Rugby fighting off various injuries
With nagging injuries surrounding the team, this week's bye is key
Margaret Ball
Issue date: 10/1/09 Section: Sports
After three years without college support, the rugby team is enjoying its first year of being an official club. According to senior captain Ian Faley, the club status will be very beneficial to the team in the long run. However, the early season has had a difficult beginning.
The majority of these difficulties seem to be caused by the rough nature of the sport.
According to sophomore Nick Youngstrom, the club was difficult to get approved, due to this very reason.
"There was a little anxiety from the school at first," he said. "But now we have a lot of support on the Student Federation."
The team hopes this support comes in the form of funding for equipment, dues and general operating costs.
Part of the expense includes rugby insurance. Each member of an official rugby team must pay a $30 fee to USA Rugby, the national rugby organization. This fee provides liability protection against property damage or bodily injury.
The risk involved in this physically demanding sport is evident in the amount of injuries the team has suffered in the early season. A number of experienced players are unavailable to play due to a few pulled muscles, a broken foot and even a torn ACL. The match over the weekend was cancelled due to the extent of the injuries. Nonetheless, according to Youngstrom, team morale is still high. Faley agrees.
"Even with the injuries and the rough spots with the new club guidelines, the team is looking a lot better this year," he said.
The rugby team has attracted new members from the freshman class.
"We have a bunch of freshmen who are learning and loving the game. They're adding a lot to the spirit of the team," Faley said. "The new guys are really picking it up."
Holding a record of 1-2, the team looks forward to improving their season. With a bye this coming week, Faley thinks time off will be valuable.
"We'll have more time to practice and more time to heal. It's a great thing."
The majority of these difficulties seem to be caused by the rough nature of the sport.
According to sophomore Nick Youngstrom, the club was difficult to get approved, due to this very reason.
"There was a little anxiety from the school at first," he said. "But now we have a lot of support on the Student Federation."
The team hopes this support comes in the form of funding for equipment, dues and general operating costs.
Part of the expense includes rugby insurance. Each member of an official rugby team must pay a $30 fee to USA Rugby, the national rugby organization. This fee provides liability protection against property damage or bodily injury.
The risk involved in this physically demanding sport is evident in the amount of injuries the team has suffered in the early season. A number of experienced players are unavailable to play due to a few pulled muscles, a broken foot and even a torn ACL. The match over the weekend was cancelled due to the extent of the injuries. Nonetheless, according to Youngstrom, team morale is still high. Faley agrees.
"Even with the injuries and the rough spots with the new club guidelines, the team is looking a lot better this year," he said.
The rugby team has attracted new members from the freshman class.
"We have a bunch of freshmen who are learning and loving the game. They're adding a lot to the spirit of the team," Faley said. "The new guys are really picking it up."
Holding a record of 1-2, the team looks forward to improving their season. With a bye this coming week, Faley thinks time off will be valuable.
"We'll have more time to practice and more time to heal. It's a great thing."
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