Western Michigan University's rugby team has a rich history and a strong presence in the collegiate rugby scene. As a part of the university's athletic department, the team competes in the Division I-A of the National Collegiate Rugby Association (NCRA). With a focus on teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship, the Western Michigan University rugby team has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of collegiate rugby.
History of Western Michigan University Rugby Team
The Western Michigan University rugby team was founded in the early 1970s, with a group of enthusiastic students coming together to form a club team. Over the years, the team has grown and evolved, becoming a varsity sport in 2011. Today, the team competes at the highest level of collegiate rugby, with a strong roster of talented players and a dedicated coaching staff.
Team Values and Mission
The Western Michigan University rugby team is built on a set of core values that guide the team's behavior and decision-making. These values include:
- Teamwork: Rugby is a team sport, and the Western Michigan University team emphasizes the importance of working together towards a common goal.
- Discipline: The team expects players to conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner, both on and off the pitch.
- Sportsmanship: The team values fair play and respect for opponents, officials, and teammates.
- Hard Work: The team believes that hard work and dedication are essential to success in rugby.
The team's mission is to provide a positive and supportive environment for players to develop their skills, build strong relationships, and compete at the highest level.
Competitions and Achievements
The Western Michigan University rugby team competes in the Division I-A of the National Collegiate Rugby Association (NCRA). The team has a strong record of success, with several notable achievements in recent years.
- National Championships: The team has competed in the NCRA national championships, finishing as high as third place in 2019.
- Conference Championships: The team has won several conference championships, including the 2020 Mid-American Conference championship.
- Tournament Victories: The team has won several tournaments, including the 2018 Great Lakes Invitational and the 2020 Michigan Rugby Tournament.
Coaching Staff and Player Development
The Western Michigan University rugby team is led by a experienced coaching staff, with a focus on player development and team success.
- Head Coach: The team's head coach has over 10 years of coaching experience, with a strong track record of developing players and winning championships.
- Assistant Coaches: The team's assistant coaches bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, with expertise in areas such as scrummaging, lineouts, and backline play.
- Player Development: The team has a strong focus on player development, with a range of programs and resources available to help players improve their skills and achieve their goals.
Facilities and Resources
The Western Michigan University rugby team has access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including:
- Rugby Pitch: The team plays on a dedicated rugby pitch, with a professional-grade surface and excellent drainage.
- Weight Room: The team has access to a fully-equipped weight room, with a range of strength and conditioning equipment.
- Training Facilities: The team has access to a range of training facilities, including a sports medicine center and a video analysis room.
Alumni and Community
The Western Michigan University rugby team has a strong alumni network, with many former players going on to successful careers in rugby and beyond.
- Alumni Association: The team has an active alumni association, with regular events and gatherings for former players.
- Community Engagement: The team is committed to community engagement, with a range of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting rugby and supporting local charities.
Recruitment and Scholarships
The Western Michigan University rugby team is always looking for talented and dedicated players to join the team. With a range of scholarships and recruitment programs available, the team is committed to supporting players and helping them achieve their goals.
- Recruitment: The team has a strong recruitment program, with a focus on identifying and developing talented players from across the country.
- Scholarships: The team offers a range of scholarships to support players, including academic and athletic scholarships.
Conclusion
The Western Michigan University rugby team is a proud and successful program, with a strong focus on teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. With a rich history, a talented roster of players, and a dedicated coaching staff, the team is well-placed to continue its success in the years to come.
We invite you to join us in supporting the Western Michigan University rugby team, whether as a player, coach, or fan. Together, we can build a strong and successful program that makes the university proud.
Gallery of Western Michigan University Rugby Team
What is the Western Michigan University rugby team's division?
+The Western Michigan University rugby team competes in the Division I-A of the National Collegiate Rugby Association (NCRA).
What are the team's values and mission?
+The team's values include teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and hard work. The team's mission is to provide a positive and supportive environment for players to develop their skills, build strong relationships, and compete at the highest level.
What facilities and resources does the team have access to?
+The team has access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including a dedicated rugby pitch, a fully-equipped weight room, and a range of training facilities.