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Volume CXXXIII, Number 6 |
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Ruggers shift focus toward spring season
JANE CULLINA AND WILLIAM STETLER
CONTRIBUTORS
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| A few ruggers playfully challenge their physical strength at practice. The men ended their season during Fall Break with a win at the University of Maine-Farmington. (Hans Law, Bowdoin Orient) |
Having run its last scrum of the season, the Men's Rugby team finished the fall with a resounding victory over University of Maine at Farmington. The 35-14 win leaves the Polar Bears with a season record of 3-2; however, despite the 60 percent winning average, the ruggers fought their opponents ferociously every game, only losing by a combined total of six points (9-8 loss to Babson and 5-0 defeat by Colby) over the course of two games.
Bowdoin wing, Will Stetler '04, described the team's sentiment regarding its season when he said, "While not reproducing the last two years' records on paper, I still believe that we are the best team in the Downeast Conference and one of the best in Division II New England. Our two defeats, while heartbreaking, were also some of the best games I have seen this team play. Both matches that we lost could have gone either way-it was just the way the cards fell, and they didn't fall our way. We came off with a winning season and we are holding our heads high as a result."
Co-captain Ryan Chisholm '04 agreed with Stetler's assessments, and added, "It's always great coming off with a big 'W,' and it's all the sweeter to have a winning season to put in the books."
Chisholm and his teammates put up early successes against Farmington, "punching in a couple of quick tries," as Will Madeira '04 remarked. The initial momentum carried them through the physical game, as they led through both halves.
Commenting on the physical intensity of the game, Bowdoin Ruby Football Club President and wing Alexis Acevedo '04 noted, "Farmington is always a tough game for us. Theoretically, one may think that we would have no trouble beating them, but on the pitch it is a totally different story. They are always such a strong, physical team."
Madeira also noted the rough play of the opposing team, and said, "UMF was really fired up to be playing us and finished off many of their tackles by shouting expletives in our ears."
As the men look forward to the spring season, they expect to continue relying on the deep talent the team has displayed thus far. The backs have enjoyed fresh-legged substitutes in the second half all season long. Freshman Jody "Mr. Jody" Mullis displayed exceptional talent, as a great addition to the forward squad. Ross Butschek '06 completed many vital plays, offering older veterans a chance to catch their breath. Seventh year senior Joe Wilson, despite his two hip replacements, continued to show great fire this year, and his AARP discounts were a real plus for travel expenses.
Summing up the season, captain Warren Dubstiky '04 remarked, "It was a great season, and we are happy with the result, even though we didn't make it to the playoffs. There is no doubt that this team played well and played together all season. We are glad to come off with a strong, winning season and are looking forward to playing again in the spring." Look for the male ruggers when they return to the pitch in the spring. Until then, check them out in the weight room.
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