Saint Marys College rugby star, 19, dies during training with teammates

A 19-year-old California college rugby player died after suffering a medical emergency while training with his teammates.Dominic Peterson, a sophomore at Saint Mary’s College, was running in Moraga on Friday when he experienced the “medical crisis,” according to a letter from school president Roger Thompson.Peterson was rushed to a local hospital but died, Thompson said.The nature of the medical emergency has not been disclosed.The Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District responded to the incident, Fire Chief Jeff Isaacs confirmed Saturday, though he declined to provide additional details.The Saint Mary’s Gaels rugby program announced Peterson’s death Saturday night, remembering him as a beloved teammate whose personality could light up a room.“Dominic’s smile was contagious and one that would brighten a room when he entered,” the team said in a social media post.

“He always gave 100% effort and encouraged those around him to do the same.”“Dominic will be in our hearts forever,” the team added.A memorial service for Peterson was held Saturday morning at the Saint Mary’s College Chapel, according to Thompson’s letter.The loss sent shock waves through the Saint Mary’s community, with athletes from other programs rallying around Peterson’s teammates and family.The Saint Mary’s men’s basketball program said it was mourning alongside the rugby team, describing the college as “more than a college, more than a team, and more than a community.”“We are a family,” the basketball program said.“When one of us hurts, we all hurt.”The program added: “We stand together” with Peterson’s rugby teammates as they cope with the “unimaginable loss.”Tributes also poured in from the wider rugby community.Paul Keeler, executive director of the College Rugby Association of America, said the organization was grieving with Peterson’s family, teammates, coaches and classmates.“The loss of a young man and teammate in circumstances li...