Rugby was a key part of my Colby experience. I see the new sports that Colby has added and I wonder why they plan to cut out Rugby at a time when other schools are adding it. Cutting Rugby is a bad idea!
M
Mandy Reynolds
12 years ago
If rugby teaches you anything it is how to fight. Love you, CWRFC.
R
Richard Morrissey '97
12 years ago
Careful what you wish for, Colby: http://www.thecolbyecho.com/news/college-looks-to-increase-alumni-participation
S
Sam Hoff
12 years ago
CRFC was one of the most memorable parts of my four years at Colby. Please keep the team and tradition alive for future students!
Z
Zoe Herrmann '13
12 years ago
I wouldn't be who I am today without Colby Rugby.
J
Jessica Frick
12 years ago
Rugby definitely defined by Colby experience. #saveColbyrugby
W
warren burroughs
12 years ago
Isn't rugby about to become an olympic sport?
M
Megan Wilson
12 years ago
Finding my friends through Rugby is the only reason I did not transfer to another school my freshman year.
H
Hilbert Schenck
12 years ago
this club has meant the world to me, and as long as Colby does not choose to fund it, I will not fund Colby.
S
Samantha Chun, '06
12 years ago
forwards and backs unite!
J
Jennifer A. Coliflores '06
12 years ago
Colby Rugby is worth saving!
M
Marc A. Rando '89
12 years ago
In short Colby Rugby was a difinitive part of my formation as a teacher, coach and adult. Not to mention it was so much fun. Was just reliving rugby stories with friends last weekend. While I understand financial and liability concerns, I hope that Colby can make it work.
J
Jamie Smith Houghton, '99
12 years ago
There are several studies that counter the two reasons Dean Kletzer gave for canceling CRFC: cost and injuries. Here are just two:
http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/42/7/595.abstract
http://slps.priory.org/fraugustine/RugbySafety.htm
While the college may be looking to save money, it is disingenuous to suggest that canceling rugby would be an effective way to cut costs. Cancel the football program.
If the college is looking to decrease the number and severity of injuries that its students receive, cancel the football program.
E
Emma Suojanen '12
12 years ago
As students of a liberal arts college, we're told our words can inspire change. I hope all of you in the Colby administration are inspired by how passionate Colby students, alumni, and parents are about the Colby Rugby program and its significance. PLEASE reconsider this action.
R
Robert Laurence
12 years ago
The resilience and tenacity of Colby Rugby has been underestimated.
J
Jamie Loyd
12 years ago
As a rugby coach, player, analyst and commentator I am always amazed by the incompetence of people in suggesting rugby is more dangerous than American Football. The lack of padding in rugby and the ferocious policing of the high/illegal tackle laws mean that rugby is considerably safer than American Football, where due to the massive amount of padding, players throw themselves into contact without any control or though of self-preservation because they believe that the pads will protect them. This lack of tackle technique in football means that players suffer appalling long term head trauma as highlighted by the recent payout made by the NFL to the ex players association. I am staggered by the level of incompetency and ignorance of Colby's sporting administration. Shame on you.
K
Karin Ecroyd
12 years ago
As a retured rugger, I urge you not to pull the college rugby program. With proper coaching, trained referees and fitness there is far more to gain from the experience than risk of injury not unlike other sports. Non-contact sports where accidental contact regularly occurs but is not expected can create just as much if not more risk of injury such as sweeping a knee in soccer or unintentional contact with a lacrosse or hockey stick. Give the students the choice and the opportunity to supplement funding.
B
Bill Reed
12 years ago
I've been involved with teaching and coaching at the high school level since graduating from Colby in 1988. There has been a decided sea change in how trainers, and coaches, respond to symptoms consistent with concussions. Some of this is legitimately science-based, some of this is also reactionary. I'm quite sure that the players are trained how to endure, and dish out, contact safely. In addition, I'm sure that Colby's athletic trainers know exactly what they're doing. Suggesting that rugby needs to be cut in order to avoid injuries is ridiculous, particularly in the context of other sports that have just as much contact at higher speeds of play. If a lack of funds is the issue, then it should be clearly stated so that the Colby rugby community can do their own fundraising, if necessary, and fix the situation.
