2008 Woodie Awards
Rugby loses status
Jordan Parker
Issue date: 4/2/07 Section: Back Page
- Page 1 of 1
The Texas Rugby Union, the Texas division of USA Rugby has changed the classification of the rugby team from a collegiate level team to a "social side". Under this new classification, the team will not be subject to the regulations that restrict collegiate clubs, meaning the team can even recruit players who do not attend UST.
Although social sides are not eligible to compete for championships, Rugby Vice President Leandro Ramirez said that the team will continue to play against other colleges.
"UST has about 3,000 students including grad students," Ramirez said. "Naturally, we're not going to have 30 plus players competing for each position."
In the past, the team has encountered problems filling its roster because of the school's small size. This year, commitment issues have compounded that problem. "Due to lack of commitment, we've had to cancel four games this year and it's been a really disappointing season," Match Secretary Kyle Pfister said.
Ramirez said players' personal problems have caused them to leave the team. "We're losing our players to a lot of mishaps that happened this year," Ramirez said. "I can think of eight guys off the top of my head that had to leave this year due to family or financial issues."
Despite these challenges, the team remains confident. "The guys who have shown up have shown a lot of heart and hopefully next year we'll be able to get a full team out," Pfister said.
Although social sides are not eligible to compete for championships, Rugby Vice President Leandro Ramirez said that the team will continue to play against other colleges.
"UST has about 3,000 students including grad students," Ramirez said. "Naturally, we're not going to have 30 plus players competing for each position."
In the past, the team has encountered problems filling its roster because of the school's small size. This year, commitment issues have compounded that problem. "Due to lack of commitment, we've had to cancel four games this year and it's been a really disappointing season," Match Secretary Kyle Pfister said.
Ramirez said players' personal problems have caused them to leave the team. "We're losing our players to a lot of mishaps that happened this year," Ramirez said. "I can think of eight guys off the top of my head that had to leave this year due to family or financial issues."
Despite these challenges, the team remains confident. "The guys who have shown up have shown a lot of heart and hopefully next year we'll be able to get a full team out," Pfister said.