Tech Rugby Drops Two to Diverse Opponents

by Dave Wheelock, rugby coach

SOCORRO, N.M., March 2, 2004 -- Members of New Mexico Tech's Rugby Club had their work cut out for them in Albuquerque over the weekend, but the lot they chose was one they cast themselves. The result was losses to two vastly disparate rugby teams, and perhaps a bond among teammates tempered in the crucible of adversity.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, the Brujos Rugby Club overcame an early 17-0 Tech lead to eventually win, 34-25. NMT got five-point tries from Sage LaTorra, David Yazzie, and Josh Hanson, and a three-point penalty kick by Seth Daly. The physically larger Albuquerque team used an inside game of ball possession to starve the students of opportunities. Along the way NMT lost the services of star back Pat Simons and key forward Taylor Dotson for the weekend through injury.

On Sunday morning, Feb. 29, Tech went up against the reserve side from current national collegiate champions Air Force Academy, and were blanked 48-0. The students had voted to take on the Zoomies at late notice as part of AFA's visit to play Division One teams from the University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University. The Academy also disposed of the Lobos Saturday 32-17 in the UNM sports stadium and brushed aside the Chiles 60-0 on Sunday. The Air Force Academy's game features solid ball-winning forward play coupled with a dangerous outside running game to finish off scores.

This Saturday, March 6, New Mexico Tech will host the aptly-named Nomads of Cannon Air Force Base. Kickoff will be at 1 p.m. at the Tech athletic field.

-NMT-