Nilsson to Return to 'Noles as First XV Captain

July 5, 2011

Several months ago, flanker Kennedy Nilsson was accepted to grad school at FSU which made him eligible to play a fifth year of rugby for the 'Noles. This week, the club announced that Kennedy will spend his last year with the First XV as captain.

Nilsson began his playing career at FSU in 2007 after playing junior rugby for his home town of Niceville during high school. He was named FSU's Freshman of the Year at the conclusion of his initial season and has gone on to hold a variety of other leadership positions within the club. This past season, Kennedy served as vice-captain alongside standout Captain Dylan Hamilton who graduated and will take his talents to Australia this fall. Nilsson is known to his teammates and opponents as a physical and durable forward whose work rate may be unmatched among college rugby players in the state of Florida.

Coach George Reynolds is excited about how the 'Noles will perform under the leadership of Nilsson. "Kennedy has come through our system and improved each year. He is a great example of a successful student-athlete who has performed both on and off the field."

For the first time in recent memory two vice captains have been formally appointed to serve with Nilsson, which is in part a reflection of the enlarged roster that the 'Noles have carried over the past several seasons. Junior Steve Wertepny, a product of the Tampa Pelicans rugby program, will serve as one vice captain and will be asked to provide leadership for the backline players in the club. A 6' 3" frame combined with blazing speed has enabled Wertepny to blossom into a devastating strike runner from full back. Another junior, Miami native Anthony Bouza, will serve as a second vice-captain of the club in 2011-2012. Bouza regularly captained FSU's reserve grade sides this past season, providing inspirational leadership while anchoring scrums from the hooker position. Bouza will be asked to mentor young 'Noles as he strives to establish himself as a First XV player this season.

A shift in coaching roles was also announced by the club this week. Kirk Swanner has been named as the Head Coach starting immediately. Swanner started his playing career at FSU and was several times named a Florida and South collegiate All-Star before spending 2009 playing at the Takapuna Club in New Zealand. Former Head Coach Tim Russell led the 'Noles to a 2nd place finish in the South Conference in 2011, but has opted to step out of the Head Coaching role due to work and family commitments. Russell will continue to lend his expertise to the club, coaching on a part-time basis