Philadelphia, PA, May 22 – Former USA Maccabiah Rugby Captain Shawn Lipman was appointed head coach of the USA Open Men’s Rugby team to compete at the 19th World Maccabiah Games in Israel, July 17 – 30, 2013. Lipman has an extensive history as an athlete at the Maccabiah Games, participating five times, the first as a member of the South African Team and subsequently as a member of the USA Team winning two gold medals (one for South Africa), one silver and two bronze medals.
In addition to his Maccabiah Rugby career, Lipman played at the international level for the USA. As a U.S. Eagle, he represented the United States at the 1991 Rugby World Cup and has played for the U.S. National Team in over 20 international matches, including 9 test matches.
Lipman has played against some of the best national and international teams in the world, including the New Zealand All Blacks, England and France. He is the first Jewish Rugby player to ever play in the World Cup of Rugby – Rugby’s highest international competition. Additionally, Lipman is a member of the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (2004) and the Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (2011).
Lipman will be assisted by another Maccabi USA Rugby alumnus, Gregory Schor-Haskin, at the Games. They are working together along with Jeff Simon, Maccabi USA Rugby Chairman, to recruit a world-class squad to represent the USA at the 19th Maccabiah Games.
“My experience at the [Maccabiah] Games has defined me as a person and as an athlete,” Lipman said. “My primary reason for coaching this team will be to do all in my power to rekindle the high expectations of performance of the USA Team.”
Lipman and Schor-Haskin are seeking the best Jewish Rugby players in the USA to compete for a spot on this team. Athletes should apply for the team at maccabiusa.com prior to the tryout, which is scheduled for August 31 – September 3, 2012 in Highland Park, IL. For further information or questions about eligibility, please contact Coach Lipman at usamaccabiahrugby@gmail.com.
About the organization:
Maccabi USA (MUSA) is a federally-recognized not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with an extensive history of enriching Jewish lives through athletic, cultural and educational programs. The organization is the official sponsor of the United States Team to the World Maccabiah Games, the Pan American Maccabi Games and the Maccabi competitions in Europe and Australia, as well as a sponsor of the JCC Maccabi Games for teens in North America. As the official Maccabi representative in the U.S., Maccabi USA supports Jewish athletic endeavors, enhanced by cultural and educational activities in the United States, Israel and throughout the Diaspora.
MUSA develops, promotes and supports international, national and regional athletic-based activities and facilities. It strives to provide Jewish athletes the world over the opportunity to share their heritage and customs in competitive athletic settings. MUSA supports programs that embody the Maccabi ideals of Jewish Continuity, Zionism and Excellence in Sport. Maccabi USA Builds Jewish Pride Through Sports.