The Wake

This fall, the Minnesota rugby team, which competes on the club level, tore through opponents. They ended their fall season 10-2. The two losses came against the Chicago Lions Men’s Club and the East Side Banshees. The loss to the East Side Banshees was a result of the U of M squad pulling its starters to rest for the Midwest Final Four the next weekend. At the Midwest Final Four, Minnesota beat Ohio State 47-0 before taking down Purdue in the championship game. At stake was a trip to nationals.

The Wake had the opportunity to interview captain and treasurer, Peter Kobliska, as well as president of the rugby team, Andy Belling. Kobliska is a junior who was on the 2004-05 team that made it to nationals. Belling, currently a senior at the U, was also on the 2004-05 team that competed at nationals in California.

The Wake: Describe your role on the team as a flanker.

Kobliska: As a flanker I roam the field to make it to every play possible. A flanker’s role is comparable to that of a linebacker and running back combined. On defense you have to read the play and make or support the tackle. On offense you must be ready to run the ball and support the pass every time.

The Wake: How did it feel to take down Ohio State 47-0 on their home field considering they ranked in the top 15 in the nation?

Kobliska: Our whole season was focused with the intent of beating number 15-ranked Ohio State. We worked extremely hard as a team to make sure we preformed at our best. Beating Ohio State 47-0 was incredible. After the first score it gave every player on the team an amazing amount of energy that continually increased throughout the match. We just kept getting better as the game progressed.

The Wake: What does making it to nationals mean to the rugby team?

Kobliska: Minnesota is a national-caliber rugby club. This is where we belong and we are very pleased to be going to the national tournament. Everyone is pumped to play the West Coast teams and make a name for the Midwest, but more importantly, make Minnesota a nationally recognized powerhouse.

The Wake: How does this year’s rugby team compare with the 2004-05 team that went to nationals?

Kobliska: Our program continues to grow and get better. Our 2004-05 team was great and this year’s team is much more fine-tuned, thanks to the coaching of Loren Lemke and Aaron Schroeder. Everything we have done this year has been more precise and faster than our 2004-05 team. Watching the level of play from the veterans inspires new players to be just that much better. This year’s team has a lot of experience and heart. We will continue to improve with each year.

The Wake: In terms of fundraising, what does making it nationals mean?

Kobliska: Funds are always tight, and a trip to California means we will work just that much harder to get there. We currently run multiple fundraisers through the U and outside organizations. Raising funds is always difficult, but this year we have become more organized and efficient in increasing funding.

The Wake: Describe how the program has grown or evolved since you joined the team.

Kobliska: Each year, the new players see the level of play from the veterans and want to play at that level. We bring each other up in our level of play. Everything has become better—things are really starting to evolve and take shape. Our level of commitment, coaching, organization and dedication to the sport have all increased. Our membership has also been steadily increasing each year for the past four years. This season, we had enough players to make two whole teams that played every week of the season for the first time in U history. With the future in mind, we are ensuring the program’s growth and success with our actions today.

The Wake: What is it like to ride in a van for 12-plus hours with your teammates for a shot at playing at nationals?

Belling: The ride there is not bad. It seems to take longer than the ride home due to the anticipation of the game and a shot at nationals. It is definitely worth the 12-hour trip to play for nationals, yet it’s always nice to fly to places.

The Wake: After having two knee surgeries, what is it about rugby that makes you come back?

Belling: There are three main reasons why I came back. I am a very competitive person, and rugby is a competitive sport. Rugby gives me an opportunity to stay active and in good shape. And the camaraderie of being on a team, let alone being on a team that is ranked fifteenth in the nation.

The Wake: Do you feel that the U of M rugby team has a better shot at nationals compared to your team two years ago? Why or why not?

Belling: Yes, I think this year our team has a good chance of winning some games at the national tourney. Our team this year is more experienced than two years ago. We have 10 seniors on the team that contribute. Also, the younger players are coming into their own and developing skills to maintain the status of Minnesota rugby.

The Wake: What are the Rugby team’s spring break plans? Where are you playing and who are you playing against?

Belling: Spring break plans are to travel to Ireland for a week. We are scheduled to play three games against some of the local college teams there. Also, we are going to be training with the Ireland national coach for one or two sessions while we are over there. The games that we will play will be good preparation for nationals. Most European clubs are very talented and have very good skills.

The Wake: What are the team’s plans for spring to get ready for Nationals?

Belling: To prepare for nationals this coming spring, many of the players have been working out pretty regularly since our fall season [ended]. Practice does not start until beginning of second semester. We practice two times a week in the field house and three times [per week] once we are able to use the outdoor facilities. We may have an extra game or two earlier in the season (early March) to prepare. We are not quite sure. Our coach is still in the process of trying to set up matches in warmer climates. I know that he is trying to get in touch with University of Tennessee for a match. They are ranked in the top 15 as well, and the match would be good preparation for both teams before nationals.

The U of M rugby team has finished its fall season, but the team can be seen this spring at its home field on the St. Paul campus. Visit www.gopherugby.com for more information about the team and upcoming spring matches.