The Mount St. Mary’s sideline at the Atlantic Cup Rugby Tournament was packed with many older familiar faces as well as some nervous newcomers as the premier men's rugby team fielded old boy's, newcomer's and A squad sides on August 18.
The day began with an old boy’s match where the Mount's Brian “Pumpkin” Melody, C'99, Mike “Hoss” Williams, C'01, and Mike Harty, '98, took to the pitch with impressive play in an entertaining game.
After a week of three-a-day practices, yoga, stretching and chalkboard sessions, the Future’s squad, consisting mostly of freshmen, drew the first collegiate match, pitted against a seasoned Delaware A squad. The Mount matched the Mud Hens hit for hit and tackle for tackle for the first 20 minutes, putting on an impressive display of disciplined rugby. While the Mud Hens outscored the Mount side, these young men came ready to play. "Every player left everything they had on the field and made a lot of parents, fans and coaches very impressed and proud with their passionate play," said coach Jay Myles. "It was fun watching the future of Mount Men’s Rugby unfold."
The A squad, inspired by their younger teammates, came out swinging against an always physical Salisbury team. The Mount controlled play, with a few freshmen mixed in with an experienced team that did not disappoint. " In years past I’ve given credit to some of the stand-out players," Myles said. "This is a new era of Mount rugby where there is only one standout and it consists of every player who took the pitch on Saturday. We have an incredible amount of work to do, however, it is great to see the beginning of what I believe will be an incredible growth season this fall. I am always humbled by the support of the university, alumni and parents who continue to create environment for our players to succeed."
The men match up against the Baltimore-Chesapeake Rugby Football Club's men's Division 1 squad at 2 p.m. on August 25 at home on Echo Field.