2008 Woodie Awards
Rugby tourney raises interest
Tyler Ohmann
Issue date: 9/17/07 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 1
Many battle hard in a tight circle trying to capture an oval-shaped ball, with players jostling and jockeying for position.
This is Rugby. To many, it seems like a dangerous and vicious sport, but according to Travis Peterson, the captain of the SCSU Men's Rugby Club, it's image gets overblown.
"Injuries aren't as common as people think. Sure there are lots of sprains and concussions, but it is not nearly as brutal as people seem to believe," Peterson said.
The worst injury Peterson has suffered is a torn MCL, a common injury for football and soccer players as well. He has also broken his nose twice, which he feels was the most painful injury he's ever suffered.
With the Rugby World Cup currently going on, rugby is as popular as ever at SCSU. The men's team at SCSU has seen its team size grow to more than 50 members.
"This is the biggest team we've had in as long as I can remember," Peterson said.
Along with an increased team size, the Huskies are also seeing a promising team develop on the field. They won their scrimmage last weekend in convincing fashion with an 86-14 score. A big tribute to the team's success is nine new players with experience from high school.
"We lost in the Midwest regions last year, but these young guys are really good, so we should hopefully do better this year," Peterson said.
The team has a full plate ahead of them, playing in the All-Minnesota state tournament this weekend and then league play following that.
In the Rugby World Cup, which is currently in France, the United States is disappointing in Pool A, having accumulated zero points with an 0-2 record.
"I support the U.S. as much as I can, but since I studied abroad in Australia, they're my number one right now," Peterson said.
Australia is currently first in Pool B with a strong 10 points and a 2-0 record.
This is Rugby. To many, it seems like a dangerous and vicious sport, but according to Travis Peterson, the captain of the SCSU Men's Rugby Club, it's image gets overblown.
"Injuries aren't as common as people think. Sure there are lots of sprains and concussions, but it is not nearly as brutal as people seem to believe," Peterson said.
The worst injury Peterson has suffered is a torn MCL, a common injury for football and soccer players as well. He has also broken his nose twice, which he feels was the most painful injury he's ever suffered.
With the Rugby World Cup currently going on, rugby is as popular as ever at SCSU. The men's team at SCSU has seen its team size grow to more than 50 members.
"This is the biggest team we've had in as long as I can remember," Peterson said.
Along with an increased team size, the Huskies are also seeing a promising team develop on the field. They won their scrimmage last weekend in convincing fashion with an 86-14 score. A big tribute to the team's success is nine new players with experience from high school.
"We lost in the Midwest regions last year, but these young guys are really good, so we should hopefully do better this year," Peterson said.
The team has a full plate ahead of them, playing in the All-Minnesota state tournament this weekend and then league play following that.
In the Rugby World Cup, which is currently in France, the United States is disappointing in Pool A, having accumulated zero points with an 0-2 record.
"I support the U.S. as much as I can, but since I studied abroad in Australia, they're my number one right now," Peterson said.
Australia is currently first in Pool B with a strong 10 points and a 2-0 record.