My good BYU Rugby friends and fans,
If you are not yet aware, BYU will play Utah at home this coming Friday, March 28th, at 7 PM...
This grudge match, however, isn't just the usual rivalry fixture between the Cougars and the Utes... no, this time something bigger is on the line: the chance to show up the opposition on national television!
ESPNU will be airing a tape-delayed broadcast of the match on April 7th at 7 PM, Mountain Time (assuming the BYU Rugby website has the correct info)... but who among us really wants to wait a week and a half to watch this showdown? Wouldn't you like to be there in person (maybe even get on TV) and cheer on Our boys in a noble display of your fanhood? And all you alumni, wouldn't you like to be there in person to witness the halftime tribute to your part in the BYU Rugby legacy???
I know I'm going to be there... I already went to the Marriott Center ticket office and bought the sweetest seats in the house just for the occasion! But, in talking to some dedicated fans at tonight's match, I realized that many fans not living in Provo (even our vengeful, non-BYU-fan Utes) would rather buy advance tickets online than go through the inconvenience of going to the Marriott Center or waiting in a long line at the gate...
The only problem is... the ticket office website doesn't seem to provide any easily visible or accessible way to buy tickets to the game! Hmmm... a conspiracy against the increasingly popular BYU Rugby team??? Perhaps...
But of course, that is why you need BYU Rugby Forever to save the day! I ran into the same problem when I searched for a means to buy reserved tickets earlier this week... but in checking and bumbling around the website just now, I happened upon the 'hidden' link to end all misfortune:
http://ev9.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3ABYU%3AO09%3ARUG%3A&linkID=byu&shopperContext=&caller=&appCode=
So there you have it... as long as you are inquisitive enough to have found and perused this blog, you now have the means necessary to join the 'BYU Rugby Super Fans' (don't worry, you'll see what I mean) at the upcoming ESPNU 'Game of the Week'!
Be there in person to support BYU's greatest sports team as they step briefly into the national spotlight... that extra bit of recognition which we have all been longing and fighting for!
Read more...
Showing posts with label Cougars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cougars. Show all posts
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Crosstown Rivalry 2009: BYU vs. UVU
Just yesterday, BYU humbled its closest neighbor and crosstown rival, Utah Valley University, by a score of 56-0. The match, although a shutout, was nevertheless hard-fought by the Wolverines who threatened to cross the goal line on multiple occasions but to no avail. Nearly fifteen minutes in, the match remained scoreless as both teams struggled to fully break through the opposition's defense.
In contrast to the first half hour of the game, however, BYU proceeded to methodically punch holes in the UVU line to touch down several times before the final whistle. I wasn't able to stay for the seconds' game, but I saw in the article posted on the BYU Rugby website that it was surely more of a blowout than the first match to the tune of 84 points to none.
I just want to offer my congratulations to the BYU men on a solid win... and my respects to the UVU side who nevertheless deserves recognition for fending off BYU's offensive, if only for the first fifteen minutes (which accomplishment, as mentioned in a previous post, actually distinguishes just how solid and strong a team is when facing off against BYU's seasoned squad).
Remember, my friends, that UVU finished last season with a National Runner-up status, equivalent to that of BYU, the only difference being that UVU still plays at the Division II level. I was actually a tad anxious to see how Utah's newest 'rugby powerhouse' would perform against BYU, especially given last season's unusually low-scoring and tough match (the final score of which was only 37-3; not exactly a pummeling by BYU's standards!).
But perhaps this shutout win for BYU thus reveals a better coordinated and unified offense as compared to last year. My extra credit goes to the backline for establishing more fluid passing plays by being in the right places at all the right times. And one try in particular truly blew my mind (I'll have to check the game film to verify, but I swear there was one phase in which nearly eight or nine Cougars touched the ball in a non-stop effort that went the entire length of the field)! Talk about a fine display of textbook rugby, man oh man!
(Looks like y'all will only be able to see what I mean by ordering a copy of the BYU Rugby Highlight Video 2009 currently in production!)
So, that's that, folks... I could go on, but the upcoming matches on the BYU Rugby schedule look to be more definitive 'tests' and as such will surely provide even more opportunity for commentary...
