Grace Rugby Makes Impact Within Local Community
By Jason Boyle
Since the Rugby club was formed in 2010, the team has made great strides to make their name known. As a part of the Indiana Rugby Football Union, they compete against schools like IPFW, Anderson University, and Indiana State University. Two of the team’s three seasons have resulted in a third place finish in the league. The other season resulted in a fifth place finish in the league.
This past fall, Grace finished the regular season 3-1 with wins over IWU (49-17), Anderson (45-38), and Wabash, with their only loss being to IPFW (53-20). This record resulted in a second seed for the postseason tournament. Despite their best efforts, Grace lost to undefeated University of Southern Indiana in the semifinal round of the tournament in Carmel. USI went on to win the state tournament and advance to regional play.
The Rugby team is also making strides in the surrounding community by helping to start a youth rugby league. Members of the team are currently undergoing training and certification through Rugby Indiana and USA Rugby in order to teach elementary-school children the fundamentals of the game of rugby as well as coach them to compete competitively. The goal of this is not only to teach children the fastest growing sport in the United States, but also to help children stay active and have a healthy lifestyle.
This spring, Grace looks to continue their success with several games and tournaments in the upcoming months. The spring schedule is as follows:
March 29: HOME Alumni game
April 5: HOME vs. TBA
April 12: @ Purdue University (Tournament)
April 26: HOME vs. Calvin College
May 3: @ Anderson University (Tournament)
wAll home games are played behind New Horizon Church, just east of Alpha dorm and the trailer park on Wooster Road. For more information and updates throughout the season, like “Grace College Men’s Rugby” on Facebook. See you on the pitch!
