SJU rugby carryies momentum into national tournament

The SJU Rugby team secured the Northern Lights Small College Conference championship and is now preparing for the first round of the National Tournament.

The season began with a pair of wins, including one over St. Thomas. Head coach Tamara Cowan noted how meaningful this rivalry win was for the team.

“Beating St. Thomas is always fun. Since they didn’t even make it to the finals, it was fun to beat them in the regular season,” Cowan said via email.

Despite their victories, the team understood that rugby often presents hurdles that must be overcome.

The largest hurdle the team faced this year was injury. A fully healthy team was a scarce sight this season. However, this did not phase the Johnnies. Players remained flexible and open to learning new positions on the fly. The team held each other up when they needed it most, which is exactly what led to their success.

Club president Jesus Medina believes the team’s culture starts with its leadership. Medina says that captains Jamie Ozuna and Joey O’Brien have stepped up to the plate and brought the energy that the team needed. He believes that this is the foundation of the brotherhood that encompasses this group.

“SJU rugby, for me, means brotherhood and community. Everyone who is part of the team are brothers and respect each other. We look out for each other on and off the rugby pitch. SJU rugby has resembled that brotherhood since the day that it was established back in 1967,” Medina said.

The closeness of the team has led to them pushing each other to improve. Mistakes are a part of the team’s philosophy. It is one of the reasons why the team is so welcoming to new players.

“We accept everyone who comes out, and the team will teach you the game of rugby,” Medina said. “It’s a good community to be part of, and we make sure to check in with each other off and on the pitch. It’s a brotherhood, and I feel like most people should have a group that they can count on and be a part of.”

Cowan also commented on this versatility and desire to learn in the newer members of the team. She noted the passion that the rookie players showed for the sport along with the ability they showed. SJU rugby benefited immensely from the speed with which these players were able to jump in and make a difference for the team.

Medina also recognized and appreciated the effort from the new additions to the team.

“The dedication that everyone on the team puts on and off the field is super exciting. Seeing the guys be able to score a try in their first game or score three-plus tries in one game — that’s the best thing to experience as a rugby player,” Medina said.

Looking ahead, the team will travel to St. Louis the weekend of Nov. 18 for the National Tournament. If the team wins both games there, they will advance to the final four in Houston, which will take place three weeks later. The team will also travel to Ireland over spring break and invites any new players to join the team for the second semester.