Fresh off qualifying for USA Rugby’s Collegiate 7s national championships earlier this month, the West Virginia University rugby club turned its attention to its other passion: spreading love of the sport to others.

WVU qualified for the national 7s by achieving an undefeated streak in five games in a tournament in Norman, Oklahoma, the first weekend in March. The tournament featured several teams from Big 12 conference schools as well as the University of North Texas.

Back in Morgantown the next day, the players headed to Suncrest Middle School, which has introduced flag rugby as an elective physical education course. As part of the program, WVU Rugby members volunteer to coach, mentor and become role models for students in the course.

“The program provides our players with the opportunity to give back to their community while providing a unique opportunity for Morgantown middle and high school students,” said WVU Coach Richard Glover, a Suncrest teacher who founded Rugby West Virginia, an organization supporting the rugby’s development throughout the state. Rugby West Virginia is sponsoring the Suncrest program and is in the process of starting programs at University High School and Morgantown High School.

‘It is great to see the enthusiasm my players have through their involvement and helping Rugby West Virginia grow,” Glover said. “As a coach, I am a big believer in developing the whole person, not just the athlete. This is exactly what Rugby West Virginia does for WVU students.”

Glover said volunteers will teach interested students the fundamentals of rugby through the TryRugby curriculum developed by USA Rugby over a six-week period.

WVU Rugby members are looking forward to volunteering their time to local youth and instilling the positive culture of rugby in their community.

“I’m excited to be a part of this rewarding program,” captain Kristofer Wilson said. “The kids will get a great workout and learn new skills while getting involved in the fastest growing sport in the United States. Introducing kids to rugby at an early age is crucial for developing the sport in West Virginia and the nation”

-WVU-

ta/03/18/15

CONTACT: Bruce Brubaker, WVU Club Sports
Bruce.brubaker@mail.wvu.edu, 304-293-5053

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