JENNA SHAY
Staff Writer
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Sara Nemecek/Photo Assistant
The Pepperdine men’s rugby team found renewed enthusiasm with a revamped roster and a 32-0 win over Occidental College Saturday at Alumni Park.
In preparation for the spring season, the Waves dominated their first game with a squad that is still getting acquainted with one another and the sport. The talent and athleticism of the veterans and the recruited freshman gave Pepperdine the edge as the team blew over its first opponent.
“We’re happy about the big win,” said senior captain Ryan Adcock. “We’re looking forward to playing hard and seeing how far we can go.”
Junior Myk Gomez scored the first try in the first five minutes of the match. Soon after, Adcock battled past Occidental and tallied both the second and third tries. Later in the game, senior Collin Timothy scored the fourth try and made the kick for the only extra-point conversion of the game. Unfortunately, he was forced to leave the game in the second quarter with a dislocated knee. To seal the game, freshman Chaz Branham and alumnus T.J. Fassler each pulled through for the Waves with one try each.
Leadership from veterans such as Timothy and graduate student Johnny Payne will be crucial in leading the Waves to the playoffs for the first time since the late ‘80s.
Still, the Waves have great confidence in their new players who have come out to contribute. Adcock and his co-captain, senior Chase Huber, have spent time recruiting new freshmen for the program.
“Ryan and Chase are two major leaders on the team” said club President Nick Jay. “They not only play hard themselves but set a benchmark for the rest of the team.”
“The most refreshing aspect of this year’s rugby team,” Jay continued, “is the potential that exists for the years to come.” Freshmen such as Eric Wilson, Michael Rennaker, Chad Satterlee and Chaz Branham give Pepperdine rugby fans a hope for future successes as well.
“We’re happy with every rookie,” Adcock said. “They’re all real athletic and a big help to the team.”
Branham, one of the promising freshmen on the roster, opted to come to Pepperdine after turning down offers to play collegiate football.
“It’s fun playing together,” Branham said. “It’s not like football where it’s more about personal glory. This is all about the team.”
The team is hoping to rally more support for their upcoming games.
“It’s a fast-paced sport, like basketball or soccer, but similar to football,” said Owen Ranger, leading senior and Pepperdine’s renowned “Superfan.” “It’s still a full contact, collision sport. You get the best of both worlds.”
The Waves travel to UC Irvine this weekend to compete in their second match.
“A lot of people say, ‘Well, we don’t have a football team,’” Adcock said. “Come watch rugby, its generally more fun anyway.”
10-06-2005