College... And Rugby

COLLEGE... And Rugby

(Below: Saint Mary's College, Moraga, CA)

Deciding what college you are going to go to is usually a long, tough decision.  There are tons of factors that go in to picking which school you are going to spend the next four years at.  

Do they have the academic program you want? (That's the most important!) 

How much does it cost? 

What is the campus life like? 

How far away from home is it? (Sometimes too far and sometimes not far enough) 

Public or private school? 

What types and number of scholarships are offered? 

What is the acceptance rate?  

Sounds lame, but what is the weather and climate like?  Do you want to live in a blizzard for 4 months out of the year or be on the beach?  

And maybe, DO THEY HAVE A RUGBY TEAM?  

(Above: Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO)

All great questions.  

If you know or even think you want to play rugby in college, look up the schools you are interested in and see if they have a team.  Chances are they do.  On usarugby.org* there are 9 PAGES of colleges with men's rugby programs.  And there are 7 PAGES of colleges with women's programs.  As you are doing your research on schools reach out the teams.  When you go to visit a school, go to a practice or a game if you can.  Even bring your cleats, they'll ask you to jump in and practice with them!  Start communicating early, there are some schools that even offer scholarships!  The ones that don't offer scholarships sometimes have other ways of benefiting you like getting your books paid for, helping you get other scholarships, some that even give you in-state tuition (that is huge, you want that). If you talk to a team they will do what they can to help you, they want you to come to their school.  Recruiting is hard at the college level just like it is for us in high school.  Many people don't learn rugby until they are in college, so you have an advantage having already played in high school, they appreciate that, trust me. 

So, don't be scared, reach out and talk to people. Remember, rugby is an accepting and welcoming community wherever you go!  You will love your new school and rugby team wherever you end up!  If you have questions, talk to your coaches and the men's club players.  We went to college, we went to different colleges, we have insight, opinions and advice we are all willing to share! 

* Go to usarugby.org - scroll over 'College' at the top - Click on 'Conferences and Teams - Then choose either Men's teams or Women's teams

(Above: United States Air Force Academy, Colorado)

High School Info Meeting

PLAY RUGBY!

Vacaville Blackdog Rugby Club

Ever thought about trying a new sport? Rugby is the perfect fit! Come hear what it is all about!

No prior rugby experience necessary

Who: High school BOYS and GIRLS 9th-12th grade

When: Wednesday Oct. 12th at 2:30

Where: Andrews Park at the amphitheater

What: Information about the upcoming season, practice dates, cost, paperwork, etc.

Please contact either of the coaches for further questions

Brett Fortney - Boy’s Head Coach

brett.vacavillerugby@gmail.com

Samantha Miller - Girl’s Head Coach

sam.miller101299@gmail.com

Vrfcblackdogs.blogspot.com *vacaville_rugby_club * Vacaville Rugby Club

Recap Part 2: Summer

This summer the Rookie Rugby program was added to Vacaville Rugby Club.  Kids ages 5-13 had the opportunity to learn about rugby through a 6 week summer season.  The kindergarten and 1st grade group learned how run and pass, played keep away, and LOVED playing sharks and minnows.  The 2nd-4th grade group learned the basics of offense and defense and worked their way up to playing flag rugby.  The 5th-8th grade group was an athletic, competitive bunch who learned running at pace and coming up on defense is a must!.  With lots of good feedback and people already asking when the next season is going to be, it looks like Rookie Rugby is here to stay!  Hopefully leading into a middle school team in the next couple of years!

The high school kids took part in the Summer 7’s Series put on by NCYRA.  Summer 7’s is always a great time to focus on skill development and of course great conditioning.  Each tournament both the boys and girls teams improved and it was a great opportunity for them to cheer each other on and hang out together in between games.  We had to say goodbye to our seniors at the end of summer 7’s, we wished them luck as the ladies headed off to Chico State, USC, Grand Canyon University, Arizona State and The United States Marine Corps.

Now It’s the Offseason

After all the time and work put in over the spring and summer an offseason was much needed.  We hope everyone is enjoying their new school year, different sports, work, friends and a little free time!  

Looking ahead, we still have plenty of time before the season starts back up again, but this is when you should recruit, recruit, RECRUIT!!  Now is the time to start talking to your friends and classmates about rugby, get them interested and excited to try something new!  Also, be working on your own fitness, strength training, and skills, we all know how valuable fitness is!  

Be on the lookout on the blog, instagram, facebook and your email for information about a preseason meeting, fundraisers, and strength and conditioning opportunities.

Recap Part 1: Spring Seasons

Spring of 2016 was a busy season, with both the boys and girls high school teams playing as well as the men’s club.  The high school boys team started the season off with a great win.  They had a couple hard fought, close losses throughout the season and finished 2-4.  Despite a rough schedule the boys improved greatly over the course of the season, especially on the defensive side of the ball, and are coming into the 2017 season with a strong senior class.

This spring was the first time Vacaville Blackdog Rugby Club had a girls high school team.  WIth a few returners who had made the drive to Davis the year before, the ladies made a team of mostly rookies and hit the ground running.  The Lady Blackdogs ended the regular season 4-5 and finished 2nd in their bracket at the end of season tournament.  The ladies are also coming into the 2017 season with a strong senior class.

The “Old Dogs” competed in the D2 division in Northern California.  This spring they finished the season 11-2, with a heartbreaking loss in the NorCal Championship.  The men went through most their season with low numbers, but every weekend they came ready to get the job done.  This season they are looking to bulk up their numbers a bit and keep Vacaville Rugby Club at the top of the D2 division.

Overall, it was a hugely successful season!  Thank you to everyone who played, came to watch us rain or shine, coached, brought food and drinks to socials, and for just supporting our club! Big things to come this year! #DPWW