex from Physical Education teacher Tyler Heidtke on his adventure playing in the 35-and-older Men’s USA National team during the Touch Rugby World Cup, which took place in Nottingham, UK this summer. The U.S. was one of almost 40 countries that participated.

Heidtke described his history getting into touch rugby, from high school soccer and baseball to rugby in college and, today, the Chicago Touch Rugby organization. He explained the history of rugby and used video to highlight the differences between traditional rugby and touch rugby. He shared the process of making the team and the hard work of the players to prepare for the tournament, even while spread across the U.S.

Heidtke then shifted gears and discussed his time in Nottingham. The first week his team spent time training and finishing activities like Media Day to prepare for the tournament. The second week play began with two games a day! Although the result may not have been 1st place, the team showed tremendous effort and growth as a group of volunteers playing against some countries with professional teams.

Heidtke concluded with the message that no one should shy away from experiences, but rather seek to create new passions and pursue them regardless of what the outcome may be.

Click here for photos.