Nathan Carse, National Hero – Local Rugger

By Hunter “Coon” Guidry

Spc. Nathan “Chuck Norris” Carse
On Saturday, Feb. 19^th, 2011, Spc. Nathan Carse was honored in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the inaugural Nathan Carse Memorial Rugby Match held between Baton Rouge Rugby and New Orleans Rugby (both teams Nathan played for). The pre-game tribute consisted of military presentation of the flag with bagpipes from the Celtic Society, and a moment of silence. The match was followed by many toasts to our friend and teammate, Nathan Carse, hero to us all.

Spc. Nathan “Chuck Norris” Carse was killed in Afghanistan by an IED on Wednesday, Feb. 9^th, 2011 just two months before he was supposed to return home.  Originally from Ohio, he came to Baton Rouge to get his Masters in Engineering at LSU.  Nathan was an Alumni of LSU rugby playing for two years in 2004-05.  He next played with Baton Rouge rugby for three years 2005-08 and a short time for New Orleans as a loose head prop and occasional flanker.  Nathan got his nickname at LSU for his amazing gift of beard and his uncanny resemblance to Chuck Norris.  He was a tough rugger known for hard tackling and rucking, and he very rarely passed the ball – like any good forward.  Nathan was a great friend and teammate with a heart of gold- he will truly be missed.  He was a true American hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice.   

Some friends of Nathan’s set up a memorial scholarship fund to honor his ultimate sacrifice to his country and to us.  Be friend the Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1462476901#!/pages/Nathan-Carse-Memorial-Scholarship/201112769904404

or send any contributions to the fund to:

Nathan Carse Memorial Scholarship
Allen East Local Schools
c/o Rhonda Zimmerly
9105 Harding Hwy
Harrod, OH 45850

All Contributions will be held in trust by the school until the proper paper work is filed with the State of Ohio.