While many spring breakers were storming the beaches at Daytona, this son of a WRFC legend was improving his skills and plotting his future. Rob Hilleman, the son of former stand out Robert Hilleman joined WRFC while on Spring Break from his junior year at East Carolina University.

Rob plays 8 man for the ECU RFC and captains the Forwards. Like his father who played 8 man for WRFC in the 1973-1977 First Golden Era, Rob is a 6’5”, 220 lb player who gets around the pitch quickly. He has a keen head for the game and a natural ability for being on the ball.

In the weeks prior to his spring break vacation, Rob contacted the club to see if he could watch WRFC host Charlotte. When we told Rob that not only is welcome, we informed Rob that we would have 3 games and he would certainly be able to participate.

Rob was a little unsure of playing at the men’s league level but we explained to him that C side is more of a mix between developmental and social Rugby. This would be a perfect match for him to compare his skills versus the men. At 20 years of age, Rob kitted up for WRFC for the first of what we hope to be many games for the blue and white. Rob played 2^nd Row versus Happy Valley Barbarians, the Penn State University Alumni Rugby Team.

Rob played very well; winning lineouts and supporting his team at the breakdown.

Rob returned for week 2 of his vacation to play against Old Blue of NY. It looks like Rob got his first taste of Rugby Super League action but we don't think it will be his last. Rob will return to play sevens for WRFC this summer and looks forward to playing for Washington full time when he graduates next year. Rob is a business major and is considering to follow in the family business helping his dad and Uncle in the Rigging Business. United Crane & Rigging's current lists of projects include renovating RFK to house the Washington Nationals for baseball season. WRFC is looking forward to opening the recruiting lines to ECU and plans to hold a clinic there this Fall to benefit Rob and his teammates. ECU is the current North Carolina State Champions in Rugby beating out Duke and North Carolina. Rob is pictured below getting ready to jump for a line out vs Happy Valley. Coach Bernie Hogan said on the young man's performance: "Rob played well with the B and C team and generally got better as time progressed.  By the last game he played he was starting to really make his presence felt.  It was fantastic to see the son of one of the old boys get out there and add to the team.  I think he enjoyed himself and we certainly
liked the look of the future WRFC backrower."