Ruggers romp at cold Kent State

Snow blanketed the Kent State rugby pitch and the wind tore at exposed flesh as the Oberlin Rhino Ruggers got out of their vehicles and prepared to take the field for their season opener.

Oberlin arrived with 33 players, driving fear into the hearts of the Kent team, who jokingly wondered if we wouldn't just rather play ourselves. Although their numbers were few, the salty Kent State ruggers battled valiantly but Sat. March 14 would prove victorious for the Rhinos as they trounced Kent a resounding 17 points to nothing.

The first half of the game was marked by the scoring finesse of seniors Dana "Grease Lightning" Loeb and Tara "Glory Hound" Ikenouye. The two veteran ruggers had been practicing their straight arm Heisman maneuvers in the mirror for weeks and were pleased to note that collisions between Loeb and Ikenouye confused Kent sufficiently to allow the Rhinos to bust through the defense and score gloriously. Loeb's try was followed by a successful kick by sophomore Jen "The Foot" Kew for the extra points.

"This game put the Rhino back in Rhino Ruggers," said first-year Victoria Albina who led the side line crew in a barely rhythmic but much appreciated version of the "Go OC" cheer. The second half of the game belonged to the scrummies who dominated the rucks led by the hard driving rump-thumping of sophomores Blair Winter, Vania Hollis and Heather Foster (who actually dressed appropriately for the weather). The scrum downs were vicious on the icy field and even affected the drive of second row senior Sophie "Sled Dog" King, but the scrummies were able lock out and hold their ground to win the ball for Oberlin.

Oberlin benefitted from the numerous Kent infractions which allowed the Rhinos to march up the field uncontested to set up their clever penalty plays. Taking advantage of the Oberlin field position senior Tina Barksdale powered into the try zone for one of her signature scores, which involved dragging half the opposing squad with her while barely breaking a sweat.

The Kent squad was short a few players and benefited from the skilled play of Oberlin first years Erin McCarthy, Emily Stole, Jill Warsett and senior Chris "Boom Boom" Boehm expressing her appreciation for the Rhinos who played for Kent, "It can be really confusing to switch teams."

"All I can say is, we thumped 'em," roared first-year Kate-Skillman as the Ruggers strode triumphantly from the field. The Kent team graciously invited Oberlin to a post-game celebration where songs and libations were shared by all. "I really like the tea-pot song," reflected sophomore Sue Ives. All in all it was a tremendous start to what will surely prove to be a glorious season of women's rugby.

-Sashi Kaufman is a member of the women's rugby team

Down and dirty: (top) The women's rugby team showed no fear at Kent State. They braved the icy weather for a convincing road win.
Circle up: The Rhino Ruggers work out the kinks during an organized stretch before the game. The team has been holding intense practices in anticipation of a challenging season ahead