R
Richard K Alleger
12 years ago
Rugby is inherently safer than football. With statistically less head and neck injuries. THe life skills learned from being part of the team and culture will serve these TRUE student-athletes for the rest of their lives. Richard K. Alleger - Head Coach University of North Florida Men's RUgby Club
Rugby was a key part of my Colby experience. I see the new sports that Colby has added and I wonder why they plan to cut out Rugby at a time when other schools are adding it. Cutting Rugby is a bad idea!
If rugby teaches you anything it is how to fight. Love you, CWRFC.
Careful what you wish for, Colby: http://www.thecolbyecho.com/news/college-looks-to-increase-alumni-participation
CRFC was one of the most memorable parts of my four years at Colby. Please keep the team and tradition alive for future students!
I wouldn't be who I am today without Colby Rugby.
Rugby definitely defined by Colby experience. #saveColbyrugby
Isn't rugby about to become an olympic sport?
Finding my friends through Rugby is the only reason I did not transfer to another school my freshman year.
this club has meant the world to me, and as long as Colby does not choose to fund it, I will not fund Colby.
forwards and backs unite!
Colby Rugby is worth saving!
In short Colby Rugby was a difinitive part of my formation as a teacher, coach and adult. Not to mention it was so much fun. Was just reliving rugby stories with friends last weekend. While I understand financial and liability concerns, I hope that Colby can make it work.
There are several studies that counter the two reasons Dean Kletzer gave for canceling CRFC: cost and injuries. Here are just two: http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/42/7/595.abstract http://slps.priory.org/fraugustine/RugbySafety.htm While the college may be looking to save money, it is disingenuous to suggest that canceling rugby would be an effective way to cut costs. Cancel the football program. If the college is looking to decrease the number and severity of injuries that its students receive, cancel the football program.
As students of a liberal arts college, we're told our words can inspire change. I hope all of you in the Colby administration are inspired by how passionate Colby students, alumni, and parents are about the Colby Rugby program and its significance. PLEASE reconsider this action.
The resilience and tenacity of Colby Rugby has been underestimated.
As a rugby coach, player, analyst and commentator I am always amazed by the incompetence of people in suggesting rugby is more dangerous than American Football. The lack of padding in rugby and the ferocious policing of the high/illegal tackle laws mean that rugby is considerably safer than American Football, where due to the massive amount of padding, players throw themselves into contact without any control or though of self-preservation because they believe that the pads will protect them. This lack of tackle technique in football means that players suffer appalling long term head trauma as highlighted by the recent payout made by the NFL to the ex players association. I am staggered by the level of incompetency and ignorance of Colby's sporting administration. Shame on you.
As a retured rugger, I urge you not to pull the college rugby program. With proper coaching, trained referees and fitness there is far more to gain from the experience than risk of injury not unlike other sports. Non-contact sports where accidental contact regularly occurs but is not expected can create just as much if not more risk of injury such as sweeping a knee in soccer or unintentional contact with a lacrosse or hockey stick. Give the students the choice and the opportunity to supplement funding.
I've been involved with teaching and coaching at the high school level since graduating from Colby in 1988. There has been a decided sea change in how trainers, and coaches, respond to symptoms consistent with concussions. Some of this is legitimately science-based, some of this is also reactionary. I'm quite sure that the players are trained how to endure, and dish out, contact safely. In addition, I'm sure that Colby's athletic trainers know exactly what they're doing. Suggesting that rugby needs to be cut in order to avoid injuries is ridiculous, particularly in the context of other sports that have just as much contact at higher speeds of play. If a lack of funds is the issue, then it should be clearly stated so that the Colby rugby community can do their own fundraising, if necessary, and fix the situation.
Rugby is inherently safer than football. With statistically less head and neck injuries. THe life skills learned from being part of the team and culture will serve these TRUE student-athletes for the rest of their lives. Richard K. Alleger - Head Coach University of North Florida Men's RUgby Club
"I really regret playing rugby" - No one. Ever.