Sven Alskog
Staff Writer
Behind the skill and experience of 10 returning players, the Idaho State University club rugby team looks to defend its three year reign as Northern Division champions in the 2013 season.
For the past 10 seasons, the ISU team has managed a winning record, highlighted by a 7th place finish for Division II in 2005. As a result of the continued success, the Bengals find themselves the team to beat in the conference. With players coming from all over the world, including Robbie Bridge from Australia and Pablo Garcia from Mexico, the team has a diverse group of talent.
“We have excellent athletes who work hard to represent the university,” said head coach Ram Eddings. “Our program is both nationally and internationally known. We have worked very hard to build the program.”
Some of the returning athletes that Eddings will rely on this season include captain Andrew Cowie from Colorado, co-captain Nick Leif from California and Josh Packer from Illinois.
“(Cowie) has a strong work ethic and will be an excellent leader,” said Eddings.
As is the case in any sport, having experienced leadership is essential. Fortunately for the ISU rugby club, they have plenty of that.
Other key returners include Zundel Molifua, co-captain Ethan Steeno, Jordan Peterson, Nelson Wadman, Luke Woodward, co-captain Joe Lagomarsino, and Bridge, who Eddings describes as ISU’s most experienced player.
“All the returning players will make a big difference this year,” said Eddings. “These gentlemen are the stability of the team this year.”
The returning talent will have plenty of help this season, as the team brought in numerous recruits that they are excited about.
“I think our team will do really well this season,” said Molifua, the club president. “We did really well in recruiting last season, and we were blessed to have many fine athletes sign up for the club this fall. Our success will be determined by how fast we can turn these athletes into rugby players.”
The team begins conference play on September 21st on the road at Montana State University. The other conference matches will take place at Bartz Field on the campus of ISU. The first matchup will be with Weber State on October 19th, prior to a battle with the Utah State Aggies on October 26th. Each game starts at 1:00 p.m.
Eddings knows that there will be no easy games for ISU with the defending conference champion title on their back.
“They will come out to get us, so these will be tough matches. We will also play Boise State which is always a big rivalry,” said Eddings.
ISU has confidence that they will be able to overcome any obstacles that come their way this season though.
“If we keep the players we have now and keep steady with the development of our new recruits, I don’t think it would be facetious to say that we will have a great shot at reclaiming the conference championship and entering the national championship tournament at the end of the school year,” said Molifua.
For fans not familiar with the sport, they can expect non-stop action and hard hitting.
“Those who come to the games will see continued action,” said Eddings. “There are no huddles in rugby, the games continue to move at a very fast pace. It is exciting to watch, full of action and contact. There are no pads per say, but good tackling.”
ISU rugby club also has a women’s team, which Eddings has seen tremendous success with.
“This year we look forward to our women’s team going to another level,” said Eddings. “They have also worked hard to keep things moving forward and we are proud of them. They have excellent numbers this fall and are looking for more women to come and play.”
In addition, the ISU rugby club will be having a recognition day on September 28th to honor the success of the women’s program. There will also be a match with Lewis and Clark State at 1:00 p.m. at Bartz Field.
“Rugby is an exciting game to watch and we encourage the student body to come out and watch the team play,” said Eddings.
Molifua added, “New spectators also enjoy watching what we call the scrum, the part in which each team has eight men lock together to push against eight men from the opposing team to win possession of the ball. It’s kind of like rugby’s jump ball.”
The next home game for the team will be on September 14th against the Butte Crabs.
