By Gavin Lindahl
Staff writer
The class of 2013’s departure was a costly one for the SBU women’s rugby team. The club saw 11 of its 15 starters graduate from their state championship-winning squad two years ago.
“It was challenging for us to fill those spots and teach the game to a new crowd of girls,” senior and veteran Laura Calamia said. “Rugby isn’t an easy game to teach in just a couple weeks.”
The loss of such a large chunk of the team’s skill has meant the loss of the club’s championship-winning chemistry.
“There is no doubt in my mind that the chemistry we shared on the field got us to states last time,” Calamia said.
However, the team is making strides to regain that chemistry with a strong sense of family off the field.
“We spend a lot of time with each other outside of rugby, and most of us live together,” Calamia said. “We just need to work on bringing our team chemistry to the pitch.”
Regardless of the new bond the team needs to build, one thing has never changed, according to Coach Tracy Schrems – the players’ dedication.
“We still have the same goals,” Schrems said. “Athleticism, team play, 100-percent effort from everyone and all-around knowledge of the game.”
New faces and names aren’t the only changes expected this season. For the first time ever, the club will compete in a tougher, faster division with a new offense led by Schrems. The team has always been defense-first and now looks to bring a strong offense to the table.
“I am very excited for the new offense we have in the works,” Calamia said. “However, it’s still being perfected by the team.”
A dual threat on both sides of the ball isn’t the only thing the team can boast. In addition to being focused and driven, the team’s new players also have a high ceiling, according to Schrems.
“They are all amazing and talented players,” Schrems said. “There is no limit to their potential.”
But, as is expected with new players, it will take time for the young talent to fully understand the mechanics of the game. Fans should rest assured this won’t be a hang-up, though.
“The knowledge of the game is going to take some time, but it’s coming along nicely,” Schrems said.
Even with a large, talented crop of new, young players, the team still faces some problems with depth. The club lacks a B-side, or second string, and this could become an issue if the team has to deal with injuries. A deeper team is one of Schrems’ many goals in the coming years.
“I know what I want, I know what we want, and I know what we are working toward,” Schrems said. “We’ll be building a legacy of Bona’s women’s rugby that will last here long after we’re gone.”
Regardless of the huge turnover and the ongoing building process, the team is as focused and excited to get out and play rugby as ever.
“We still have a lot of work ahead of us,” Calamia said. “But St. Bonaventure will continue to be great contenders.”
lindahg12@bonaventure.edu
