Rugby Club: 20 years at UIC
Elsie Divinagracia
Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: Features
Media Credit: UIC Rugby ClubFor an international sport, the Rugby Club is diverse in its members but united in the game.
Although not official UIC Athletic teams, UIC is home to many intramural sports clubs that still boast sportsmanship and even extensive competition. Not only within its members but also among sports clubs at other schools. The Men's Rugby Club at UIC is one such group. Team member, Joseph Johns talked with the Flame.
Flame: I wasn't aware UIC had a rugby team. How long has the team been around?
Joseph Johns: Just last spring we hit a big milestone in UIC Mens Rubgy history by celebrating our 20th year anniversary.
Flame: How many players do you currently have? How many do you hope to have?
JJ: We usually have around 20 to 30 active players at any given time. The more people we have out, the more fun we have, and the better we can be as a team. With that said, we would want everyone to come out. Sky's the limit. Since there is no experience required, we really do push for anyone to come out, no matter size, shape or past sporting experience.
Flame: What are some of the achievements that the rugby club has had recently?
JJ: We recently made it into the CARFU playoffs, which is our regional conference playoff. We did this by beating Lewis University 2 weeks ago.
Flame: Any disadvantages you currently face?
JJ: I wouldn't put it as "disadvantages" per se, rather opportunities, and as far as opportunities, we have a lot of new players to the sport on our current team that are still learning the game and getting "rugby fit." The reason this truly is an opportunity is because many of these players are in their first year at UIC and will become the kind of players they want to be, especially considering the great coaching staff we have.
Flame: Is there anything new or exciting that will be happening in the near future?
JJ: As our Fall season comes to a close, we will prepare for our rapidly approaching spring season. Spring season starts as soon as school resumes in January and goes till the end of the school year. We are also beginning to plan our next international Rugby tour in Spring break of 2011. During spring break of 2009 the UIC men's rugby team traveled to Ireland for an amazing week-long rugby tour hitting Dublin, Galway and Blarney Ireland.
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Flame: I wasn't aware UIC had a rugby team. How long has the team been around?
Joseph Johns: Just last spring we hit a big milestone in UIC Mens Rubgy history by celebrating our 20th year anniversary.
Flame: How many players do you currently have? How many do you hope to have?
JJ: We usually have around 20 to 30 active players at any given time. The more people we have out, the more fun we have, and the better we can be as a team. With that said, we would want everyone to come out. Sky's the limit. Since there is no experience required, we really do push for anyone to come out, no matter size, shape or past sporting experience.
Flame: What are some of the achievements that the rugby club has had recently?
JJ: We recently made it into the CARFU playoffs, which is our regional conference playoff. We did this by beating Lewis University 2 weeks ago.
Flame: Any disadvantages you currently face?
JJ: I wouldn't put it as "disadvantages" per se, rather opportunities, and as far as opportunities, we have a lot of new players to the sport on our current team that are still learning the game and getting "rugby fit." The reason this truly is an opportunity is because many of these players are in their first year at UIC and will become the kind of players they want to be, especially considering the great coaching staff we have.
Flame: Is there anything new or exciting that will be happening in the near future?
JJ: As our Fall season comes to a close, we will prepare for our rapidly approaching spring season. Spring season starts as soon as school resumes in January and goes till the end of the school year. We are also beginning to plan our next international Rugby tour in Spring break of 2011. During spring break of 2009 the UIC men's rugby team traveled to Ireland for an amazing week-long rugby tour hitting Dublin, Galway and Blarney Ireland.
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