With the 35th season of UA men's rugby team kicking off in a mere two weeks, both current and former Wildcats are looking to continue their recent success.

Senior flanker Tom Dolan leads several Arizona standouts making a name for themselves within the rugby world on the national and international level.

Dolan was recently selected to play for the 2002 United States Collegiate Team aptly dubbed the All-Americans.

The squad, comprised of 25 players from colleges throughout the United States, recently ended its three-match exhibition tour in Western Cape Province located in South Africa. There they battled collegiate rugby powerhouses Peninsula Technikon, the University of Western Cape and the famed University of Stellenbosch.

Accompanying Dolan on the All-American side was two-time All-American Jonathan Gray. A recent Arizona graduate and future Seattle Rugby Club halfback, Gray was making his second trip with the All-American squad, which traveled to Ireland last year.

"There can be no higher honor for a college rugby player than to be selected among the 30 best out of roughly 14,000 players," said Arizona head coach Dave Sitton. "On top of that, to have an opportunity to represent one's country at an early age is truly remarkable."

In the tour opener, held in Capetown, the All-Americans triumphed over Peninsula Technikon 44-13 behind the stellar play of Dolan and Gray. The duo combined for three tries, with Gray scoring one and Dolan accounting for the other two.

Dolan sat out the remainder of the games after a training practice incident left him with a shattered cheekbone, requiring reconstructive surgery. The All-Americans were outplayed and dropped their next game to Stellenbosch by a score of 45-21.

Dolan and Gray are not the only Wildcats being recognized on a national level. In the 80s, former Wildcat Kevin McCaslin started a career in rugby that saw his efforts recently rewarded when he was selected as a USA "A" Panel Referee. This will enable McCaslin to referee top international matches throughout the world in countries such as New Zealand, Mexico and Trinidad.

Former Wildcat Rugby standout Al Lakomskis has received high accolades, as well. The 1999 UA grad was recently chosen to represent the United States on the World Cup qualifying squad competing next year. Among the teams involved are Canada, Chile and Uruguay.

Sitton is entering his 30th year with Arizona rugby, four of which were spent as a player.

His 2002-2003 squad will start with a high national ranking and even higher hopes.

"Last year we finished strong, winning our last seven games. We unfortunately lost many fine players to graduation, but we do have a young back line and many solid up-and-comers," Sitton said. "It's our policy to improve every time we step out onto that field whether it is in practice or in games."

The rugby team will start on Oct. 18 at Colorado. Its first home matches will be part of the annual Domino's Invitational Tournament, Nov. 23 and 24 at Estevan Park. Among the teams competing will be New Mexico, Sacramento State and others to be announced.

More information on Arizona Wildcat Rugby is available at http://www.al.arizona.edu/uarugby.