Rugby opens season strong, welcomes Slippery Rock

The IU rugby team suffered only its second loss of the season this weekend at the hands of the Indy Impalas. The loss dropped IU's record to 5-2, but team captain Hans Van Horn believed the Impalas proved to be a valuable experience for his team as it prepares for Slippery Rock University, coming to IU Oct. 8.\n"The (Indy) game went well considering what we were up against," he said. "It is good to play up to a higher level and we definitely did that last Saturday night. We played against seven former IU Mudshark players and two former All-Americans. Going into next week, I think the edge of playing up to their level will show against Slippery Rock."\nThe men's IU rugby team prides itself on being more than just an average club sport. Many players admit they didn't join the team for fun, or even just for something to do; they joined because they're dedicated to the sport.\n"(Rugby) takes hard work and determination ... you have to play with your heart," said Ivy Tech freshman John Batchelor, who plans to transfer to IU in the spring. \nThe team also says it offers one of the most cohesive teams on campus, forming many relationships throughout the year. \n"You'll never be on a team that is more tight-knit than this team because you go to battle with each other," Van Horn said. "It's amazing the bond that is formed within a rugby team." \nBatchelor said playing rugby allowed him to "make new friends, be a part of something at IU, build camaraderie and stay in shape." \nVan Horn said playing rugby also requires plenty of physical strength. \n"(Rugby) requires endurance. It is a combination of soccer and football. You have to have an incredible amount of endurance. People think it is just smash mouth, but it's more than that. You have to be in peak condition. It's much more demanding than soccer and football because it is a combination of the two."\nThe Mudsharks, IU's team, entered the 2005 campaign with a very young and undersized team. However, those obstacles do not faze head coach Sarasopa Enari, now in his 11th season as coach. \n"We don't have the size, but our fitness has become evident of the big teams that we play against this year. Our fitness will translate into our speed and that will get us out of trouble," Enari said.\nAlthough the team has barriers it must overcome, Van Horn said he has high expectations for this year's team.\n"In collegiate rugby, there are different sections in the country and you have to meet the certain requirements of your given section in order to make it to the national tournament. This year, we have to finish in the top two to make it to nationals and so of course, that's our goal."\nThe Mudsharks seem well on their way to achieving that goal as evident by their victories over Illinois, Purdue, Iowa, Wichita and Saint Louis University. \nFans can catch both the Slippery Rock and the Ball State games Saturday at the Evan Williams Field, located behind the University Gym. For more information, visit the Mudsharks' Web site at www.indiana.edu/~mudshark/.