Tuesday, September 15, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 3
Rugby team works to rid themselves of stereotypes, build on traditions
Players say sport open to everyone
By Dan Forguson
Kansan sportswriter
Rugby, a sport that some think is confined to overweight, beer-drinking airheads, is attempting to make a name for itself at the University of Kansas.
The participants also are trying to rid themselves of the typical rugby stereotype.
The club, which was started in 1964, is trying to build on the strong rugby tradition on Mount Oread while being competitive and having fun.
Both the men's and women's rugby club said they thought that getting involved and having fun was the most important thing.
Women's team member Kristen Leff, Iowa City, Iowa, senior, said the women's club had a varied level of athletic ability and that many played simply for exercise and to have fun.
"We're not an elitist club," she said. "If you show up to practice, you are going to get a
Leff said experience was not necessary to join the club.
chance to play."
"I didn't even know what rugby was before I joined the club," Leff said. "I played once and loved the game, loved the people and I got hooked."
The women's club has only been around for seven years and has come a long way from its humble beginnings.
humble beginnings.
"When I was first a part of the club, we didn't even have enough players to field a full team," said Leff, who joined four years ago.
Other club members said they became involved for the fringe benefits.
Stephanie Bishop, Lawrence junior, said that rugby provided opportunities unavailable through other sports. Last April, Bishop traveled to Ireland with another women's club team to compete internationally.
"I don't see too many people involved in other sports that get opportunities like that," Bishop said.
Anybody can play the growing sport of rugby, Bishop said.
"It's a fun and challenging sport for anybody," she said. "You don't necessarily have to be the biggest or the strongest to play."
Men's club member and women's team coach John Wiley, Prairie Village graduate student, said the University's rugby tradition was one of
the main reasons he decided to attend school here.
"I'm pursuing two goals while I'm here, in my rugby and my education," Wiley said. "When I came here, I knew that's what I wanted to do."
Both teams have scheduled tournaments, including the Heart of America Rugby Tournament in Kansas City Oct. 3 to 4.
Along with the Heart of America tournament, the women have scheduled a November road trip to Houston to compete against more than a dozen rugby clubs from the Midwest.
Although both teams have begun practicing, new members still can join.
There is a $30 membership fee for new members and a semester charge of $55 to renew the membership. The $55 covers all referee, membership and USA Rugby affiliation expenses.
Student's can sample the club for two weeks before deciding whether to join or pay any expenses.
"Rugby is a very inclusive sport that you can pick up anytime in life," said Wiley. "We don't have cuts, so if you come to practice, you'll play on the weekends."
Students who are interested in joining the club or who want more information can contact Wiley at 749-3881.
Strength coach brings power to football team
Continued from page 1B
feet 9.75 inches indoor, and 65 feet 10.5 inches outdoor, still stand today.
"Kevin was a model athlete. He was one of the most dedicated athletes to ever wear a Husker uniform. His work ethic was unmatched," Coach Epley said.
Coleman graduated in 1993 with a degree in exercise science and earned his master's in 1995. He also holds a degree in health education.
As he approaches the first anniversary of his hiring, Cole-
man's philosophy is reflected in the progress that his players have made.
"It's been exciting," Coleman said. "There's a great bunch of athletes here. It's great to see an athlete come in as a freshman and make tremendous gains."
From the testing done during spring practice, to that on August 10, Coleman's program paid dividends for many Kansas football players. Defensive backs Michael Allen, Jahmal Wright and Ocasio Cofeld, linebacker Hanson Caston, defensive lineman Nate Dwyer, running backs Mitch Bowles and
"Kevin was a model athlete. He was one of the most dedicated athletes to ever wear a 'Husker uniform. His work ethic was unmatched."
Boyd Epley Nebraska strength coach
David Winbush, and offensive linemen Michael Lies and Justin Glasgow all showed significant improvements in athletic performance.
Ultimately, preseason testing doesn't mean much, though. Player performance in games is more important.
"I'm not training my guys to test good. My job is to increase the athletic performance potential of our athletes," Coleman said. "When it comes to the success of a program, you have to have great assistants, a great academic staff, which we have, a great medical staff, which we have...it's the whole support staff that's involved."
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