CLUB ROUNDUP: Rugby tries to forget spring

The devastating conclusion to last year's season for the Penn rugby team still lingers in the minds of its returning members. Haunted by the embarrassing memory of losing all four games in the Ivy League tournament last spring, this year's team is determined to reestablish a winning program. The 1995 season for the Penn rugby team has been one of transformation. The change began over the summer when a new coach, Mike Dugan, was brought in to start a serious rugby program. Under Dugan's influence, a new practice schedule was set up, increasing practice time from two times a week to three. The returning players took it upon themselves to begin training and getting into shape before the season started. "To this point our new serious attitude has paid off," captain Max Barry said, commenting on the team's 2-1 start. Behind a new coach, a larger squad of 40 members (compared to the 25 of last season's team), and the new attitude, Penn dominated Drexel and La Salle, its first two opponents. The Quakers' next opponent, Princeton, was also undefeated at 4-0, and the stage was set for a big showdown. Both squads were well aware that the winner of this game would most likely go on to win the division. According to Barry, Penn felt confident this was "anyone's game" During the first 15 minutes, the Quakers and Tigers battled back and forth with neither team able to score. If there was a turning point in the lopsided 28-7 Princeton victory, Barry said, it was first score for Princeton. It came on a broken play after a missed field goal. (Unlike football, in which the ball is ruled dead after a missed field goal, in rugby play continues.) Princeton raced down the field and covered the ball in their end zone, resulting in a try and five points for the Tigers. "It was a bad call and a tough break for us," Barry said, "because it was clear to both teams that Princeton was out of bounds when they recovered the ball." Before the half ended Penn found itself down 14-0. Even though Princeton controlled the majority of the game, Barry believes the level of talent and overall makeup of both teams is very similar. "If we played again in a week from now the score could easily be reversed," Barry said. The loss to Princeton places a much higher emphasis on the next game for Penn. A win over Swarthmore will assure Penn of second place in its division and a chance to play in a fall postseason tournament. Last year, lacking the commitment and leadership to rebound after its crushing defeat in the Ivy League tournament, the Quakers lost all of their subsequent matches. Instead of just putting the Princeton loss behind it, Penn is using the defeat as motivation. "Penn is pumped to beat Swarthmore this weekend," Barry said.