The Ursinus Men’s Rugby team is truly one of a kind on this campus. They have the unique aspect of being both a sports team as well as a club. This makes for an interesting social connection between the guys on the team.
They all have their own nicknames that are used in place of their real names pretty much constantly and their team chemistry is very impressive. Not only do the guys on the team have to practice their sport and work well to together on the field, they have to organize it off the field.
They are members of the Eastern Pennsylvania Rugby Union (EPRU). The EPRU’s goal according to their website epru.org is “to promote and foster the growth of Rugby Union Football and to educate the public and players in the game of Rugby Union Football as played under the Laws of the International Rugby Board.” The EPRU sets up the team’s schedule, but it is on the Club to find a time and place for the game.
This seems like quite a task, but Club President Senior Chris “The Zilla” Orser commented on if he would prefer that the Rugby team to be a varsity sport, “The guaranteed field space would be nice, but it would take away from the independence of the team. We work well with the school and the new Athletic Director Lauren Moliken has been great to work with this year, but it is traditionally a laid back sport and we would like to keep it that way.”
While the guys on the team clearly take the game seriously the laid back nature of club makes it possible for students with a busy schedule to participate.
Senior Chris “Snugs” Wierzbowski said, “It allows you to maintain focus on academics because you can miss practice if you really need to”.
“I am an EMT for SERV and a double major” said Junior Rich “Uncle Rico” Werkmeister . The fact that the team is a club gives me a chance to play a sport when otherwise I would be unable.”
Tradition was a word that was said a lot during the interview. The Rugby team is full of kind and polite guys who are easy to get along with. The traditional aspect of the sport is part of the reason for that.
Werkmeister commented on this saying, “Our coach Jim Hall has been in the sport for a long time. He preaches the traditional aspects of Rugby. As violent as the sport can be, it is a gentlemen’s game. As soon as the game is over everyone including your opponents are all friends. We all get together after the game and hang out and share stories.”
This feeling of brotherhood among the players makes it a sport that is very addictive. “I got sucked in the very first game I played”, said Treasurer Sophomore Michael “Tall Mike” Ward.
It has even attributed to students decisions to come to Ursinus. Freshman John “Little John” Mazzeo said, “If the school didn’t have Rugby I won’t be here”. John’s quote speaks volumes to the value of the Rugby team to Ursinus College so if you’re interested in playing Rugby contact the recruiting officer, Junior Sean Patrick at sepatrick@ursinus.edu and get involved in a true gentleman’s game.
back to the grizz
