As a former rugby player at Bates College from 2001-2005 I would hate to see this program go. The relationships I forged with my rugby team makes are bar far some of the strongest that remain from my collegiate years. If Bates were to try and make this change it would greatly effect how I feel about the Institution
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Sarah Wetherbee
12 years ago
While the danger of concussions is very real in rugby, the risk is comparable to other contact sports, and arguably less pervasive than in football, where players are inexplicably taught to lead tackles with their helmets in hopes of forcing a loose ball. Focus on sound fundamentals and concussion awareness, not stripping your students of an activity that brings them joy, discipline, comeraderie, and an emotional oulet and support sytem.
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GEORGE CAIN
12 years ago
SAVE COLBY RUGBY
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John Draghi
12 years ago
As a Bowdoin alum, I can't imagine the league without Colby.
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David Pelton
12 years ago
Financial considerations are real considerations, and good to see the administration looking at responsibly financing the sport. If the college cannot afford the sport, then they should offer the program the chance to step up (just like the situation at Cal a few years ago). If the support is there, then the endowment can be reached and the program can continue. But to do that, the University has to be willing to be open to such a venture. I hope Vice-President Kletzer will consider such a venture.
Rugby has the same serious injury risk as soccer. Health and awareness is an excuse not a problem
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Anonymous
12 years ago
Keep colby rugby.
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Rob Borgese
12 years ago
Rugby at Colby is a unique athletic option and opportunity for sports as well as leadership not available through the conference sports, e.g. basketball or football. If Colby does not support the sport chances are it would only drive it off campus. The College could instead play an important role to support and help regulate and decrease injuries.
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Hayleigh Kein
12 years ago
Rugby is a unique and amazing experience. All those who want to play should have the opportunity!
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Catherine Cahners
12 years ago
I am a parent who fully supports rugby.
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Erica Van Sciver
12 years ago
As a member of the Bates college ruby team, I always found our games against Colby to be memorable. Every rugby player knows there is an associated risk with playing rugby, as with any sport, but at the same time everyone really works hard to make sure their teammates are protected. Rugby fosters not only community, but family. I hope the administration will reconsider its decision.
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Christian Boulanger
12 years ago
Member of the Bowdoin Rugby Football Club...it would be a shame for Colby, Bowdoin, and Maine rugby in general for Colby to lose it's rugby program.
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Madison Moody
12 years ago
Support Maine Rugby
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Zach Vosika
12 years ago
save rugby
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Sean Siff
12 years ago
I played against Colby Rugby as a Bates rugger and I believe the college must re-think their decision. There must be a better solution than closing the program. The negative effect of this decision will reach all colleges with rugby programs in and outside New England. Keep rugby in college, keep rugby in New England. Closing this club is not the answer.
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Kathleen Riley
12 years ago
I am a member of the class of 2001 and a member of the Women's Rugby team. Rugby was one of the most positive parts of my Colby experience, providing an alternative to competitive varsity sports, a way to meet lifelong friends, and be part of a self-organized and self-governed club. I hope that Colby finds a way to finance this club, which was so important to me during my time at Colby.
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Nick Robinson
12 years ago
rugby fosters a level of camaraderie above all other sports. Save rugby!
Save Colby Rugby!!!
As a former rugby player at Bates College from 2001-2005 I would hate to see this program go. The relationships I forged with my rugby team makes are bar far some of the strongest that remain from my collegiate years. If Bates were to try and make this change it would greatly effect how I feel about the Institution
While the danger of concussions is very real in rugby, the risk is comparable to other contact sports, and arguably less pervasive than in football, where players are inexplicably taught to lead tackles with their helmets in hopes of forcing a loose ball. Focus on sound fundamentals and concussion awareness, not stripping your students of an activity that brings them joy, discipline, comeraderie, and an emotional oulet and support sytem.
SAVE COLBY RUGBY
As a Bowdoin alum, I can't imagine the league without Colby.
Financial considerations are real considerations, and good to see the administration looking at responsibly financing the sport. If the college cannot afford the sport, then they should offer the program the chance to step up (just like the situation at Cal a few years ago). If the support is there, then the endowment can be reached and the program can continue. But to do that, the University has to be willing to be open to such a venture. I hope Vice-President Kletzer will consider such a venture.
Keep Colby Rugby
Can't imagine not playing Colby
Rugby has the same serious injury risk as soccer. Health and awareness is an excuse not a problem
Keep colby rugby.
Rugby at Colby is a unique athletic option and opportunity for sports as well as leadership not available through the conference sports, e.g. basketball or football. If Colby does not support the sport chances are it would only drive it off campus. The College could instead play an important role to support and help regulate and decrease injuries.
Rugby is a unique and amazing experience. All those who want to play should have the opportunity!
I am a parent who fully supports rugby.
As a member of the Bates college ruby team, I always found our games against Colby to be memorable. Every rugby player knows there is an associated risk with playing rugby, as with any sport, but at the same time everyone really works hard to make sure their teammates are protected. Rugby fosters not only community, but family. I hope the administration will reconsider its decision.
Member of the Bowdoin Rugby Football Club...it would be a shame for Colby, Bowdoin, and Maine rugby in general for Colby to lose it's rugby program.
Support Maine Rugby
save rugby
I played against Colby Rugby as a Bates rugger and I believe the college must re-think their decision. There must be a better solution than closing the program. The negative effect of this decision will reach all colleges with rugby programs in and outside New England. Keep rugby in college, keep rugby in New England. Closing this club is not the answer.
I am a member of the class of 2001 and a member of the Women's Rugby team. Rugby was one of the most positive parts of my Colby experience, providing an alternative to competitive varsity sports, a way to meet lifelong friends, and be part of a self-organized and self-governed club. I hope that Colby finds a way to finance this club, which was so important to me during my time at Colby.
rugby fosters a level of camaraderie above all other sports. Save rugby!