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A game ofelegant violence
Rugby is a game of
elegant violence, a sport
for players who elude
the easy stereotype of other
college sports. It doesn't require
the skyscraper height of
a basketball forward or the
gross weight of a football
lineman; a rugby player can
be any size and must be wirytough
instead of weightlifter
strong.
According to Bill Young,
president of the Blue Mountain
rugby club, many people
don't know exactly what the
game involves.
"People think it is like football
and soccer. It's nothing
like that at all. It is a very
finesse game," he said.
"The biggest team isn't
necessarily going to be the
best. The team in the best
shape has the advantage,"
Young added.
A rugby novice watching
his first game might find it
hard to beleive that there is
any semblance of organization
on the field. But, in fact, the
game is amazingly organized.
One group of ruggers - the
forwards - struggle to win the
ball back for their team after
a tackle. After the ball is
recovered, the backs run up
field attempting to gain yardage.
To score, the backs must
reach the touchzone, or trizone,
where they score four
points. After the score, a successful
kick earns another two
points.
Rugby is by no means a
"men's sport." women and
men play with equal passion
and verve. In fact, some would
argue the women ruggers are
more aggressive then their
male counterparts.
At Idaho, there is also a
women's rugby team. The
Dusty Lentils, like the Blue
Mountain squad, isn't
associated with the Athletic
Department, however, both
clubs receive some financial
support from the ASUI.
Besides a love of occasional
violence, the common ingredient
that binds the ruggers is
the sense of togetherness.
Often, sharing the blood, mud
and beer is more important
that winning or loosing. D
Catching his breath.
Rl.lgby Is an exhal.lflting sporl and
10k.. a 101 01.11 of Ihe players
physically. Il.1nlor David Bradley
walts in a Une Ol.lt and trI..to regain
his breath. (photo by P. Jerome)
In search 01 a teammate.
Former 811.1e MOl.lntaln player RUt
Mayfield is SUlTounded by his old
leo:mmates whUe trying to pa..
back to the serum half In a match
with the Snake River Rugby Club.
(photo by P. lerome)
Tied up.
Many argue that the women ruggenl
are at least as aggre..lve, if not
more so. than Ihe men. Peg
Cleo:rnarlll vainly attempts to ttIICaplt
an opponent's grasp. (photo by P.
lerome)
A team ellort.
The rugby players not only compete
together bUI !Meome good Irlends.
Dusly Lenlil members Rosemary A-
MeGerkln. Marjorie Geogen.s, and
Sue Wiley take a bte