Kutztown Rugby

The Kutztown University Rugby Club was looking for a match after Temple had cancelled last weekend.  They tried to schedule a game and realized that every local team not involved in a playoff venue was entered in the “Philly Cup”.  Traditionally, the Philly Cup always attracts the teams in the EPRU and near by.

However, it was evident that some of this year’s teams were not so local and were of a higher standard than usual.  Kutztown usually avoids this tournament due to the negative and biased attitude exemplified by certain EPRU executives and referees, in the past. However, Temple cancelled and the Golden Bears wanted to play rugby.  So, Kutztown entered two teams in the tournament – one in the premier division and one in the developmental

Dylan Brown finds space for the 2nd side

division. On Saturday, both Kutztown teams went undefeated. Then on Sunday, both Kutztown teams went undefeated and after the award ceremony, both KU teams returned to the fantasy isthmus, undefeated.  The matches were abbreviated with short, twenty minute halves. 

Jamie Gregory finds a crease and acellerates for the 1st side

So with that in mind, take notice to the 1st side scores.  KU 76,  James Madison 0.  KU 28, University of Virginia  0. KU 31, University of Pennsylvania 7. KU 45, West Chester University 0.  The Kutztown 1st side scored 180 points with 7 against. The most important thing was the fact that the coaches took their foot off of the pedal and instructed the players to enjoy themselves to the fullest and Doc promised not to say a word about  their level of play, all weekend.  To top it all off, our dynamic, Kutztown full back, Tim Acker, was voted the tournament’s MVP. It was a great team building

Matt Fredrick demonstrates power running on the 1st side

experience and it was fun to see the return of the EPRU ’s Evil Empire, as Kutztown exposed the huge gap between the EPRU 2nd division clubs and the Golden Bears. 

 Of course, it was also a huge disappointment for our players and coaching staff to see that the tournament was a return to yesteryear and the early rugby culture of the 70’s. The crooked PCP pipe represented goal posts, held together by duct tape, narrow and hard dusty rugby pitches that looked like they were the  size of Pop Warner football fields.  Now I realize that the EPRU didn’t sponsor this tournament but they endorse it. In doing so, they perpetuate the myth that our sport is nothing more than a strange form of sandlot free for all, administrated from 1970.

Now I know that isn’t true because I know the new young wave of EPRU administrators. They are working hard to bring the EPRU up to date. However, if they want to catch up, and catch up quickly, please encourage them to endorse tournaments with regulation full size pitches and regulation posts. Create a professional atmosphere that represents a true intercollegiate setting that most people associate with collegiate athletics. Hold tournaments on college campuses and charge admission. Strive to eliminate the “club scene” that thrives in the EPRU.  RUN WITH THE BEARS!