Good luck to our boys in the coming weeks as they prepare for their toughest bouts yet this season against the highly-touted Super League squad, the Denver Barbarians, and later, against BYU's most great and worthy opponent, the rival Utes of Utah!
Read more...
In contrast to the first half hour of the game, however, BYU proceeded to methodically punch holes in the UVU line to touch down several times before the final whistle. I wasn't able to stay for the seconds' game, but I saw in the article posted on the BYU Rugby website that it was surely more of a blowout than the first match to the tune of 84 points to none.
I just want to offer my congratulations to the BYU men on a solid win... and my respects to the UVU side who nevertheless deserves recognition for fending off BYU's offensive, if only for the first fifteen minutes (which accomplishment, as mentioned in a previous post, actually distinguishes just how solid and strong a team is when facing off against BYU's seasoned squad).
Remember, my friends, that UVU finished last season with a National Runner-up status, equivalent to that of BYU, the only difference being that UVU still plays at the Division II level. I was actually a tad anxious to see how Utah's newest 'rugby powerhouse' would perform against BYU, especially given last season's unusually low-scoring and tough match (the final score of which was only 37-3; not exactly a pummeling by BYU's standards!).
But perhaps this shutout win for BYU thus reveals a better coordinated and unified offense as compared to last year. My extra credit goes to the backline for establishing more fluid passing plays by being in the right places at all the right times. And one try in particular truly blew my mind (I'll have to check the game film to verify, but I swear there was one phase in which nearly eight or nine Cougars touched the ball in a non-stop effort that went the entire length of the field)! Talk about a fine display of textbook rugby, man oh man!
(Looks like y'all will only be able to see what I mean by ordering a copy of the BYU Rugby Highlight Video 2009 currently in production!)
So, that's that, folks... I could go on, but the upcoming matches on the BYU Rugby schedule look to be more definitive 'tests' and as such will surely provide even more opportunity for commentary...
Good luck to our boys in the coming weeks as they prepare for their toughest bouts yet this season against the highly-touted Super League squad, the Denver Barbarians, and later, against BYU's most great and worthy opponent, the rival Utes of Utah!
Read more...
Sunday, February 1, 2009
A little bit of shock and awe and... well... SMITING!
Where do I begin? The BYU Rugby juggernaut just chewed up and spat out #2-ranked Penn State, 86-14! Wow!!! ... Wow!!! .............. And wow again!!!
And so comes the deluge of inevitable questions...
Was Penn State way overrated? Sure. Is BYU really that good? As sure as anything good. What about #1 Cal Berkeley's massive, 105-3 win on the day over Chico State? Doesn't that ridiculous drubbing carry some kind of implications with it for BYU's National Title hopes??? I'm sure it does... but right now, I surely don't care.
BYU just put the hurt on a Penn State squad that seems to only see an ever-rising point margin in its last five bouts with BYU over the course of five years: on 4/17/05, BYU won by 9 points (44-35); 2/17/06, BYU by 32 points (42-10); 5/5/06, BYU by 49 points (52-3); 5/14/07, BYU by 41 (53-12... okay, so that margin slightly stopped the trend, but humor me a little here); and finally on 1/31/09, BYU takes it away, winning by 72! Ouch! Sorry Lions, but things haven't really been getting much better for you over the years against your Cougar counterparts!
Now, all things considered, don't point the finger at me for mercilessly bragging and snubbing my nose at Penn State...
On the contrary, I maintain a great respect for PSU... truly, I do. They are persistent and competitive enough to be a top-ranked team every year, no questions asked. And besides, BYU has similarly felt the ill effects of increasing point differentials in three years of painful losses to the notorious (is "infamous" any less harsh?) Cal Berkeley Golden Bears... Ughhhh! Bad taste in my mouth just at the thought...
But let's end on a positive note, shall we?
A win is a win, so they say... and, an avalanche is... well... no one really ever survives to say what that's like! (Ok, sorry to all the PSU fans out there; I will cease and desist with my oh-so-not-subtle digs at your expense.)
Best of luck to the Lions throughout the rest of the season, and to our Mighty BYU Cougars, ... ad victoriam et vitam aeternam!
Read more...
