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Kent State University Men's Rugby.
Since 1968.
Kent State University Rugby Football Club has been founded in 1968, and
since then has been one of the elite collegiate rugby football clubs in the Midwest.
While going through some turmoil within the organization during the 1970s, KSURFC has emerged as a key player in Division I Collegiate Rugby
in the early 1980s. The club reached great heights which included an Ohio
Championship and a 3rd place finish in the Midwest Cup at the Division I
level. The 1986 club was two victories shy of competing in California for
the National Championship and was ranked one of the top 8 teams in the country. In 1994, KSURFC upset the Ohio State Rugby
Football Club in the first round of the Midwest Regional Tournaments.
After going through a difficult period after the 1995 season, the club reemerged
in 1997 and was delegated to DII. Struggling to keep the numbers, the club
dropped to DIII in 1999. Strong interest from the student body, has
led to KSURFC going undefeated against college level opponents, losing only to men's clubs
and Division I foes over the last three years. Because of this success, KSURFC
made the
move up to Division II in the Spring Semester of 2003.
Rugby has always traditionally been a Club sport. Only three schools in
the United States (all IVY league) offer rugby as a varsity sport. Rugby
players don't play for scholarships or glory or social status. Rugby is
played out of the love for the game and the camaraderie that it offers.
Our traditions are rich and profound in nature. After the match, the home
team always holds a social for the visitors. Regardless of the score, both
teams salute each other and the referees at the end of each match.
Most teams are helped financially by their schools, and coached by either volunteers
or alumni's of the teams. Even though the financial assistance is there, a lot
of teams are in charge in raising their own support towards such things as
uniforms and practice equipment. This is done by campus activities, team
outings and other numerous means of raising finances.
Division II and Division I schools compete in a single elimination
national tournament. Both Divisions crown
their respective National Champions upon the conclusion.
KSURFC looks towards being in the mix of potential contenders for Division II
title in the upcoming 2003-2004 season.
(thanks to Ed Caldwell, team of '82,
for providing historic information)