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Volume CXXXIII, Number 2 |
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Men's Rugby: ready to rumble
HUGH HILL
Staff Writer
The Bowdoin Rugby Football Club is ready for victory. The
premier club sport on campus, the rugby team has been training intensively
over the last few weeks and fully expects an undefeated season, followed
by victory in the New England tournament.
Under the fine example set by senior co-captains Jason Pietrafitta
and Billy Soares, and the expert leadership of Head Coach Rick Scala,
the team is looking the best it has in years.
Forward captain Soares, known for his dominating and vocal
style of leadership, is enormously excited about the coming season. When
asked about the source of his optimism, he cited three factors.
"First, we have an amazingly strong group of seniors
that have come up together over the years. Their cumulative experience
and ability alone are one of our major advantages," he said. "Second,
the team this year has the discipline, physical skill, and the fire to
be a championship team.
"Lastly, but not at all the least, is our underclassmen…all
of these younger guys are out there every day, giving it their all."
His eloquence was echoed by Pietrafitta (aka "Denunzio").
When asked why he thought this was going to be such an outstanding season,
Denunzio answered simply, "Because we're better."
The boys in black face their first test at 10:00 AM Saturday
when they play the Bates Bobcats. Said fast forward Ari "Flabio"
Jasper, "I can't wait to dazzle them with my lightning speed and
cat-like agility."
Look for other bright performances from first year sensation
Truc Huynh and club president Rob "Capt. Brown Star" Mandle.
Probably the season's most effective back will be junior Dennis Kiley.
After suffering a potentially career ending injury, Kiley is back this
year with increased stamina and strength.
Said scrum half Matty Stanton, who promises "massive
hits" this Saturday, "Everyone should come out and see us, because
it is going to be the start of our road to the New England Championships.
I am so excited I can barely contain myself."
So, if you don't have a rough Friday, you should definitely
come out behind Farley this Saturday and watch the ruggers "trample
the weak and hurdle the dead."