WSC Rugby begins 2015 season

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Photo By Leo Knigge

Men and Women’s Rugby practice together last Monday.

Courtney Upah, Staff Writer

Wildcat rugby faced tough competition for its first game of the season last Thursday against South Dakota State University in Brookings.

With a current roster of 80 players, including new members, this was a good match for newcomers to learn the ropes.

“With this being our first game of the season, it was a little rough. Most of us haven’t played all summer so this game was going to be an eye-opener as to where we are at to start of the season,” Junior Katie Kirkpatrick said.

“On Thursday we didn’t have quite enough veterans to fill out a full team but the younger girls were ready and willing to help us out and step up. I could not be more proud of the new rookies and how they have stepped up this last two weeks.”

The women’s rugby club, despite being a bit rusty with passing and adding the new players, showed they earned that number-one national title, winning 41-0.

“I think the thing I loved most about the game last Thursday, was just getting to play with my teammates again. I love the bond we have as a team and working together with them on the field is such a great experience, I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” Kirkpatrick said.

Jasmine Kovacs led WSC in scoring with a 22 and 10-yard run.

The fifth-rated men’s rugby team also competed against SDSU and lost 24–7, proving just how tough SDSU is.

SCSU was big and extremely physical, leading the first half 17-0. However, WSC improved in the second half, which left the teams fairly even while playing.

On the men’s team, Charlie Caniglia stood out, making two touchdown runs of 10 and 8 yards.

“We did very well for the first game and, as expected, a bit rusty, like anytime you have a first game after a long layoff,” rugby coach Darrin Barner said.