In literally a couple of hours, BYU will face off against Penn State University in the annual Red Rock Tournament. While I must admit I was feeling a little edgy earlier in the week when I found out that Penn State is ranked #2 in the nation, nevertheless I learned that our rival Utes of the University of Utah beat them yesterday 34 to 17. Although Penn State led at halftime by two tries to one, Utah kept fighting and broke them down in the end.
Anyone familiar with the caliber of the BYU and Utah rugby teams can tell you that they both present solid opposition every time they play; I don't think any fan supportive of either team would dispute the fact. This being the case, I think it fair to say that BYU will do just as well as, if not better than, Utah in today's match. Yes, it will be a tough match... but I can't stop stressing the greater depth of new skill on the BYU squad than in previous years (e.g. the reserve team's wins yesterday over Boise State University 60-7 and Snow College 22-0 in back-to-back tests). They will fight it out and win going away...
And then, my friends, it's up to #2 yet again! (Who else would stand in the way?!?!)
Read more...
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
BYU Men's Rugby Highlight Video 2009!
Since last semester, I have been planning with a friend, Ben Thompson, to make a promotional highlight video for the men's rugby team. Ben has experience in making videos and advertisements and actually won a competition for a 30-second promotional piece about the football team that was to air on television. The team staff were so impressed with his work that they subsequently hired him to do additional graphics for the team. In previous discussions with him, I recruited his help in filming and producing an independent highlight film for the BYU Rugby team. He is quite excited to do so and today confirmed that he and a friend of his are fully committed to create this film.
The plan is simply to cover all of the home games, and then create a high quality video using the acquired game film. Ben not only knows what this undertaking entails, but he also has the necessary equipment to do so in a professional manner... basically, this won't be any old, spotty film taken from a stop-start camcorder. Rather, Ben has camera cranes and other professional tools to do all filming in High Definition, and, thereafter, all the necessary computer programs to do precision editing. The product will be quite amazing, my friends, I assure you.
With this video, the team will then have an effective marketing tool, easily reproducible and distributable. Players, coaches, friends, and fans everywhere will be able to purchase a DVD copy to see the success of the team on a scale never-before-realized. Publicly, the video will be posted on this blog and other media outlets, such as youtube.com. The exposure and attraction that this video will generate will significantly boost all current efforts to reach a higher level of respect and support for the BYU Men's Rugby team.
As the plan is to produce this video independent of the team staff and any team funds, a set price of $20.00 for a DVD copy of the film or $50.00 for a copy in Blu-ray will aid in covering production costs. While Ben would usually charge upwards of $40.00 per hour to work on such a project, he has agreed to lower his fees due to his high level of personal excitement and desire; these given prices per copy will attempt to cover his fees.
However, I personally feel that extra means should be provided to compensate him in this effort, regardless of his good will and charitable attitude. I would be pleased if any of you, my friends, similarly assisted in compensating Ben's efforts. All funds will go directly to Ben to pay for the needed film and materials as well as for the extensive hours required in editing.
And after all is said and done, we will be privileged to witness the intensity of the BYU Men's Rugby team in action like never before...
Please email me if you would like to receive the first ever, high quality BYU Men's Rugby Highlight Video; my email address is listed as the first comment if you click the "Comments" link below.
Read more...
The plan is simply to cover all of the home games, and then create a high quality video using the acquired game film. Ben not only knows what this undertaking entails, but he also has the necessary equipment to do so in a professional manner... basically, this won't be any old, spotty film taken from a stop-start camcorder. Rather, Ben has camera cranes and other professional tools to do all filming in High Definition, and, thereafter, all the necessary computer programs to do precision editing. The product will be quite amazing, my friends, I assure you.
With this video, the team will then have an effective marketing tool, easily reproducible and distributable. Players, coaches, friends, and fans everywhere will be able to purchase a DVD copy to see the success of the team on a scale never-before-realized. Publicly, the video will be posted on this blog and other media outlets, such as youtube.com. The exposure and attraction that this video will generate will significantly boost all current efforts to reach a higher level of respect and support for the BYU Men's Rugby team.
