Joe Merlino found new purpose through rugby after years of football took a toll, leaving him with CTE-induced depression. Initially hesitant, Merlino saw an opportunity in rugby's strict rules against head contact. With his doctor's approval during his senior year, he joined the Camas Rugby Club and immediately embraced the competitive spirit and culture.

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At Western Washington, Merlino has excelled with great teammates and coaches. "When you are a Viking, you stay a Viking for life. Go Viks!" The former high school co-captain of the rugby club aims to play professionally in Italy while pursuing a cybersecurity PhD.

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"Rugby gave me a path to compete at the highest level and forge lifelong bonds," Merlino says. "It showed me a better way forward after the damage football did."

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