By Jonathan Sawyer
Assistant Sports Editor
The men’s rugby team this season has played two top opponents in the past two weeks, suffering losses in both games, 23-10 to Penn State and 55-0 to Army.
Phil Jackling, a senior captain, is in his third year as a Bonnie rugby player. Jackling has nothing but positive thoughts coming out of two games versus two top-ten schools.
“The team has been improving every week, and the guys have been putting in a lot of effort. Looking forward, the team should be getting better.” Jackling said.
Even though he said they are playing some of the best teams in the nation, Jackling said his team benefits from those games.
“It helps the team playing good opponents, and then you watch film. You not only see what you did wrong, but you also see what they have done that was correct and worked.” Jackling said.
According to junior Luis Carpio, the team is in a better place than they were last season.
“We were in a better position than we were last year when it comes to depth and what we had on the team, which was a lot of injuries that really set us back.” Carpio said. “We have a great freshmen class, and we have a lot of guys who are committed to the team going forward.”
The team has a large freshmen class, and being young is a positive note, according to Carpio.
“Being a young team is a blessing because it gives you positivity looking toward the future,” Carpio said.
This weekend the Bonnies will host Iona at noon at Marra Athletic Fields Complex. Carpio said he’s excited to play in front of his friends and family.
“This weekend is going to be where we have to showcase what St. Bonaventue rugby is really made of,” Carpio said. “It’s great to do it on Family Weekend when all of our families, friends and alumni are going to be here.”
Jackling said he believes the players need to find their niche to have success on the field.
“Finding our team chemistry and finding what works for us,” Jackling said. “It’s going to take a little bit longer to do that against a team that has been playing together for a couple years.”
