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Guam’s Zachary Pangelinan is once again on Team USA, this time making the Rugby Select XV’s team playing in Canada this weekend. (courtesy photo)
By Patrick Lujan
Most athletes can only dream of reaching the pinnacle of their sport.
Rugby player Zachary Pangelinan has reached the top twice!
Pangelinan, coming off a major ankle injury after spending 2009 and 2010 on the USA Sevens National Team, was named to the USA Select 15’s squad currently set to play in the Americas Rugby Championships in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada this weekend.
“This is probably one of the biggest accomplishments I’ve had, especially coming back from my injury,” Pangelinan said from his training grounds in San Diego. “It’s overwhelming and it feels good.”
“We’re all excited for him,” his mother Tina Pangelinan said. “We’re so proud, what can I say. He’s a modest kid. He sets his goals and he’ll just keep going until he gets there.”
The former All-Island soccer and volleyball player for the Sanchez Sharks was phoned by USA head coach Mike Tolkin last month informing him about making the Select XVs, which is one step away from making the USA Eagles 15’s National Team. (see Team announcement story)
“They had some scouts scout me. They were looking for a fly half,” Pangelinan said. “To be given the opportunity again. This time, I’m stronger, faster and smarter and my gameplay is a lot better. I’m excited. I can’t explain it.”
The team assembles for the first time this week in San Francisco for a three-day camp before heading to Victoria to start the tournament against Argentina on Oct. 12.

Pangelinan looks to take the #10 jersey for Team USA – the all important fly half position. (courtesy photo)
Confident at #10
Unlike other sports where players can choose their jersey numbers, rugby players are assigned numbers based on their position with the starters getting 1-15. Pangelinan is aiming at jersey #10 and the starting fly half – football’s equivalent to the quarterback.
“I see the guys I’m going against and I know their style and I think I’m better than that. Now it’s just going out there and performing. I think I can hold on to that #10 for a long time. It’s one of the most difficult positions to play. It controls pretty much the game.”
Worried Mom
Tina Pangelinan, who recently retired from Guam Power Authority, has seen her son play the rough sport and still worries about him getting hurt.
“From what I understand, those are bigger, stronger men,” the Yigo mom said. “I know he’s got the speed like his mom used to have and I know he’ll do fine. I’m a weakling when it comes to pain, but my kids enjoy it. There’s something about rugby that they enjoy. The contact and long-term effect, that’s my fear.”
“Just the physical aspect is scary,” Zachary admitted. “I get scared too going up against bigger guys, but it’s a part of the game. I’m not one to take it, I’m one to give it. Especially after my injury, I’m coming back 10 times stronger. I need to be the enforcer on the field. Moms will always have their worries about their kids getting hurt. She asked me if I wanted to come home and play soccer, but I said no. I love this sport too much. She knows I’m not going to give it up.”
GSPN will have the latest information regarding Zach’s games in the America’s Rugby Championship.
ZACH’S FEATURE STORY – March 28
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GPS Sports Calendar
February 2023
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for January
1st
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
2nd
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
3rd
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
4th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Events for February
6th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
7th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
8th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
9th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
10th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
TRITONS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL FINALS
Events for February
11th
Events for February
13th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
14th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
15th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
16th
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
Events for February
17th
ISA TRACK & FIELD MEET
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
Events for February
18th
World Athletics Cross Country Championships
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
Events for February
19th
SPRINT TRIATHLON, PACIFIC GAMES QUALIFIER
MONSTER ENERGY MOTOCROSS ROUND 2
Events for February
20th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
21st
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
22nd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL
Events for February
23rd
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
Events for February
24th
ISA GIRLS SOCCER
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
Events for February
24th
Events for February
25th
Events for February
27th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFFS
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
ISA GIRLS SOCCER SEMIFINALS
Events for February
28th
IIAAG BEACH VOLLEYBALL FINALS
ISA BASEBALL LEAGUE SEMIFINALS
IIAAG TENNIS LEAGUE
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS

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Volleyball
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