Sports

Thriving Brother Rice Rugby Program Grabs National Championship

The sport is growing quickly at Brother Rice

By Christine Schmidt

Think back to the 1990s. The idea of a high school rugby team was about as common of a thought as the possibility of a Chicago Bulls team not dominating in the playoffs.

Now, says Brother Rice rugby coach Dave Fee, “rugby continues to grow in both popularity and numbers.” 

Fee has coached the Crusaders for the past three years and recently helped the team capture the Tier II national championship. The Crusaders defeated Nequa Valley to seize the first-tier state championship this past Memorial Day. 

That was Brother Rice’s ninth state championship, which contributed to the team being invited to the national competition for the first time in the school’s history. Only the top 24 teams in the country are invited.

“We’re putting Brother Rice on the map,” Fee said. With the championship games only nine days apart, “it was the best feeling in the world” to win them both, Fee said. “The guys really have to rise to the occasion. I give them credit for keeping focus. 

“They all have to buy in, believe in the team and our goals, and know they could miss a prom or graduation party.  This time of year is difficult to keep that focus...They believed that we could get this done, and were willing to commit from the start. It was a great way to cap off a special year.”

Brother Rice held its graduation on May 23, in the stretch of time between the national championship on May 18 and the state championship on May 27. 

Rugby is growing at Brother Rice and around the world. According to Fee, more Crusaders are choosing rugby over baseball, basketball and football, with almost 100 ruggers at the freshman/sophomore, junior varsity and varsity levels. 

“Brother Rice has supported the program incredibly well, and we wouldn't be successful without the support,” Fee said.

The Crusaders had a record of 6-0 this season. Five ruggers will continue with rugby in the future, playing at the collegiate level next season. 

Team captain James Gannon, who will play for Spring Hill College in Alabama, said his high school rugby experience left a positive impact on him.

 “A lot of people doubted us throughout the year because of all the seniors we lost but we didn't listen to any of them and played as a team,” Gannon said. “Winning the national title was the best feeling ever. We played a tough team and everybody left it all on the field. It took a couple days to set in, but it will be a great memory from my high school career that I won't forget.” 

The sport is also increasing on the international stage. The 2016 Olympics will feature rugby once again, after a 92-year absence. According to Fee, NBC will be broadcasting the college championship this year.

“It’s a real big push for us,” Fee said. “Television is another avenue for us to grow the game.” He also said that girls’ rugby is growing “tremendously.”

Read Fee's full recap of the game on Brother Rice's website. 


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