Columbia, SC - The University of South Carolina Men’s Rugby team gears up this weekend for a showdown against the 2013 National Champions, Life University. The Gamecocks (23) will host the Running Eagles (1) at the Strom Thurmond Rugby Field at 1pm this Saturday, with a reserve match to follow. The Gamecock’s hope to show their experience against a top ranked team, while the Running Eagles look to continue their dominance on the pitch.
The Gamecock will be taking the field without five of their starters from the previous season. Junior lock Zach Mullineaux and junior flyhalf Luke Bolembach, both from Downingtown, PA, are studying abroad this semester, though will return next fall for their final SCRC 15’s season. Senior wing Avery Darnell of Chapin, SC graduated this past December while sophomore prop Jake Phillips of Columbia, SC is taking the spring season off for recovery. Perhaps the greatest loss is Captain Tim Hamill who is still recovering from a broken collarbone sustained during the Southeastern Rugby 15’s Championship last fall. Hamill, a junior from Downingtown, PA, alternates between wing and fullback, generating several tries for the Gamecocks with his speed and agility. “We have some seasoned reserves that can step up and fill the gaps, though, hopefully, we can overcome the adversity and have a good showing against a strong Life team,” comments Head Coach Mark Morris.To read more, please click here.
Thank You For A Successful 2014!
Columbia, SC - The Carolina Rugby Foundation is proud of what we have been able to accomplish with your support in 2014!
From back-to-back Southeastern Rugby Championships and Coach & Player of the Year honors, to accumulating an 18-3 record in front of friends and family across the Southeast, to receiving bids to the CRC 7's Invitational on NBC and the inaugural American Collegiate 15's Bowl series, this has been a memorable year of growth and success for Carolina Rugby, and we could not have done it without you and all our supporters.
2014 was the most successful year on record for the Carolina Rugby Foundation with over $18,000 generated from monthly and one-time monetary donations and gifts in kind to help cover the day-to-day expenses of the South Carolina Men's Rugby Team. In addition to the Foundation, the Carolina Men's Rugby Endowment Fund was established with a generous $50,000 contribution made by the Smolka Family, providing fixed interest returns for the program to use for years to come. Special recognition goes to Dunkin’ Donuts for their $10,000 sponsorship during the CRC’s 7’s last summer, delivering an excellent fan experience, serving as our host throughout the weekend, and providing an assortment of promotional and recruitment items that the team is benefiting from to this day. Last, but not least, are those who contributed to the team directly by procuring tickets, purchasing merchandise and team paraphernalia, and traveling to every corner of the Southeast to cheer our men to victory. We asked for your support and you answered!To read more, please click here.
Two Gamecocks Make USAR South Select Side
Atlanta, GA - South Carolina's Dana Corcoran and Drew Busbee have each been selected to serve on this year's USA Rugby South Select Side.
The South Panthers is a men’s select side that aims to provide an opportunity for players to develop and play internationally. Each year, they compete in the North America Caribbean Rugby Association Championship and have consistently had success, winning overall in 2013. Their international competition includes Mexico, the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and Guyana.
This year, the Panthers started with a 2-day try out in Atlanta, showcasing each player’s proficiency in rugby skill, fitness, and IQ. After the initial try out on Saturday, a player pool was chosen to compete against Life University’s junior varsity side. Following the match, an even smaller group of 38 players received an invitation for a final tryout at the 39th Annual Ruggerfest in Florida next month. The tournament will serve as their final warm-up and selection before taking on Mexico’s national team in the North Zone Championships in March. The panthers will also take on the Cayman Islands in Atlanta, with the victor of the three advancing to the final to be played in Atlanta or Guyana. To read more, please click here.
Fall Award Recipients Announced
Columbia, SC - This past weekend, the University of South Carolina Men's Rugby Team held its Fall Awards Banquet joined by several parents, alumni, and Foundation supporters. Attendees enjoyed a full barbeque buffet, along with a speech and picture show prepared by Head Coach Mark Morris. Following the presentation, the following player awards were announced:
Team MVP - Brian Keown Best Pack - Zac Gorman Best Back - Michael Rudzinsky Rookie of the Season - Christian Harrell Most Improved - Jared Magill Leadership - Luke Bolembach Leadership - Tim Hamill SCRC Player of the Year - Dana Corcoran
Following the awards ceremony, Head Coach Mark Morris took a few moments to reflect. To read more, please click here.
