University of Virginia Library

Rugby, Crew, Others

Ten Club Sports Offered

By BILL NACHMAN

Club sports at Virginia are an
integral part of the entire athletic
program. Clubs help to diversify a
rigid academic load for the student
as well as providing camaraderie and
exercise.

The scope of clubs at the
University is large, if ambitious.
One could try his hand at the
English sport of rugby, or work
diligently at crew, or be in the
bowling club, or even take part in
karate and self-defense
demonstrations.

Starting its 11th year, the
Virginia Rugby Football
Association brings professors,
alumni, and both grad and
undergraduate students together for
an 80 minute match behind the
Memorial Gym most every
Saturday and Sunday in the fall and
spring.

Two seasons are played each
year. A prospective member can
play in the fall or the spring (or, if
he is still in one piece both). What
is it that has lured Virginians to the
pitch (playing field) year after year
for the past 10 annums? Nobody
knows—that's why so many people
are willing to give the game a try. A
combination of American football,
soccer, and some unique rugby
rules, the game is a taxing exhibition
of personal stamina.

Early each May the club hosts
the Commonwealth Cup tourney—
reputedly the largest rugby
tournament on the East Coast. At
spring break the ruggers annually
leave on a two-week trip to play
and party in another country.
Two years ago England was the
destination, while last season
members sunned themselves in
Florida in between tours on the
playing field.

Perennially 80-90 members join
the club. This year Jim Bledsoe,
second year in the Law School, is
president. Gary Ahrens arranges
matches with school and private
clubs throughout the east.
Opponents include teams from
throughout Virginia, Old Blue and
Manhattan Clubs (New York),
Philadelphia Club, Duke, UNC,
N.C. State.

Players to watch are wing forward
Byron Shankman, wings Ron
Pulliam, Buzz Witt, and Sam
Robinson, and the entire scrum
(forward wall) led by Jay Waldron,
who doubles as social chairman—an
important post since beer is
omnipresent after every match, and
parties include raucous songs and
companionship—much needed after
a bruising afternoon on the pitch.

Each spring the Virginia Crew
travels to the Schuykill River in
Philadelphia for the annual Dad
Vail Regatta. This event caps a
year-round slate of rowing,
exercise, and meets.

The club works out daily at the
Charlottesville Reservoir under the
guidance of Panos Eliades.

Competition is diverse but
usually includes participation in a
triangular meet sponsored by VCU.

Opening practice Sept. 20, the
Virginia Polo Club owns its own
mounts and has acquired practice
and game facilities at the nearby
Farmington Hunt Club.

Last spring the riders fell, 12-11,
to Cornell in the Intercollegiate
Polo Finals. Other opponents
included Yale, Cornell, University
of Connecticut, Harvard,
Middleburg, and the local
Farmington and Keswick Clubs.

Mark Pirrung is president this
year. Other varsity riders include
John Stuart, Reid Graham, and Jay
Kenworthy.

A new team bus and much
needed equipment should heighten
the image and spirits of the Virginia
Gymnastic and Circus Troupe this
year. This club, open to both men
and women, sends teams around
the state for exhibition while facing
a tough gymnastic program as well.

Towson State (Md.), Virginia
Tech, William & Mary, and
Montgomery College (Md.) are
among opponents of the gymnasts.
The circus troupe will appear at
local schools of all levels-including
neighboring colleges (e.g. Mary
Baldwin, Mary Washington, and
Radford).

Tom Riley (parallel bars, rings),
Jim Garrett (parallel bars), Randy
Mayo (floor exhibition) are among
the team leaders. The scope of the
club encompasses unicycles,
pyramids, balancing, juggling with
Indian clubs and balls, teeter board,
floor exercise, and all bar events.

The Virginia Rifle and Pistol
Club took second last year in the
ACC Championships. Also, a major
upset was sprung last spring when
the pistolmen copped top honors in
the state.

John Mowinckle, Rick Miller,
Chris Galvin, and Brew Mosely head
an experienced ski club. Several
tourneys were won last season.

Malletmen Find Going Rough During Match At Farmington

Riders Placed Second At Last Season's Intercollegiate Tournament

Sailing enthusiasts, bowlers, and
girl tennis players each have their
own organizations. Also,
self-defense and karate is offered.