As the plan is to produce this video independent of the team staff and any team funds, a set price of $20.00 for a DVD copy of the film or $50.00 for a copy in Blu-ray will aid in covering production costs. While Ben would usually charge upwards of $40.00 per hour to work on such a project, he has agreed to lower his fees due to his high level of personal excitement and desire; these given prices per copy will attempt to cover his fees.
However, I personally feel that extra means should be provided to compensate him in this effort, regardless of his good will and charitable attitude. I would be pleased if any of you, my friends, similarly assisted in compensating Ben's efforts. All funds will go directly to Ben to pay for the needed film and materials as well as for the extensive hours required in editing.
And after all is said and done, we will be privileged to witness the intensity of the BYU Men's Rugby team in action like never before...
Please email me if you would like to receive the first ever, high quality BYU Men's Rugby Highlight Video; my email address is listed as the first comment if you click the "Comments" link below.
Read more...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
A small honor...
Throughout the course of my attempts to blog on the happenings of the BYU Men's Rugby team and share my two cents, I have searched for and commented on just about every website that mentions its name. My goal is to generate as much exposure as I can for the benefit of what I believe to be one of the most honorable, most successful, and most under-appreciated college sports teams in the nation.
And though my blog may only represent a feeble attempt by one, lone fan, nevertheless I hope to see it's effects spread... if only to a few readers. I don't yet have any grand means to offer the team, and so I instead offer my voice of support publicly to all those who will hear.
I don't seek for recognition personally, but I do appreciate any attention given for the sake of the team. And so, I esteem it a small honor to see that, first of all, the Official BYU Men's Rugby website includes my blog on their list of links; and second, that "BYU Rugby Forever" is most always listed in the top ten search results for "byu rugby" on Google.
Read more...
And though my blog may only represent a feeble attempt by one, lone fan, nevertheless I hope to see it's effects spread... if only to a few readers. I don't yet have any grand means to offer the team, and so I instead offer my voice of support publicly to all those who will hear.
I don't seek for recognition personally, but I do appreciate any attention given for the sake of the team. And so, I esteem it a small honor to see that, first of all, the Official BYU Men's Rugby website includes my blog on their list of links; and second, that "BYU Rugby Forever" is most always listed in the top ten search results for "byu rugby" on Google.
Read more...
AmericanRugbyNews.com's Top 25
As seen in the article, "Top 25: New #1"
1 (3) California (9-0)
2 (1) Penn State (9-1)
3 (4) St Mary’s (8-0-1)
4 (2) Kutztown (7-2)
5 (8) BYU (2-0)
6 (6) Arkansas State (5-0)
7 (7) Utah (9-2-1)
8 (5) Army (8-0)
9 (9) Dartmouth (9-1)
10 (10) Central Washington (8-1)
11 (12) LSU (6-1)
12 (15) Cal Poly (4-1)
13 (11) Bowling Green (13-0)
14 (13) Wyoming (5-1)
15 (14) Virginia Tech (6-2)
16 (16) Navy (5-3-1)
17 (17) Texas A&M (5-0)
18 (18) San Diego State (1-0)
19 (19) Syracuse (8-2)
20 (24) UC Davis (6-2)
21 (20) Oklahoma (8-1)
22 (21) Florida (8-1)
23 (22) Minnesota (6-1)
24 (23) Stanford (6-1)
25 (25) South Carolina (5-2)
Read more...
