Souderton’s Darst makes U19 All-State rugby team
An injury did not hinder Max Darst’s season.
It just made the end result that much more remarkable.
“It gave me something to work towards,” the Souderton Area senior said.
After tearing the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee earlier in the year, Darst battled his way back to the pitch, once again distinguishing himself as one of the finest rugby players in the state.
For the third year in a row, Darst has earned a spot on the Pennsylvania Under-19 All-State team, which will compete at USA Rugby’s Northeast Regional Tournament June 18th and 19th in Albany, N.Y.
Twice before, Darst has been selected to play for PA in sevens rugby, this year earning the distinction to compete in the 15s.
“It feels great,” said Darst, who graduates from Souderton Area on Thursday. “It’s really cool to be able to represent the state.”
This year provided that added obstacle for the senior, but he attacked it with renewed focus. Darst went through two months of rehab, doing a lot of lifting, working his way back. High School All Americans will be selected from the U-19 Tournament, to compete for the US later this summer.
Other locals on the All-State squad include Tommy Capriotti and Brian Stella, both from Doylestown.
“It’s the close bond you build with your teammates,” Darst said of what he enjoys most about the sport.
Rugby already in his DNA — his dad and uncle both felt at ease in a scrum — Darst was 14 when he first went by a practice field, drawn to what he saw.
He found a home with the North Penn Iron Lions, which draws players from North Penn, Lansdale Catholic, La Salle, Methacton and Souderton Area high schools.
The Guest Player Program has hosted players from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Argentina, Spain and the UK.
“Great program,” Darst said of the Lions, now in his third year with the team. “They set such a high standard in the sport.”
It’s been quite a senior year for Darst, now on the eve of his graduation.
“It’s crazy,” he said, “but I’m ready for it.”
The Iron Lion will continue his rugby career next year at Arizona State University. There were many things that stood out for Darst when he made ASU his college choice.
“The school itself — the campus is beautiful,” he said, “and the amount of opportunities that are there is pretty amazing.”
Darst joins a nationally-ranked Sun Devils squad as they aim for the top spot in the PAC 12.
“It’s gonna be great,” Darst said, “to be part of something like that.”
