Rugby returns to the pitch with high hopes
Bennie Rugby returned the pitch after almost two years. The team has a lot of newcomers and much to make up when it comes to team chemistry. Senior Hailee Thayer reflects on last year’s partially masked season.
The CSB Rugby team played a game this past weekend for the first time since October 2019. They were able to have practices with masks on during the 2020-2021 academic year but were unable to have any scrimmages or games due to COVID-19. Senior Hailee Thayer is one of three returning players on the team this year. She stressed the importance of getting back on the field in an actual game setting.
“We didn’t have much of a season last year. We were practicing when we could with masks on, but it was difficult because we couldn’t do any contact which is a main part of rugby,” Thayer said.
The lack of game action last year made this past weekend especially crucial to get back on to the field. With so many new faces on the team, it may take some time to build chemistry. However, Thayer was happy with the team’s performance over the weekend.
“We lost both games, but I think we did really well for it being a lot of our team’s first game, and my first game in a year and a half,” Thayer said.
CSB Rugby was established as a club sport in 1978. Club sports are a great way for students to get involved with extracurricular activities on campus. For Thayer, being on the rugby team is about more than getting to play rugby.
“I love everything about it,” Thayer said, “I love the sport and how empowered I feel playing it, and saying to people, ‘yeah, I play rugby.’ I also love the team and the culture surrounding it.”
No prior playing experience is necessary to join the rugby team. Every student should feel welcomed to join. For any student unfamiliar with the game of rugby, they will teach them the basics. That should not be the barrier preventing any student from joining the team.
“I would say just come to a practice and see if you like it. We’ll teach you the basics like how to pass and what the terms mean,” said Thayer.
Being a part of the rugby team means more than getting to play a sport in college. Being involved with a club sport can also assist students in their personal and professional development. Thayer believes playing rugby has been an integral part of her college experience.
“I have grown not only as a student but also as a leader on campus. My circle of friends has expanded so much just by joining rugby. It has made my college experience so much better.”
CSB Rugby will continue to gel new faces with returning members as they look to make up for lost time from last season.
