With rugby tournaments peppered throughout the Unites States, the UB women's club squad participated this past weekend in what is arguably the most preeminent of them all: The Beantown Classic.
The Beantown Rugby Football Club in Boston, Mass. hosts one of the largest annual collegiate rugby forums in the country, attracting schools from all corners of the U.S. Along with UB, this year's guest list included UC-San Diego, Penn State, Cornell, University of Delaware and Navy. All in all, 16 Division I teams accepted invitations.
However, with the season not yet under way and just a week and a half of practice under their belts, the Bulls approached this year's tournament not so much with victory in mind, but as a chance to gain valuable experience.
"The tourney was a superb learning opportunity," said junior Captain Lacey Bromley, who was sidelined with an injury. "We were able to see some of our team's potential."
As junior President Laura London put it, "It was great in that we were able to prepare for the longevity of our club."
Buffalo went into the weekend with just 24 players, and without their leader Bromley, many freshmen and sophomores were forced to step up. They played six matches in just two days, overcoming the perils of exhaustion and physical brutality that is rugby. Although they came home from the tournament winless, the team's heart was never questioned.
"We are extremely proud of our rookies and the way they performed," said senior Vice President Sarah Vukovich. "It was great practice for what we think will be a very promising season."
However, the Beantown Classic represented more than just an opportunity to practice scrums and drop kicks. A prestigious tourney such as this has an atmosphere foreign to most regular season games; an atmosphere that invigorates the teams that participate and ignites the passion in every player.
"Unfortunately, rugby isn't well known in the U.S.," said London. "Around here, rugby usually has people thinking of Old Navy shirts. An opportunity like this was great because it brings together so many people that truly appreciate the game."
Needless to say, the UB women appreciated this year's Classic and are looking forward to begin what they hope will be a successful year. They travel this weekend to Binghamton for their first contest, followed by the home opener on Sat., September 27 against Union at the field next to Red Jacket's tennis courts. The action gets under way at 11a.m.
