Unsung Hero - On the Field

Recently, one of Tye Haight’s team mates came to The Ruggernut and suggested he deserved recognition. We got to thinking about Tye and agreed with the suggestion. Tye is in his fourth season with CW but exemplifies those characteristics of a great club guy. Two seasons back he was voted Thurds MVP. Last season he played mainly Firsts with the odd Premier cameo. This year he is a First Divvy stalwart – heart and soul, club guy! He never misses training, always works hard and gives 110% on the pitch, serving as a positive role model for his peers with his attitude, toughness and work ethic. Tye “gets the game”. He always shows post-game at The Temple and he has opened up his home on several occasions to newcomers. This is the picture that is Tye Haight.

CW: Tell us a bit about yourself, Tye.

TH: “Well, I was born in Saskatchewan and played football when we moved to Red Deer. My buddies decided to play some summer soccer to keep fit but I got the axe when the coach called for a sliding tackle and I nailed him! In 2010 I moved to Victoria and met Tieds. Andrew told me that he would be playing rugby with CW when he finished University and suggested that I “go for a runaround, hit some people and you’ll have forty new party buddies!” I guess that tells the story.”

CW: So, as a new-comer to rugby, what positions have you played?

TH: “I haven’t really found any fixed position. This year I have mostly played flanker and hooker but I have also played in the backs! In my debut game, I started on the wing but was moved to hooker when an injury occurred. I do feel more comfortable in the forwards but I’ll play wherever they need me. I am not sure about scrum half because Roger’s orders to me have always been; “DON’T PASS, just run hard and straight!”

CW: What do you think about this game of rugby, Tye?

TH: “I’ve made a lot of friends at CW, from all over Canada and other countries….mostly because they stay at my house! For me, the rugby culture is alive and thriving at CW, I played in a game against a team from Wales and even met my cousins from Saskatoon at Doug Hepp’s wedding. That was a surprise! I like laying down a big tackle or running over someone to score a try.”

CW: Who has been the biggest influence on your rugby career to date?

TH: “I have to say the coaches, especially Roger. Even when I play well in my mind, he seems to find an expectation for me to do better which serves as motivation for me. One time I earned MoM and he claimed it was “by default”! He did hire me to work for him, so he must think I am okay.”

CW: What about the future, Tye?

TH: As I said, I work for Rogie at Touch Lounge which involves mostly security work, he calls it Close Protection. I am here to have fun and expand my horizons, support the club and the boys. CW will forever be my ‘home away from home’, whether it’s Guido’s Luncheon, Sunday Fundays at the club or family dinners with team mates. Not sure where I will end up with a career but CW will always be a big part of me.”

CW: Wow, did we paint that picture right? ‘onya, Tye.