1 (3) California (9-0)
2 (1) Penn State (9-1)
3 (4) St Mary’s (8-0-1)
4 (2) Kutztown (7-2)
5 (8) BYU (2-0)
6 (6) Arkansas State (5-0)
7 (7) Utah (9-2-1)
8 (5) Army (8-0)
9 (9) Dartmouth (9-1)
10 (10) Central Washington (8-1)
11 (12) LSU (6-1)
12 (15) Cal Poly (4-1)
13 (11) Bowling Green (13-0)
14 (13) Wyoming (5-1)
15 (14) Virginia Tech (6-2)
16 (16) Navy (5-3-1)
17 (17) Texas A&M (5-0)
18 (18) San Diego State (1-0)
19 (19) Syracuse (8-2)
20 (24) UC Davis (6-2)
21 (20) Oklahoma (8-1)
22 (21) Florida (8-1)
23 (22) Minnesota (6-1)
24 (23) Stanford (6-1)
25 (25) South Carolina (5-2)
Read more...
The fall of Stanford
I poached the following quote from the BYU Rugby Website:
“I was less impressed with this game than theDavis
And yet, my friends, the final score was BYU 64, Stanford 7... hmmm...
Two observations struck me upon reading the article posted on the team website.
First, scrumhalf Shaun Davies scored four tries in the match, two per half. Although others obviously scored, I get the impression that individual efforts were strong but not very well unified into a solid team effort. Scoring by building solid phase upon solid phase is one thing; individuals spying weak spots and alone capitalizing on them is good rugby but not the best rugby... granted, however, stringing stable phases together against a competitive team is an extra tall order to fill no matter who you are.
But if history is any indicator, I can guarantee the BYU Men's Rugby team will only grow stronger, smarter, and more unified with time.
Second, I thought it would be interesting to compare the time intervals between scores to see what the numbers had to say... Here they are: match start, 15 min., 7 min., 6 min., 7 min., 2 min., 5 min., 6 min., 5 min., 6 min., 6 min., 8 min., 7 min. to end of match. Well, the numbers look pretty consistent across the board with an average time interval of just under 7 minutes between scores. Of course, the interesting number, then, is the first interval of 15 minutes, twice that of almost every other interval in the list.
While I realize that my statistical analysis is rudimentary at best, nevertheless I can explain the 15 minute scoring drought by simply drawing on my own rugby experience. When you face a team that doesn't break at first strike, the nerves and jitters (or whatever you want to call pregame anxiety), do not dissipate in any way. Instead, they continue to turn your stomach and play with your mind until you finally do score, and then score again, and then again. These feelings breed mistakes, confusion, and frustration every time, and only a solid effort allows one to get past them...
So, as much as I hate to say this, the 'BYU stumbling block' persists as in seasons past, with pregame stresses resulting in slow and uncoordinated starts. I suppose this phenomenon is normal and to be expected... but all of us fans get such a rush when witnessing complete domination from kickoff that I secretly hope for it every time! (the complete domination part, that is...)
Maybe this season will prove different... just maybe!
Now, to finalize my superficial meanderings, I must simply say that this test still represents a solid win... A 64-7 victory over the 23rd-ranked team ain't exactly chicken feed! It's more like a complete hammering, say, in comparison to anything the BYU football team has put up! (ok, that was low, but who's comparing?)
Suffice it to say that we BYU Rugby fans have become jaded with the team's great success in the past... and thus expect great success forever in the future. Great expectations, my friends, of BYU Rugby Forever!
Read more...
“I was less impressed with this game than the
And yet, my friends, the final score was BYU 64, Stanford 7... hmmm...
Two observations struck me upon reading the article posted on the team website.
First, scrumhalf Shaun Davies scored four tries in the match, two per half. Although others obviously scored, I get the impression that individual efforts were strong but not very well unified into a solid team effort. Scoring by building solid phase upon solid phase is one thing; individuals spying weak spots and alone capitalizing on them is good rugby but not the best rugby... granted, however, stringing stable phases together against a competitive team is an extra tall order to fill no matter who you are.
But if history is any indicator, I can guarantee the BYU Men's Rugby team will only grow stronger, smarter, and more unified with time.
