Joey Bottini ’19

THE ROUNDUP

After a 30 year absence from club sports, the Brophy Rugby Team held it’s first practice on Oct. 24.

The club introduces an opportunity for students to engage in a sport that has been lost for decades to Brophy students.

“The club fills a niche for kids who are looking for a physical sport, but aren’t necessarily looking to train year round like you do for other major sports,” said team manager Mr. Scott Middlemist ’87.

The squad will gear up to compete against other valley club teams such as Desert Vista, Hamilton and Corona Del Sol.

”In the past five years rugby was being pushed hard by several different groups. This year was more workable than years past because a lot fewer kids are needed for a seven man team and Assistant Coach Mr. Tim Moran ‘87 found a way to have uniforms and equipment fully funded,” said Athletic Director Mr. Bill Woods.

This season the team will be playing seven vs. seven rugby based off the Olympic style rather than the traditional 15 man team. This leads to more fast paced games, as the playing time is shortened to about 30 minutes.

New coaches Mr. Steve Ciarfalia ’05 and Mr. Tim Moran ’87 bring their coaching experience onboard as they are veteran coaches at the club level. Also, each member of the staff holds their own playing experiences at the collegiate level.

Brophy Rugby Club member Sam Woods ’19 believes the inexperienced team will be built around athletes with natural ability who will be able to compete at high level.

“With all new players, our team will look to build chemistry as the season goes on.” Woods added.

The team gives a new social and athletic setting for students to support.

“We’re hoping that since it’s so fast and exciting to watch that it will catch on and we will have a lot of guys coming out to play,” Mr. Middlemist added.