Originally reported for NCC News,Dec 3, 2010.
The Syracuse University Rugby Football Club wrapped up another winning season with the traditional Alumni Game Saturday, Nov. 27.
The team known as the 'Hammerheads,' is comprised mostly of Syracuse University students. The Hammerheads finished the 2010 season winning all but one game, giving them a record of 9-1.
Coach Bob Wilson said the record was great, but not the most surprising thing about the season. "The really impressive thing about this team is that we have had more players than any year before," said Wilson.
In all the club had more than 60 players, many of which took part in the annual alumni game. In the alumni game, current players compete in exhibition against players from previous years, like Coach Wilson.
"It's a chance for the alumni to get out, have a run-around and check up on the progress of the team," said Wilson.
He also said that he enjoys playing in the game almost as much as he enjoys celebrating after it's finished. "It's a great way to enjoy both the physical and social sides of the game," said Wilson.
Because rugby is not an NCAA sanctioned sport, funding for the team is limited to what they can collect from alumni and fundraisers. Players are responsible for setting up the fields and sometimes also share uniforms.
Unlike many of Syracuse University's basketball and football athletes, these rugby players are not on scholarship and will likely not pursue careers in athletics after their final season.
"We're here because this is just fun," said player Tyler "Scruffy" Rowell. "This is our team, past, present and future...we put our hearts and souls on the line for each other because it's just fun."
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