OHIO CITY, OH - Rising senior Charlie Banaszak has been selected for the Team USA U18 squad. He will play alongside fellow teammate Marcello Woodberry in Argentina and Uruguay.  

"Coach [Tony] Vegh, called me during work," says Banaszak, "He gave me the news that I was selected for the U18 Eagles for Team USA."

It was already a year to remember for Banaszak, as he was a member of the Wildcat Hockey program that made a trip to the OHSAA State Championship in Columbus. During the postseason for hockey, rugby had already kicked off the regular season. But Banaszak was quick to acclimate himself to Head Rugby Coach Dan Arbeznik's '00 Wildcats.

Banaszak was invited to the international tour with the Wildcats in Spain this Spring. Two weeks after the hockey season ended, Banaszak would see the rugby pitch at the international level, competing in Granada and Seville. 

"First, Hockey helped a ton with my conditioning and physicality," notes Banaszak. During that trip in Spain, I took the time to adapt myself back into rugby because I was still playing hockey, which got me ready for the rest of the season and ultimately allowed me to have fun with my teammates."

Banaszak played an essential role for the Rugby Cats in their 2025 National and State Championship run, starting in the semifinal and championship games against Notre Dame de La Salette (IL) and Herriman (UT).

His play caught the attention of the U18 Eagles, who offered Banaszak a spot on the roster as they travel to South America in July. 

"I'm thrilled for Charlie, particularly because he's returning next year. He provides such a physical presence on the field. He's a terrific kid and a multi-sport athlete starring for us in rugby, but hockey as well," explains Arbeznik. "We look forward to watching Charlie develop this year and hopefully bring another State Championship home on the ice and the pitch."

Banaszak is one of three Wildcats representing the Red, White, and Blue on the rugby pitch this summer. He joins Mark French '25, who was selected to the U19 team in Mexico and will pair with Marcello Woodberry in Argentina and Uruguay for the U18s. 

"I look forward to playing for and representing my country and working hard to win every game down there," explains Banaszak. "All I want to take away from this opportunity is to improve myself as a teammate and player."

From June 30 to July 14, Banaszak and Woodberry will play international rugby for the second time this year. In the spring, the pair played in Spain together with the high school squad. "I am excited to play with Marcello down there," Banaszak. "He was my other flanker for much of the season, and I will be comfortable playing with him down there."

"Charlie is super physical and a smart player. Paired with Marcello in that back row in Argentina, I expect big things," says Arbeznik. "We know from experience that the competition is very fierce down there. I'm looking forward to watching Charlie grow this summer."