ALEXIA STAMAS
Staff Writer
Scratches, bruises, sprains, broken noses, black eyes — you name it.
Rugby has always been known as a rough game, but junior Chris Garcia says passion is what makes the sport interesting. It takes a dedicated athlete to love this hard-hitting, fast-paced, pastime.
“Rugby takes more fitness, more endurance and more physical strength than anything else I have ever done,” says Garcia, president of the Pepperdine rugby club team.
Many Pepperdine sports fans are disappointed the University hasn’t had a football team since 1947. But rugby, the original form of football, promises just as much physical contact and excitement. This dynamic game derived from soccer is one of Pepperdine’s oldest club sports and is always a factor in division play.
Garcia began playing just last year when his desire to play was uncovered in the Pepperdine’s weight room. He was talking to someone he describes as a “huge guy,” who told Garcia that “as long as you can run fast and hit hard you’ll be good.”
Garcia says all he was thinking: “This is the most brutal, barbaric sport. I want to play it.”
Since he joined the team last season, Garcia’s typical day has been scheduled around rugby. He sacrifices sleep this year for 8 a.m. classes to make time for everything. He eats a large breakfast, a large brunch and a large lunch, all loaded with carbohydrates. Practice is at 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and Garcia needs plenty of energy to get through it all.
In rugby, no position on the field can be considered very safe. Garcia, who plays back for the Pepperdine team, says he has received a rugby-related concussion. However, he shakes it off as though it is an everyday thing.
Training is also intense. Garcia is in the weight room every day doing different spreads, working a certain body zone each day. He is dedicated to a weight routine that allows him to stay powerful, fast and quick.
“I make sure that my body is strong and able to sustain hits,” he says.
Although Garcia began playing rugby just last year, he has already established himself on the team. He embraces his leadership role as president on and off the field. He is responsible for setting match dates, making sure members are signed up, collecting dues, distributing jerseys, and dealing with donors and sponsors. He must also motivate the team and do his best to be a leader.
“Overall, Chris handles his responsibilities as president very well,” senior teammate Aaron Kezele says. “I couldn’t think of anyone else on the team who could do his job better than he does.
“He plays like a warrior and everyone loves him for it. He strikes fear into opponents and is a great asset to the team both on and off the field.”
Garcia’s younger brother Jake, who is in high school, agrees.
“He is determined and outgoing,” he says. “He’s a motivator. He’s definitely aggressive. He doesn’t like to lose.”
Garcia has a long-term goal to pursue rugby after college. He will possibly join a Malibu Men’s Club team offered for Pepperdine alumni, and he hopes to play on an international team one day, he says.
However, he has a short-term goal to focus on for the season.
“Go undefeated,” he says. “Win our division.”
11-08-2007
