University Community Mourns Death of Rugby Player
JONESBORO – Arkansas State University rugby player Garrett Soileau, 22, died late Friday in an automobile accident near his hometown of The Woodlands, Texas.
Visitation and memorial services are scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 20, from 1-4 p.m., at Stonebridge Church of The Woodlands, 1 Stonebridge Drive. The memorial service begins at 3 p.m. with Dr. C. Scott Shaver officiating.
Executive Director of Student Health and Wellness Matt Huckaby and Head Rugby Coach Blake White issued the following statement, “Arkansas State University sends the most sincere condolences to Garrett’s family. Garrett’s strong and calm demeanor seemed to always put people at ease and he was among the most affable students on campus. To say he will be dearly missed would be an understatement. May he rest in peace and the Arkansas State family will always hold a very special place in our hearts for this young man.”
Garrett joined the A-State rugby program in 2014 as a freshman and immediately caught the attention of the coaching staff. He played on a team that was nationally ranked throughout his tenure as a Red Wolf and played in numerous championships.
The Red Wolves advanced to the national finals of the 15s Varsity Cup National Collegiate Championship in April 2017, and played in the quarterfinals of the 7s Penn Mutual Varsity Cup Tournament during the 2015-17 seasons.
While at Arkansas State, he made the Deans’ List.
In lieu of flowers, mourners are asked to direct memorial gifts to mealtrain.com/826rr5. Monetary donations through this link will be redirected in Garrett’s honor to the Woodlands Youth Rugby Club and the Arkansas State Rugby Club.
