Rugby Heads to Nationals
On November 23, Principia’s rugby team, the Thunder Chickens, travels to Greensboro, North Carolina, to play in the USA Rugby Open Division National Championships, which are open to any team not in Division 1. The road to the championships has been decisive—the team defeated all opponents with a total point spread of 172 to 12! Even more remarkable, the team qualified for competitions in both the 7s and 15s (the number of players on the team).
"This has been a very exciting season,” says head coach Ward Patterson. “The team made the commitment to pursue excellence this fall, with the goal of competing at Nationals. Our team decided to pursue both categories (7s and 15s) and see if we could qualify in either one. The hard work turned into two conference championships and the opportunity to compete in both events! Since they are on the same weekend, we have chosen to compete in the 7s."
Team members attribute their success to Coach Ward Patterson’s leadership. “We are able to transition what we learn in practice to our everyday life with his help,” says team captain, senior Trevor Marunde. “He is a life coach as well as a rugby coach. He teaches technique and game strategy, as well as life qualities such as discipline, respect, and dedication. Principia rugby is headed towards a bright and promising future with the help of men who serve Principia and Christian Science every day."
Junior Kendall Shoemake explains that putting Christian Science into practice on the rugby pitch is a team priority. “The rugby theme this year is to play outside of oneself,” he notes. As part of the group’s effort to do this, he explains, “Team members frequently reference the inspirational quote on the back of Principia College meal cards. It says, ‘I commit to serve God and humanity through the study and healing practice of Christian Science, expressed in principled thought and action, unselfed love and moral courage.’” As the team has proven, that’s a recipe for success!
Learn more about Nationals, and come cheer for Principia rugby if you’re in the Greensboro area the weekend before Thanksgiving.