And so comes the deluge of inevitable questions...Was Penn State way overrated? Sure. Is BYU really that good? As sure as anything good. What about #1 Cal Berkeley's massive, 105-3 win on the day over Chico State? Doesn't that ridiculous drubbing carry some kind of implications with it for BYU's National Title hopes??? I'm sure it does... but right now, I surely don't care.
BYU just put the hurt on a Penn State squad that seems to only see an ever-rising point margin in its last five bouts with BYU over the course of five years: on 4/17/05, BYU won by 9 points (44-35); 2/17/06, BYU by 32 points (42-10); 5/5/06, BYU by 49 points (52-3); 5/14/07, BYU by 41 (53-12... okay, so that margin slightly stopped the trend, but humor me a little here); and finally on 1/31/09, BYU takes it away, winning by 72! Ouch! Sorry Lions, but things haven't really been getting much better for you over the years against your Cougar counterparts!
Now, all things considered, don't point the finger at me for mercilessly bragging and snubbing my nose at Penn State...
On the contrary, I maintain a great respect for PSU... truly, I do. They are persistent and competitive enough to be a top-ranked team every year, no questions asked. And besides, BYU has similarly felt the ill effects of increasing point differentials in three years of painful losses to the notorious (is "infamous" any less harsh?) Cal Berkeley Golden Bears... Ughhhh! Bad taste in my mouth just at the thought...
But let's end on a positive note, shall we?
A win is a win, so they say... and, an avalanche is... well... no one really ever survives to say what that's like! (Ok, sorry to all the PSU fans out there; I will cease and desist with my oh-so-not-subtle digs at your expense.)
Best of luck to the Lions throughout the rest of the season, and to our Mighty BYU Cougars, ... ad victoriam et vitam aeternam!
Read more...
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...
Monday, September 29, 2008
Another unexpected milestone reached
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to assist BYU's structural engineer, and architect, in the drafting of plans and details for a new stadium at South Field. The new bleachers, ticket office, and main entry were primarily intended for the benefit of the increasingly popular BYU Women's Soccer program. There was talk that the Men's Soccer and Lacrosse teams might also be able to use the new facility once in a while, but I never heard anything official...
Today, an article posted on the BYU Men's Rugby website stated that, "the BYU rugby program announced today the team would be moving to the newly renovated South Field for the upcoming 2009 season."
http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=BYURUGBY&s=htosports&t=c
Read more...
Today, an article posted on the BYU Men's Rugby website stated that, "the BYU rugby program announced today the team would be moving to the newly renovated South Field for the upcoming 2009 season."
http://www.hometeamsonline.com/teams/?u=BYURUGBY&s=htosports&t=c
I am quite pleased at this news... at the prospect of a legitimate site, in look, feel, and scale, for the BYU Rugby team. Actually, I am still in disbelief, but perhaps it was providence since BYU Rugby's biggest fan helped in the drafting of the plans.
Regardless of the truth, there is no doubt that the BYU Men's Rugby team deserves this privilege. I have always talked up BYU Rugby to my work colleagues, and I recall telling them that some day there would be a rugby stadium at BYU.
Be careful what you wish for, right?
Well folks, no more portable bleachers at Helaman Field; the new stadium boasts permanent seating for over 2,000 people, every seat and bench of which has back support and is positioned to allow a good view. And with an awesome new entrance and grandstand in BYU blue, what a sweet backdrop for fans and players alike to enjoy the dynamic sport of rugby, the game of the gods!
That's not all... according to the article, "some of BYU's 2009 home games will be broadcast on BYU Television which is broadcast into over 48 million homes via satellite ... and internet streaming." Wow! When it rains, it really pours!
I can only continue to express my thanks to the coaching staff for their efforts to build the image and presence of BYU Men's Rugby and to the players for their consistent effort to excel and build upon the program's growing national and international reputation. More appropriately, I bend my knees and head in gratitude to God. I mean no sarcasm nor self-righteousness in this statement; rather, having been involved in rugby on the high school and collegiate levels, I know that any player or coach anywhere in the nation would feel overwhelmed if given the opportunity to have a real stadium and real television exposure for his or her program. 'Tis a great blessing indeed... and with it grow my hopes for this upcoming season. Go Cougars!!!
Read more...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
