An Interview with Denville Dawgs' Tina Miller
American Flag Rugby News and Press
February 22, 2011
Tina Miller at scrumhalf for the Morris Lady Lions
KJ Feury of the Denville Dawgs interviews Morris Rugby's Tina Miller. Tina started playing flag rugby at Denville and is now on the Morris Lady Lions U19 side. The Dawgs are one of 11 communities playing Flag rugby in Morris County, New Jersey. Miller has recently been invited to the USA Rugby U20 national camp. We also love the fact that Tina is a ballerina dancing in her fourth year on Pointe.
When did you start playing rugby?
I started in the Denville Dawgs flag program in 2004, I was 12. It was the summer after 6th grade.
What position do you play?
Currently play scrumhalf, wing, and any back position.
What team are you currently playing for? Include USA tryout.
Within the past year: Morris Lady Lions U19, MorrisLady Lions Women's, Morris Lady Lions Women's 7s, NYMET Select Sides, trying out for U20 National Team.
What other sports or activities did your participate in?
I have been dancing for 16 years. I am currently dancing ballet on Pointe (4th yr). I previously danced tap, lyrical, modern, jazz and was a student teacher. At Morris Catholic: 4 yr Varsity cheerleader, Winter & Spring Track, Lacrosse. At my parish, St Mary's Denville I sang in the youth choir (6yrs), coached cheerleading at St Mary's (4 yrs) Substitute teaching for CCD, assist with cooking for the homeless, I am a lifetime Girl Scouts. Rugby referee (3 yrs), assist coaching for flag. I also attended the East Stroudsburg Rugby Camp.
What gives you the thrill in rugby?
I love everything about it, but probably the best is the thrill of the chase; chasing others down and not having to hold back, and being chased and getting away.
What are you doing now including schooling & community service work?
Coaching for the Denville Dawgs and referee, attend CCM pursuing a degree in Design-Fashion Merchandising, Dancing ballet/Pointe, working 2 jobs-after school child care & sales associate at Delia's, help out with the parish programs when available, designed the t-shirts for the Jersey Cup Invitational, Lady Lions U19, and the Ruby Youth Festival. I was also recently nominated to the Mayor's Municipal Action Committee in Denville.
Has referring given you a different perspective of the game?
Yes, I have developed a better understanding of and more respect for the rules. It has also given me insight into how far I can push the envelope and what I can get away with.
What are your rugby goals for the future?
Make the U20 team and continue to play and promote the sport (maybe Rio 2016?).
What would you say to a 12 year old girl to encourage her to play rugby?
Rugby is a game that is different from the norm. People do not expect it of you, so if you like to do the unexpected, get a little rough and be part of a team go out for Rugby. Rugby is truly a sport that it is not whether you win or lose but how you play, you play for the fun of the game and the fun of the socializing after. There are also a lot of cute boys too.
Contact: KJ Feury
Email: kjfeury@optonline.net
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