Second, I thought it would be interesting to compare the time intervals between scores to see what the numbers had to say... Here they are: match start, 15 min., 7 min., 6 min., 7 min., 2 min., 5 min., 6 min., 5 min., 6 min., 6 min., 8 min., 7 min. to end of match. Well, the numbers look pretty consistent across the board with an average time interval of just under 7 minutes between scores. Of course, the interesting number, then, is the first interval of 15 minutes, twice that of almost every other interval in the list.
While I realize that my statistical analysis is rudimentary at best, nevertheless I can explain the 15 minute scoring drought by simply drawing on my own rugby experience. When you face a team that doesn't break at first strike, the nerves and jitters (or whatever you want to call pregame anxiety), do not dissipate in any way. Instead, they continue to turn your stomach and play with your mind until you finally do score, and then score again, and then again. These feelings breed mistakes, confusion, and frustration every time, and only a solid effort allows one to get past them...
So, as much as I hate to say this, the 'BYU stumbling block' persists as in seasons past, with pregame stresses resulting in slow and uncoordinated starts. I suppose this phenomenon is normal and to be expected... but all of us fans get such a rush when witnessing complete domination from kickoff that I secretly hope for it every time! (the complete domination part, that is...)
Maybe this season will prove different... just maybe!
Now, to finalize my superficial meanderings, I must simply say that this test still represents a solid win... A 64-7 victory over the 23rd-ranked team ain't exactly chicken feed! It's more like a complete hammering, say, in comparison to anything the BYU football team has put up! (ok, that was low, but who's comparing?)
Suffice it to say that we BYU Rugby fans have become jaded with the team's great success in the past... and thus expect great success forever in the future. Great expectations, my friends, of BYU Rugby Forever!
Read more...
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
#8 and moving on UP!
BYU opened its season with a crushing win over UC Davis to the tune of 62 points to 13. According to a previous article on AmericanRugbyNews.com, BYU was ranked #8 at the start of the season (a relatively low ranking as compared to BYU's usual #2 but this due to no preseason play). And, needless to say, it looks like BYU will be moving up in the rankings 'from the get go'.
I won't attempt to summarize the events of the match; you can read for yourself about the domination by clicking on either of these two links:
"BYU overpowers UCD"
"Cougars Start 2009 Season with Win at Davis"
I would, however, like to just elaborate on what exactly this win means based on BYU's previous season or two.
First, all kinds of players, forwards and backs, were scoring for BYU... even true freshman, Jordan Lowry, found the tryline. Additionally, as mentioned in the byurugby.com article, most all of these tries were scored by the player in support of the original player who first changed the momentum of play. The players found a way to sacrifice for the team... to focus on a team effort instead of pursue an individual effort as might be tempting, especially to more experienced players, at the start of a season.
Second, the BYU pack once again dominated, setting up tries for all... and the backs capitalized on these opportunities in turn. In recent years, BYU's backs have seemed to struggle in terms of stringing together solid plays and attacks, regardless of the forwards' performance. With the greater depth and experience of BYU's roster this year, I believe a more solid backline will emerge... and as for the forward pack, well... they will just roll everyone as usual (only a little bias intended)!
Third, the BYU defense apparently got better and better as the match progressed, allowing no points from the opposition in the second half. I don't mean to say that BYU has not done this before... in fact, I think they've done it way too often. While a second half shutout is impressive, nevertheless a first half shutout is infinitely more impressive. In previous years, BYU has displayed a bad habit of timidity at the outset, resulting in 'gimme' points for the opposing side (e.g., Test against Air Force last season; ten minutes in, the Zoomies led 10-0). Although BYU most always retaliates and wins in fine fashion, nevertheless such delayed efforts are not enough, and will never be enough, against teams of more substantial experience and fitness (e.g., Cal Berkeley the last three years running... ugh, brings a bad taste to my mouth even thinking about it!). Good defensive work fellas, but let's tighten it up even more.
