University of Virginia Library

more than the score

The U's
Club Sports

by steve giannini

YESTERDAY HUGH ANTRIM extolled the University's
spring sports for the fine records they have compiled. Today we
would like to give a little credit to the teams who do it on their
own: the club teams.

The players and coaches of the Crew Club, the Polo Club, and
the Rugby Club compete for the pure enjoyment, with no real
pressure except their own desire to win. And many obstacles have
to be overcome, the greatest being that of money.

IN THEIR SECOND full season at the University, the crews
posted a 29-8 season and placed a credible seventh out of a field
of 29 in the Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia.

As with the other clubs, the members themselves must find
the money with which to operate. The oarsmen have been
relatively lucky, greatly due to their success in competition.
Student Activities allotted the Crew Club $2700, and local
supporters have contributed a substantial amount. However, it is
still necessary that each member pay $50 annually for dues.

AND NEXT YEAR the financial burden will probably be
greater. The team has decided to send their varsity four to the
IRA in Syracuse to compete against the best in the country. With
the organization losing only two of its varsity oarsmen, they are
looking toward big things at next year's Dad Vail. Then they
would like to sent a full crew to the IRA. These are ambitious
plans for a club organization.

POLO IS IN MUCH the same situation. They have virtually
overpowered all major collegiate competition this spring,
defeating Yale and Cornell, both past intercollegiate champions.

But the club is in serious financial difficulties. The 18 or so
members have to pay a fee of $30 a month to support their 20
horse string.

With all of the players returning the winning is bound to
continue. A tournament would be the thing to prove that Virginia
is truly the top polo power. With greater support the tournament
could become a reality.

THE COMMONWEALTH CUP has become an annual event
for the Virginia Rugby Club. This year the ruggers attracted
Indiana. Amherst, Holy Cross, Toronto, Pennsylvania, Brown,
and Old Blue. Old Blue walked off with the Cup for the second
year in a row, but not before Virginia had made to the finals
again, only to lose in a close 11-8 game. The Tournament has
come to be regarded as the determinant of the eastern rugby
champion.

And Virginia's rough and ready group, ranging from a
first-year man to those in the last year of their doctorate work,
has distinguished itself as one of the best while maintaining a
casual (sometimes rowdy) air of "it's all in fun."

SO THESE TEAMS are existing for their pride and enjoyment.
With the ruggers' 7-3 mark, the crew's 29-8, and the polo's perfect
spring record, they deserve the support from the University
community they are representing.