Wildcat rugby loses big to University of Utah

Nothing could go right for the Weber State University Rugby Team in its match against the University of Utah two weekends ago, which ended in a 43-0 mauling of the Wildcats. "We got killed," said Craun Fansler, head coach of the Wildcats. "It's hard for me to find any real positive about the game. Truthfully, It was just bad all over. Playing a team like that, their defense is so good that we made a lot of mistakes that were forced because of their defense." With the 24-0 score at the half, the lead was just too much for the Wildcats to overcome "They are a Division I team," Fansler said. "It doesn't count for our standings. It's like playing a non-conference team. It counts against your overall record but not within the conference." With the 'Cats competing at the Division II level, this game gave them an opportunity to match their skills with a top level competitor and find out where their team needs work. "They learned one thing: We are in terrible shape," Fansler said. "That's the one thing they did learn." Fansler has been harping on his team all semester about getting in better shape. "We like playing U of U," said Scott Allen, a third-year member and vice president of the rugby team. "They are good guys. They like playing us too because it gives their B side a chance to come up to par with their Division I team, and it's good for us because we are Division II team, and we play against a good team." The 'Cats now have an overall record 2-2. Losing to both U of U and Utah State University. With only one game remaining on their fall schedule, the Wildcats will need a big win against Utah Valley University on Oct. 11 to end their fall season with a winning record. UVU has been a powerhouse in the conference since their No. 2 finish in the Division II National Championships last year. "We have never actually played UVU before, so I haven't seen a whole lot of them," said Jared Jurkowski, a third year member of the rugby team. "Rugby is one of the major club sports at that university, and they have a really good coach, and its just something they do really well." The upcoming match between the two teams is being sponsored by the American Red Cross and being labeled as the "Blood Bath" game. Members of the 'Cats will be participating in a blood drive on Oct. 27 on the WSU campus. Players expect this game to live up to the hype of its name, as the Wildcats and Wolverines do battle on WSU's home field. The game will take place Oct. 11 at 1 p.m.