Rugby team trumps liability concerns, becomes club
Issue date: 9/10/09 Section: Sports
Taking the field for the first time as an official club, the rugby team kicked off their season Saturday. While the 58-12 loss was not favorable on the surface, the players did not seem to mind.
After trying to gain club status for more than a year, the rugby team has finally obtained it.
"There was a dispute among the administration because we were a liability," Eric Coykendall, a senior and fullback on the team, explained.
Nevertheless, at the beginning of the 2009 fall semester, after filling out multiple forms, acquiring many signatures, and laying out institutional framework to ensure the longevity of the team, the players signed liability waivers and officially became a club team.
Having such a status opens new financial doors for the team. The team's coach and Hillsdale senior Ian Faley described some of the resources now available to the team.
"Clubs are given a budget per year and are able to go to the Student Federation for more money," he said. "This will help us buy better equipment."
The team is also able to seek out extra funding and now able to give tax-exemptions in exchange for donations. Faley also hopes that the new gear will help reduce injuries during practice.
Hopes for the upcoming season are running high. Sophomore Gabe Bunek is expecting a successful year as the team has "almost a full side back who are game-tested and know what to expect." While he acknowledges the loss of the graduated seniors will hurt, Bunek does not anticipate the lost veterans to damage the team's chances too drastically, in part because of the increased interest in the club.
"Twice as many guys have come out for the team this year compared to last fall," Bunek said.
In addition to providing a better turnout, the club title has apparently also increased team morale according to sophomore Crane Baer, a flanker on the team.
"There's definitely more discipline and camaraderie," he said.
"This year will be very different." Coykendall said. "We've gotten more serious athletes and guys that have dropped other sports to play rugby."
The growing popularity is expected to help fill both the field and the sidelines. Faley expects more player interest after the first home game. He hopes that after the first match, freshmen will see the club in action and decide to join, increasing the number of athletes available for the team to choose from. Coykendall also foresees a good freshman turnout and even characterized playing rugby as a therapeutic activity.
"After a full day of classes, it's nice to get out there and let go," he said.
Enthusiasm around campus is also on the rise according to Bunek.
"Everyone I meet wants to know when the home matches will be," he said.
With the affirmation of their club team and the student body's increasing support, the players are hoping for victory in this Saturday's game against Oakland University as well as success in the continuing season.
After trying to gain club status for more than a year, the rugby team has finally obtained it.
"There was a dispute among the administration because we were a liability," Eric Coykendall, a senior and fullback on the team, explained.
Nevertheless, at the beginning of the 2009 fall semester, after filling out multiple forms, acquiring many signatures, and laying out institutional framework to ensure the longevity of the team, the players signed liability waivers and officially became a club team.
Having such a status opens new financial doors for the team. The team's coach and Hillsdale senior Ian Faley described some of the resources now available to the team.
"Clubs are given a budget per year and are able to go to the Student Federation for more money," he said. "This will help us buy better equipment."
The team is also able to seek out extra funding and now able to give tax-exemptions in exchange for donations. Faley also hopes that the new gear will help reduce injuries during practice.
Hopes for the upcoming season are running high. Sophomore Gabe Bunek is expecting a successful year as the team has "almost a full side back who are game-tested and know what to expect." While he acknowledges the loss of the graduated seniors will hurt, Bunek does not anticipate the lost veterans to damage the team's chances too drastically, in part because of the increased interest in the club.
"Twice as many guys have come out for the team this year compared to last fall," Bunek said.
In addition to providing a better turnout, the club title has apparently also increased team morale according to sophomore Crane Baer, a flanker on the team.
"There's definitely more discipline and camaraderie," he said.
"This year will be very different." Coykendall said. "We've gotten more serious athletes and guys that have dropped other sports to play rugby."
The growing popularity is expected to help fill both the field and the sidelines. Faley expects more player interest after the first home game. He hopes that after the first match, freshmen will see the club in action and decide to join, increasing the number of athletes available for the team to choose from. Coykendall also foresees a good freshman turnout and even characterized playing rugby as a therapeutic activity.
"After a full day of classes, it's nice to get out there and let go," he said.
Enthusiasm around campus is also on the rise according to Bunek.
"Everyone I meet wants to know when the home matches will be," he said.
With the affirmation of their club team and the student body's increasing support, the players are hoping for victory in this Saturday's game against Oakland University as well as success in the continuing season.
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Mark
posted 9/13/09 @ 5:03 PM EST
Ruck on boys.
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