Fourth and finally, as much as I don't want to end on a sour note... I'm going to have to do so (but let's face it, this first match represents only the beginning of a roller coaster ride of a season... and I'm offering you a seat at the front, facing the cold, hard facts!). I'm talking about the penalties, yes, the penalties. UC Davis' only points in the whole match were set up by BYU penalties... PENALTIES! GIMME POINTS! WHY??? And later in the second half, two yellow cards were called on BYU players... (ahhh, let me catch my breath here a moment) ... I suppose the only positive thing I can say is thank goodness I wasn't playing or I would be a penalty magnet (i.e., less talent = greater rage). But you BYU starters are better than I ever was. Why do you need to let loose on a team you are already dominating??? Seriously, it's not like you were playing Cal or anything. Now's the time to get those emotions under control, because when you do play Cal, penalties will sink you fast!
Well now, the teams a-rollin', and I am nevertheless proud of their performance. Way to set the stage for the rest of the season! Now let us all, fans, friends, former players, and family get fired up and support our team! BYU Rugby! "Cougars on three, ready? One... two... three... COUGARS!!!"
Read more...
I won't attempt to summarize the events of the match; you can read for yourself about the domination by clicking on either of these two links:
"BYU overpowers UCD"
"Cougars Start 2009 Season with Win at Davis"
I would, however, like to just elaborate on what exactly this win means based on BYU's previous season or two.
First, all kinds of players, forwards and backs, were scoring for BYU... even true freshman, Jordan Lowry, found the tryline. Additionally, as mentioned in the byurugby.com article, most all of these tries were scored by the player in support of the original player who first changed the momentum of play. The players found a way to sacrifice for the team... to focus on a team effort instead of pursue an individual effort as might be tempting, especially to more experienced players, at the start of a season.
Second, the BYU pack once again dominated, setting up tries for all... and the backs capitalized on these opportunities in turn. In recent years, BYU's backs have seemed to struggle in terms of stringing together solid plays and attacks, regardless of the forwards' performance. With the greater depth and experience of BYU's roster this year, I believe a more solid backline will emerge... and as for the forward pack, well... they will just roll everyone as usual (only a little bias intended)!
Third, the BYU defense apparently got better and better as the match progressed, allowing no points from the opposition in the second half. I don't mean to say that BYU has not done this before... in fact, I think they've done it way too often. While a second half shutout is impressive, nevertheless a first half shutout is infinitely more impressive. In previous years, BYU has displayed a bad habit of timidity at the outset, resulting in 'gimme' points for the opposing side (e.g., Test against Air Force last season; ten minutes in, the Zoomies led 10-0). Although BYU most always retaliates and wins in fine fashion, nevertheless such delayed efforts are not enough, and will never be enough, against teams of more substantial experience and fitness (e.g., Cal Berkeley the last three years running... ugh, brings a bad taste to my mouth even thinking about it!). Good defensive work fellas, but let's tighten it up even more.
Fourth and finally, as much as I don't want to end on a sour note... I'm going to have to do so (but let's face it, this first match represents only the beginning of a roller coaster ride of a season... and I'm offering you a seat at the front, facing the cold, hard facts!). I'm talking about the penalties, yes, the penalties. UC Davis' only points in the whole match were set up by BYU penalties... PENALTIES! GIMME POINTS! WHY??? And later in the second half, two yellow cards were called on BYU players... (ahhh, let me catch my breath here a moment) ... I suppose the only positive thing I can say is thank goodness I wasn't playing or I would be a penalty magnet (i.e., less talent = greater rage). But you BYU starters are better than I ever was. Why do you need to let loose on a team you are already dominating??? Seriously, it's not like you were playing Cal or anything. Now's the time to get those emotions under control, because when you do play Cal, penalties will sink you fast!
Well now, the teams a-rollin', and I am nevertheless proud of their performance. Way to set the stage for the rest of the season! Now let us all, fans, friends, former players, and family get fired up and support our team! BYU Rugby! "Cougars on three, ready? One... two... three... COUGARS!!!"
