It’s March 2018 and the Life University Running Eagles bus in to St. Charles, MO unbeaten. 

Lindenwood’s recent surge to national prominence brings a buzz to the match. That and the last time the team’s played Life snuck away with a four-point victory. 

Daemon Torres remembers the trip well. 

“I was excited," said the LIfe lock forward. "It was my first trip I’d taken to St. Charles as a member of the varsity squad and Lindenwood is always tough.”

He came off the bench with Life already in the lead and helped finish a 31-12 statement victory over their rival.

Torres remembers his injury better.

“It wasn’t until we were back in Marietta the next day that I realized my foot wasn’t right,” said Torres.

He was first told he’d suffered a sprained ankle, but later examination found a break and stress fracture in his foot.

He faced surgery, casts, boots, braces and rehab. Four consecutive teams came to Lupo Field and Torres could only watch and cheer as his teammates pummel playoff teams. 

He wished his teammates good luck as they boarded the flight to Santa Clara to face Cal in the 2018 D1A final.

“You know how it is—man, I wish I would’ve been there.”  

What Torres did next made the occasion special. He got to planning. 

“I had a watch party at my house for all the fifteen or so, injured or non-rostered guys,” Torres said. “It was awesome to watch them do their thing and beat Cal so bad.”

Life went into Santa Clara, California and beat Cal 60-5  to bring the D1A trophy back home to Life.

Over the summer Torres went home to Austin and continued rehabbing his foot three times a week. He worked as a porter in an apartment complex and began conditioning his body for the upcoming season with Life.

He jumped head first into a full sevens season with the Austin Huns. Alongside his Life teammate Ryan Rees, he trained twice a week with Saturday tournaments in the blistering heat of the Red River conference. 

Back at school, Torres raised his expectations for this season. He had just watched his team win the title in blowout fashion and he was coming for a starting job.

“I knew that we didn’t lose many forwards from last year’s team and that if I wanted to play a part in the team for this season that I needed to raise my game, and really just show my value," said Torres.

He did more than just grab a starting job. Torres scored eight tries on the season and is now the leading try scorer in the D1A playoffs with six. Last weekend Torres got another crack at his old foe Lindenwood.

Life (@MLifeRugby) score to go up 15-6 at the half!

— FloRugby (@FloRugby) April 27, 2019

In the 40th minute, Torres snuck through to score a momentum try to put the Running Eagles up 15-6.

“That’s a good way to end the half,” shouted teammate Harley Wheeler.

With only a few minutes left in the match Life clung to only a one point lead. Ryan Rees took a carry ten meters from the Lindenwood line.;Daemon Torres grabbed the shoulder of his friend and scrumhalf and drove him closer. Then, as Rees hit the deck Torres clamped his hands over the ball and turned his back to the defense creating a crease for him to slide through for a cheeky try. 

Life (@MLifeRugby) complete the comeback to advance to the National Championship with a 27-19 win.

— FloRugby (@FloRugby) April 27, 2019

Torres knew what he had done. He dove under the posts untouched and with a smile on his face he bounced up and pointed directly into the live stream camera while being embraced by fellow forward Brian Mutanga. 

Torres had secured the win over Lindenwood and guaranteed his spot on this year’s flight to Santa Clara for the D1A final. 

No watch party for Torres this year, he’s going to get his shot at Cal.

WHAT ? A ? FINISH ?@CalVarsityRugby score in the final seconds to advance to the National Championship!

— FloRugby (@FloRugby) April 27, 2019