The Totem, UBC Yearbook, 1932 - waughfamily.ca

NIVtRTVDIUTiSW4LUMBIA4The “Big Four” Canadian Rugby TeamALTHOUGH Canadian Rugby at U.B.C. was atadisadvantage£.. at the commencement of this season as compared to last, it canbe truly said that the 193 1-32 season finished inablaze of glory.Unfortunately it was not possible, owing to financial difficulties, to hold last September the pre-season training camp whichwas the distinctive feature inaugurated in the Canadian RugbyClub’s activitieswhen Varsity opened, to field, almost immediately,ayear ago. This meant that Dr. Burke was forced,ateam in theBig Four that was not adequately trained as compared to the otherteams in the league. This, it is felt, was responsible for U.B.C.’sshowing in the Big FourHowever, in face of this handicap, Dr. Burke, with the assistance of Joe Price, didavery praiseworthy job. Varsity, when defeated, lost by close scores and formed strong opposition. Victorieswere registered over Victoria, New Westminster and Meralomas.The Big Four games served in place of the training camp with theresult that the Varsity team was gradually conditioned, experienced,and improved. The acquisition of Doug. McIntyre who returned tocollege helped greatly to strengthen the team. Gay. Dirom’s weightand strength in line crashing meant yards to Varsity, while ArtMurdock’s kicking was brilliant. In Dick Farrington, Varsity hasone of the best ends in the province. He, along with Captain ErniePeden, made the Western All Star Grid Squad.The Intercollegiate game with the University of Manitoba atAthletic Park, November 14, was the big event of the season.The U.B.C. players prepared themselves well through intensive,conscientious training for this event. The game was marked by thedetermined manner in which every player fought. This game remains vividly in the minds of all. U.B.C. defeated the Universityof Manitoba 4 to 3, and once again the Hardy Cup, emblematic ofthe Western Intercollegiate Championship, was brought to the University,afitting climax to conclude the season.The success of this game financially was due to the CanadianRugby Club Executive, Johnny McLean, as president of the Club,being in charge. In this, as in the year’s Canadian Rugby activities,he has been in large part responsible for the success attained. RoyMcDonald, Vice-President and Business Manager, handled theticket sales, while Archie Dick acted as Publicity Manager. Al.Pike was Strip Manager throughout the season.Among those who will leave us this year through graduationare Captain Ernie Peden and Larry Jack, middles; Jim Stewartand Jimmie Mitchell, insides; and Gay. Dirom, half. The absenceof these men will be greatly felt when the team takes the field nextseason.F 133]