Last thursday night was the end of the year rugby banquet for the mens and womens rugby teams. So after long weeks of stressful outfit planning and date scheming the big night arrived. the mens team, being many years our senior, built the banquet up all season saying plainly and genuinely that it was just a lot of fun. Yes, I had facebook researched it and after a few online pics, my excitement rose and rose and spilled over into a blood red, tight fitted, strapless dress and black high heels.
The night began with hasty preparation and quick last minute up-do's but once we arrived at the quaint and classly Bocce Cafe it was obvious we had a good night ahead of us. Dinner was wonderful and of course the people were even better. Awards were given out for best forwards, backs, MVPs and other serious matters. There were speeches from the mens and womens side and songs sung one last time. It was a night of classy rugby debauchery. at its best.
After a night like this I though for a long time about the people i had met, befriended and experiences due to the one of a kind sport and lifestyle that is rugby. I remember the first mens game i went to and the shock i felt each time the men dropped their shorts to change into their gear. the fact that they ewre really focused on the beverages they would be consuming after the game rather than the hydration im sure they needed during the game.
I feel like i need to note the amazing people that make up the mens team. Although i am wholly and completely dedicated to the womens team and all that we've accomplished, it wouldt be anything if the guys hadnt taken us in. They made room for us to travel to their games adn taught us during their practices when it was obvious they had precious little time to prepare for thier own games. There was no ego. Only rugby. I learned the sport through experience. too many times the mens coach Otto would throw me in a drill adn yell instructions in what was then a foriegn language. btu i learned the game and i loved every second of it.
When Lori began to coach us she said rugby was a drug, that once you started you would be hooked for life. It's so true. What i learned about rugby that made me fall in love with it is that there is no ego. The men and women work hard so that on saturday they can rail the opposition and play the game they love. there are no stats or averages considered. The whole atmospheere is feulled by a pure love for the sport.
Im not sure what it is about the sport that makes it so intoxicating. you hit and you get hit but that isnt the focus. there is so much going on and its all so fast and all you have time to think about is how badly you dont want your teammate to get buried in a mound of 300 lb islanders. I dont knw how to describe it. It's hard work and passion and adreneline running and ruling you for 80 minutes.
The culture and the atmosphere of the whole thing is another wonderful aspect. After the game the home team hosts a social in which the opposing team joins for of the field interaction. this is the part of the sport that i really feel sets it apart. everything is left on the field and both teams join in a celebration acknowledging their love for the game. There is food, drink , and song and its ALWAYS a good time. there are no hard feelings, only rugby.
The season is over and the mens seniors are graduating. there is a summer coming up that will be spent bulking up for another rough and tumble season that i CANNOT wait for. To the men's team i want to say thank you. you opened up a door for me that has changed my life and that will be a part of me forever. to everyone else hug a rugger ;)
much love
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