I was born in Le Mars, Iowa; A rural medium sized town in the Northwest corner of the Upper Midwest state. The rural Midwest was built on the backs of men and women like my ancestors, strong people in mind and body looking to better the lives of their families. There is heritage built in each rural community that teaches each generation about respect for the past but how to really live in the moment.

My ancestry is really a melting pot, originating in countries like the Netherlands, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. I find myself identifying mostly with my Northern European heritage, probably because of my light skin and red hair, perhaps it’s because I’ve always felt like the underdog but knowing I have the will, the skill, and the fight to overcome adversity. Hard work, willingness to take on challenges, and perseverance is at the core of who I am and can give you a glimpse of where I came from.

I consider many people my friends, some better than others and some more/less now than in the past. I consider my friends to be a part of who I am and I feel responsible to them to fulfill my end of the friendship ‘agreement’ and do so with love and caring in my heart.

When I started my journey with rugby I was a partying fraternity boy looking to fill sometime while smashing some heads. Over the first few seasons with my college side, WSC RFC, and my senior men’s club, the Omaha GOATS RFC, I quickly realized that just being an athlete that works out in a gym and brings some intensity to the pitch wasn’t enough to be successful at this game. When I started to realize that my teammates were more than just teammates and that they were truly my friends/family (some that I got into fists fights with [Danny McGinn]) I started to excel at most everything around the game. I was committed, I was hooked, I fell in love with a sport and a team. Even though that team changes all the time it will always hold a special place in my heart.

This love has set the scene for me to embark on what I am doing now with coaching. If you’re not already aware, rugby involves way more than passing a ball, scoring a try or winning a game. It’s about representation, it’s about you honoring your own heritage and ancestry by being the best man you can be for your friends/family on this pitch, and it’s about you honoring that crest that bears the symbol of a Goat, that sits on your breast that so many have worn before you. Many men have bled for that Goat, I’ve seen men weep in loss for that Goat, and I have seen celebrations not to be told of in honor of that Goat. Black runs in my veins forever and forever I will represent the GOATS of Omaha.

G.O.A.T.S. RFC

Corey DeJong

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