Read more...
Thursday, January 15, 2009
2009 Season Photos
Just a little reminder that photographs of the BYU Men's Rugby Team in action will be posted throughout the season on the team's website. You can access them by clicking the link on the sidebar, "BYU Men's Rugby Photo Archives" (courtesy of team photographer and academic coordinator, Paul Meyers). I will also periodically post links to specific photo sets, such as this one of the Blue & White Scrimmage.
Read more...
Read more...
AmericanRugbyNews.com's "Game of the Week"
I was just looking for some news or coverage of the game tonight against UC Davis, and I stumbled upon this article:
Game of the Week: UCD and BYU
Read more...
Game of the Week: UCD and BYU
Read more...
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
"Crouch, touch, pause... ENGAGE!"
My friends, the 2008-2009 season has finally arrived; the anxiously awaited debut of the Cougar Club has come! This Thursday, the BYU Men face off against UC Davis and later against Stanford at the infamous Steuber Rugby Stadium on Saturday. The Cougars' performance in these two tests looks to set a solid platform for the rest of the season and later, the Collegiate National Championship Tournament.
This past Saturday morning, I had occasion to catch a glimpse of the team during warm ups and drills before the classic Blue & White scrimmage. Although I had to leave before the scrimmage started, nevertheless I was pleased to see that all the players maintained a good sense of order and unity. Additionally, I observed that the majority of the players, though not above average in terms of height, nevertheless boasted substantial size and strength. I was further excited to see many new players in the crowd, most of which already looked convincing in ball-handling and decision-making situations.
Of course, the BYU Men's Rugby team roster still boasts a solid group of returning starters. On the field, I saw several familiar faces in returning captain Steve St. Pierre, fullback Sam Thorley, the dynamic South African duo of Dylan Lubbe and Shaun Davies, forward Ra Lawrence, talented backs Vito Qaqa, Apenisa Malani, and Dan Paul, fullback Nate Maughan, big prop Mike Su'a and experienced back Manti Su'a, and the dominating Viliami Vimahi (Pila). While this season will see some of these players starting at new positions (in some cases, more ideal than those previous), nevertheless all Cougar fans can rest assured that they will bring the same energy and presence as before... and this year, with a more experienced secondary in close support.
2008 - 2009 Schedule
2008 - 2009 Roster
From here on out, I will post any thoughts and observations throughout the course of each match this season, as well as any extra information gathered from coaches, players, and fans. Feel free to submit comments at the end of any post with suggestions, thoughts, and opinions.
Read more...
This past Saturday morning, I had occasion to catch a glimpse of the team during warm ups and drills before the classic Blue & White scrimmage. Although I had to leave before the scrimmage started, nevertheless I was pleased to see that all the players maintained a good sense of order and unity. Additionally, I observed that the majority of the players, though not above average in terms of height, nevertheless boasted substantial size and strength. I was further excited to see many new players in the crowd, most of which already looked convincing in ball-handling and decision-making situations.
Of course, the BYU Men's Rugby team roster still boasts a solid group of returning starters. On the field, I saw several familiar faces in returning captain Steve St. Pierre, fullback Sam Thorley, the dynamic South African duo of Dylan Lubbe and Shaun Davies, forward Ra Lawrence, talented backs Vito Qaqa, Apenisa Malani, and Dan Paul, fullback Nate Maughan, big prop Mike Su'a and experienced back Manti Su'a, and the dominating Viliami Vimahi (Pila). While this season will see some of these players starting at new positions (in some cases, more ideal than those previous), nevertheless all Cougar fans can rest assured that they will bring the same energy and presence as before... and this year, with a more experienced secondary in close support.
2008 - 2009 Schedule
2008 - 2009 Roster
From here on out, I will post any thoughts and observations throughout the course of each match this season, as well as any extra information gathered from coaches, players, and fans. Feel free to submit comments at the end of any post with suggestions, thoughts, and opinions.
Read more...
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