Each year, graduating editors are asked to write a goodbye column, reflecting on their time with The Spectrum. My time writing for and leading the sports desk have been incredibly fun and rewarding experiences, experiences that if you told me a few years ago that this side quest was in my future I would not have believed you. I’m deeply grateful to Izabella and Amy, our fearless leaders, for their guidance and friendship, and to my assistant editor Drew for his quiet camaraderie and amazing support.
Now that I have gotten the pleasantries out of the way… did you know UB has a women’s rugby team? I want to take my last moments having a platform like I do here at The Spectrum to tell you all a little about UB Women’s Rugby. First and foremost, they are a club sport, open to all female students at the university (graduate and undergraduate)!
To the current or aspiring female athletes at UB, I would like to make my case as to why you should give rugby a try or at least become a fan of UBWRFC — University at Buffalo Women’s Rugby Football Club — for their upcoming fall season.
Rugby truly is a sport for everyone — with positions suited to every skill set and body type, even if you’ve never touched a rugby ball before. Many players come from other sports like soccer, swimming, or cheerleading, bringing transferable skills that strengthen the team. And despite its reputation, rugby is remarkably safe, emphasizing controlled technique and proper form over high-speed collisions.
I could go on for hours about why you should try rugby, but at the very least, I urge you all to stop by the Ellicott Rugby Pitch this fall on a Saturday morning, watch a game, support your school, and see what rugby is all about — because I have a feeling you’ll fall in love with the sport.
Ciah Courtney was the Senior Sports Editor and can be reached at ciah.courtney@ubspectrum.com
