Rugby club's kickoff eyed by players
Campus Times
October 18, 1996
Baker Eatmon was tackled during a scrum by freshman Aaron Nonemaker
and sophomore John Keller and Kevin Walker (standing) in the University
Mall. The rugby club members practice two to three times a week.
Rugby is making its way into being a new club on campus this year, and there
are many people who are interested in knowing more about it.
A total of 42 students were willing to play during sign-up week. A meeting
was held Sept. 1 and 13 people showed. However, the club cannot begin until
there are enough people who will dedicate their time to play.
"I'm disappointed with the turnout at practices but we're still just
beginning," said sophomore John Keller.
Junior S. Baker Eatmon and Keller are in charge of practice until they officially
find a coach. They are also looking for sponsors and fundraising ideas to
help pay for their equipment.
Schools such as Claremont and others in the Riverside area have been contacted
and are willing to scrimmage against La Verne's rugby players. Scrimmages
will be held two to three times a month until they can officially start
playing as a real team.
There are many faculty supporters who have offered to help get the club
started, including Len Hightower, assistant to the president. Dr. Hightower
approached Eatmon and said he is willing to help out. Jason Sandford, ULV
debate coach, is also a faculty supporter and adviser for the team.
"There's a large student interest and it would be wise for the school
to start a team," said Eatmon. "We need time, effort and pride
from our players because that's what rugby is all about."
Agent Orange is the team name and the jersey colors will be green, orange
and black in English style. During game time there will be two 40-minute
periods and a halftime of five minutes.
Rugby originated in 1823 at the Rugby School in England. A Rugby Football
League was established in 1922 and extends from England to Australia, New
Zealand, France and other countries.
Rugby in America proved to be a sport of the times in the 1960s, especially
on school and college campuses. The sport is still expanding today and the
number of clubs has increased to more than 1,000.
La Verne's rugby players will be represented first as an experimental team
for the University until they are named as an actual club on campus.
They practice on the grass area between Brandt and Stu-Han every Tuesday
at 9 p.m., Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
The club wants to have a support team that will help cheer on the players
during game time.
According to senior Ken Lee, "we have a core of dedicated people who
want to bring rugby to La Verne."