By Mike Specht
Staff Writer
Since its 67-11 manhandling of Rutgers on Nov. 17, the men’s rugby team has extensively trained through the winter and spring to prove it can compete with the top rugby programs in the nation. They will display their talents this Saturday in the D1-AA USA Rugby National Championship, featuring 15 other teams that have qualified through league play. They face off against Middlebury at Founders Field in Pittsburgh. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.
Facing perennial rugby power Middlebury, who won the DII Men’s Collegiate National Championshipin 2007 and 2009 and is the defending D-IAA East Coast Rugby Conference Champion, can be intimidating. Coach Clarence Picard has kept his team focused, however, by not stressing over their opponent’s extensive accolades.
“What we really focus on as a team is our phrase ‘what’s important now.’ We’re not going to worry about Middlebury today, but be concentrated on each individual practice and how we can improve,” Picard said. “Each individual player needs to concentrate on doing his specific job for the good of the team.”
The Bonnies’ offseason program was focused on weight training and extensive film study in preparation for nationals. Increasing the team’s overall physical fitness and rugby knowledge has proven successful during spring exhibition games. The Bonnies won the South Buffalo Collegiate Rugby Tournament, the Little Three Tournament, were Empire Rugby Sevens champions in their first year of sevens competition and defeated Wheeling Jesuit University two weeks ago.
“Through our extensive film study, we’ve been picking up on things that need improvement a lot quicker and have been critical of any problems we see in our game,” Picard said.
If the Bonnies defeat Middlebury Saturday, they will play the winner of the Pittsburgh-Dartmouth matchup. Although it is a potential matchup for the Bonnies, the team is not concerned about those teams.
“Our main focus is preparing for Middlebury,” Picard said. “We do know a little bit about Pitt and Dartmouth, but we’ll cross that bridge when the time comes.”
In order for the Bona ruggers to defeat Middlebury, Picard and the rest of the coaching staff have stressed controlling the gameplay and the tempo.
“We want to dictate our style of play. We need to win our rucks and be strong at the breakdowns,” Picard said. “We need to make our tackles and get the ball back on defense.”
Last Saturday, the Bonnies played Alfred in an exhibition game and lost 15-5. The starters sat out, allowing the younger developmental players to see the field one more time this season.
Weather conditions played a big factor in the game. Strong winds blew the ball around and redirected passes, while kicking was also a difficult task.
“The weather and wind gave us a lot of trouble. It was a real territorial game; we played a lot in our own end and couldn’t capitalize,” Picard said.
With three seniors graduating, Picard sees talent in the developmental side, for many players can step up to a starting role.
“There are many guys who can step up and play A-side,” Picard said. “Anyone can do it, if they do the work and put in the effort. It’s definitely a competitive team.”
With months of preparation coming down to this Saturday’s matchup, one of the most significant games in the history of St Bonaventure rugby, Picard is confident about his team’s ability to perform against one of the nation’s best teams.
“If we worry about our business in preparation, then the rest will fall into place,” Picard said.
