Name: Marcelo Murguia-Sarin
Year in School: First-Year
Major: Environmental Studies
Years Playing Rugby: 7 years
Position in Rugby: Scrumhalf & Flyhalf
Sacramento State University Campus. Photo Credit: Sacramento State University Admissions
Why did you choose your school?
I chose Sac State for my school because it is close to home, very affordable, and I can continue my rugby career throughout college.
What was your process of being recruited?
I have known Coach Steve since I began my rugby career in 7th grade. He coached my older brother and me during my freshman year; I trusted him and how he believed in his coaching. From my first time picking up a rugby ball to now, I have to say Coach Steve helped tremendously. I came to Coach Steve about playing for him at Sac State, and he told me, “Come to one of our practices and ask the guys how they like it because I don’t want to tell you anything that isn’t true.” That stuck with me and convinced me to play here. What are your favorite parts about being a member of the rugby program?
I enjoy the brotherhood that comes from being a part of this team. But my favorite part is to continue my rugby career at a high level throughout college.
What are your favorite parts about being a student at your school?
The people you meet and the school life. All the events that show school life are very fun because I get to meet new people and learn about what the school has to offer to the entire student community.
How do you balance schoolwork and rugby?
I am a student-athlete, not an athlete student, so schoolwork always comes first before rugby. I always ensure I finish all my schoolwork as soon as possible so I don’t have to stress later in the week when it is closer to the due date.
Photo Credit: Alex Ho
What does a typical day and/or week look like for you?
I wake up at 6:25 a.m. and take a cold shower on a typical day. Breakfast is usually a bagel and coffee or sometimes a smoothie. To help my parents, I take my sister to school and then go to campus for classes. I usually have one to two classes daily and practice every Tuesday and Thursday. Before practice, I do my rehab and treatment with Athletic Trainer Bailey.
What’s the biggest challenge about playing rugby at your school?
For me, it is being the smallest kid on the team. In high school, I was fine because I was average height and weight. But when I got here to Sac State, I was the smallest kid in height and weight. I can hold my own, though.
Besides rugby, what else are you involved in on campus?
Besides rugby, I am joining the PIU or Pacific Islander United Club.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with a high school player interested in your school?
Sac State has to offer many things for you as a student-athlete. If you want to play rugby here, take the opportunity because Coach Steve will help you improve as a player and a young adult.
School Website: Men's Team Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacstaterugbyclub/ Men's Club President: malachytcoghlan@gmail.com
Women's Club Team Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sacstatewomensrugbyclub/?hl=en