Developing Young Players – Kelly Milano, DC Student

life holds second annual rugby camp

This year, LIFE Rugby Club hosted the 2^nd annual high school rugby training camp.  During the first rugby training camp in 2010, Life quickly found there was higher interest in the camp than originally expected as the camp filled up quickly and a waiting list developed. For 2011, the Rugby staff created two camps-a three day skills camp and a four day high school camp to follow.  They also created more openings for attendees, and still filled up both camps with thirty-five players attending the skills camp and fifty-five attending the high school camp. Elite Schools Rugby.com (www.eliteschoolsrugby.com) states, “Life University Atlanta boasts arguably the most professional and elite rugby program witnessed in the US and is one that would certainly rival any club or university worldwide.” Because of this players came from all over the country to attend the camps, traveling from as far as California and Montana. Charlotte had the largest number of players in attendance. According to LU rugby coach and director Dan Payne, “Rugby is gaining a lot of momentum up there and it’s becoming one of our strongest recruiting grounds.”  Payne told  RugbyStrong, “We’re happy to provide an environment we’re confident will help both the development of those players that attend, and the growth of rugby in our country.” As this event grows in popularity, it’s another way LIFE Rugby continues to step ahead of the crowd to be a force to be reckoned with in the rugby world.

LIFE Rugby Updates – Kelly Milano, DC Student

The Dynasty Continues

Life Rugby has once again had an incredibly successful season. The Super League teams have gone undefeated while totaling over 230 points since February 19th while keeping its opponents to 95 points. They are currently 5-0 for the season, one win away from hosting the Super League semi-final game here at Life University in May. Only Boston stands in their way on April 30th. Life is currently ranked #1 in their league, with Boston tailing behind them in the #2 spot. It should prove to be a hard fought game as Life vies for home field advantage and Boston sets out to stop them.
This season marked the first for the Life College Premier team, made up entirely of undergraduates, who have made a strong showing in the league. RugbyMag had given them a #3 ranking before the season began, so there has been a lot of pressure to perform well and find their place. Currently, as of April 11 they are ranked #4 after having taken their only loss at the hands of Arkansas, who are now in the #3 place. The team is currently 10-1 (5-1 in league play) and getting ready to take on Oklahoma on April 30th.

Dan Payne, director of rugby, stated, “The program and the players specifically, have done a phenomenal job as we have taken on the task of running two full teams in two separate national competitions.” He continued, “I am extremely grateful and proud of the effort the players and our staff have displayed in an attempt to uphold the standard of excellence our alumni, classmates and, most importantly, our university as a whole, have come to expect from our organization.”

Life Undergrad Rugby – Kelly Milano, DC Student

Success in the first season

As Life Rugby unveiled the first season of its undergrad team, there was much expectation and anticipation of what the season would be like. While the first season was a short one, consisting of only five games, it gave us a preview into what the full season in the spring will look like. One of the most fun games of the season to watch was when Life faced county rival, Kennesaw State, which resulted in a score of 104-3, with Kennesaw’s only points coming from a penalty kick. The game started with a “try” by Life’s Cornelius Dirksen on the opening play, only 20 seconds into the game. At the half, Life was already leading 68-0! During the game, 13 of Life’s 15 starters added points to the total.

Next, Life faced off against University of Georgia, again dominating the field and leaving the game with an 86-0 win. Life also dominated the field over Ohio State (84-12). The season picks back up in March, with games against University of Tennessee, Texas A&M, LSU, Arkansas State, Notre Dame and Oklahoma. Don’t miss out on the action! And don’t forget to follow the Life Running Eagles on Facebook.

Life Undergraduate Rugby – Kelly Milano, D.C. Student

Dominating the Competition

Saturday, October 2 was the perfect day for a rugby game! The air was cool, the sun was out and there was excitement in the air. The stands were packed with new students, returning students, alumni and fans! This game was a monumental game for the Life University Rugby Club (LURC) as the club unveiled its all undergraduate team.Up until this point, the teams consisted of a Men’s Division 1 team and a Super League team that combined both undergraduates and DC students on the same field.

The opening game of the season had almost a carnival atmosphere with face painting and a moon jump for the kids, pre and post game parties, food, drinks and a lot of excitement. It also coincided with the New Student Orientation that welcomed in the new students for the fall. The new students were all decked out in their new Life Rugby t-shirts courtesy of the Athletic Department. While most of these students had never seen a rugby game and didn’t understand how it was played, most left excited about the game, looking forward to future games. Several of the DC rugby students were in the crowd, interlaced with the new students, explaining how the game worked and what the calls meant, helping to better equip the new students with a new understanding and appreciation for the game.

Life came out to a slow start while facing off against the Virginia Tech Hokies, with the first try not coming until 13 minutes into the game, but failing to get the 2 point conversion. The Hokies responded with a try and the conversion and took the only lead they would have in the game with a score of 7-5.

During the 2^nd half, Life dominated the pitch, scoring a total of six tries in the half and walking away with a 60-7 win over the Hokies. The preparation leading up to this opening game was intense for these young players. Many were new to the team and some saw their first collegiate game play. The practice hours were long, often starting at 6:30am to help teach discipline and increase endurance and drive in the players.

In the coming weeks, Life will face off against some big name teams including University of Georgia, Ohio State, University of Tennessee, Texas A&M, LSU and Notre Dame. Come out and cheer on your Life University Eagles and join the frenzy!

Photo courtesy of Adam Schwarz – Lightning Photography