The Mesa State women’s rugby team has only been a club sport for 3 years, yet they have already accomplished a goal that many Maverick sports have tried to accomplish over the years; Nationals. This team comprises a handful of ex-athletes, most of whom were recruited by Mesa State to play another sport. They have dominated their opponents by not only going undefeated this year, but also last year. However, this year was the first time they have an actual schedule due to roster issues. To prove they can compete with the best, women’s rugby needs help to raise money for nationals.
Nationals are being held in Norman, Okla. March 25-27. The women’s rugby team will be  hosting  fundraisers throughout the next few months to raise money for the trip. The first will be at McAlister’s Deli Feb. 23, the team will be selling hats, earmuffs, shirts and you can also donate your receipt to help support. The next two will be held at the Ale House and Red Robin with the dates still pending.
Sophomore Mack Lewis takes a lot of pride as captain of the rugby team. She will do anything to make sure at the end of the year they are in Norman competing for the national title. Knowing they will encounter tougher opponents in nationals, this team is not only preparing their funds, but also physically and mentally maintaining their strength.
“We do a lot of the same things the varsity sports do. We choose to maintain good grades by going to study groups with each other and making practice mandatory because we know in the end it will only make us better and prepare us for nationals,” Lewis said. “We mesh really well so it makes achieving our ultimate goal a lot easier. Rugby is a contact sport, at the end of the day really beating on a team allows us to gain much more respect for each other.”
Mesa State rugby will be finishing up their season with one last home game on March 13 against Colorado College.
u
tgross@mesastate.edu