DALEAKA MENIN AND EMILY TUTTOSI PRESENTED WITH CAPS

Two University of Calgary Women’s rugby stalwarts were presented their caps at the Dinos Rugby Banquet earlier this month. The two athletes in question have a lot in common; they started with the Dinos at the same time, both play in the front row, come from small town rugby talent pools, play their summer rugby with the Calgary Hornets and attended their first Senior ID camp together. It was therefore fitting that they received their Rugby Canada Caps side by side. DaLeaka Menin and Emily Tuttosi were presented their caps by four-time World Cup international Dave Lougheed.

DaLeaka Menin

DaLeaka hails from Vulcan, AB and has amassed 19 caps in just over two years with the National Team. DaLeaka relished in being able to receive her cap with Emily: "To be able to share this experience with Emily, who I started Dinos and went to my first Sr Women ID camp with, and with my Dinos family, both past and present having been some of my biggest supporters while playing at the Senior level, in my last year as a Dinos athlete, was such a fun and humbling experience." DaLeaka is pursuing a Bachelor of Art in Law and Society.

Emily Tuttosi

Emily is from Souris, MB and earned two caps in November versus England. She is finishing up her Bachelor of Science (Kinesiology) and five years with the Dinos. “Getting to play for my country is such a privilege and honour. Receiving my cap at our banquet is something special too, it is nice to celebrate with so many teammates and coaches that have been a part of my journey this far.” Said Emily when thinking about her experience.

Simon Chi, the University of Calgary Dinos Rugby Head Coach commended both players on their growth in the program: “There is no greater honour for a rugby player than to wear their national jersey at the senior level.  Five years ago both DaLeaka and Emily came to the University of Calgary as talented first year athletes with a lot of potential.  They both have worked tremendously hard and it has culminated with both of them graduating together having received their national caps.  We are so proud of their growth as both athletes and people and look forward to what the future holds.”

All Rugby Canada alumni are encouraged to sign up for the Alumni mailing list to keep track of important items like capping ceremonies, get-togethers and exclusive alumni offers. Sign up here: http://rugbycanada.us15.list-manage1.com/subscribe?u=14abc4c3c41c6b2641ddcd715&id=8e9971eee6