Marquette University - Hilltop Yearbook (Milwaukee, WI)

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78 . Rugby Rugb 'Rugby asks ASMU support' The rugby club has lost its status as a recognized student organization and consequently its ASMU funding. Granted the boys were naughty in the way they behaved at Northern Illinois University last spring, but the pulling of ASMU funds isn't the answer. The ASMU program bureau is charged with the responsibility of planning, producing and conducting a diversilied schedule of events of interest to the entire student body. To cut a phenomenon such as rugby out of the picture is to do an injustice to that student body. The love of harmony and the joy of struggle which is rugby is just as much a part of Marquette life as concerts, speakers, arts and crafts and all the rest. Indeed, some would argue that it is more, for what is life but harmony and struggle? The Recreational Commission of ASMU is to sponsor an ongoing recreational program for the students. It would be a mistake for them to allow rugby to lose its status and funding. No club snort is more ongoing than the rugby club. The ruggers have two playing seasons per academic year, and are practicing six out ofthe nine months as well. Rugby is indeed a phenomenon, and one that the student body should not be robbed of. It is not an easy thing for some to un- derstand the thudding flesh, foaming beer, splintering skulls and obscene songs that are rugby,- but they should be given an op- portunity to try to understand the sport. The loss of status and funding is not going to nurture that un- derstanding. It would become increasingly difficult for the rugby club to survive without the funding and recognition that ASMU provides, but the ruggers are willing to try. They have started practicing already for their fall season, and have the support of 17 freshman members. Kevin Bourke, president of the rugby club, said, Of course we are serious about the future of rugby here at Marquette or else we wouldn't still be playing. Rich Sikes, vice president and treasurer of the club, stated that Rugby club members feel that they have, and will continue to represent Marquette as a respected member of the club' sports program. It would seem that the ruggers may be the only ones serious about the future of the sport at Marquette. They are going toappeal their case once more to the ASMU senate on Thursday, and we can only hope that ASMU is as serious about providing for the student body as the ruggers seem to be. Kevin Carter Editor's Note: Carter is ex-president of the rugby club. ASMU withdrew its jimds from the club after an incident last May in which S142 worth of damage was done to a sorority house during post- game partying by both Northem Illinois and Marquette rugby players. Several other incidents of damage by the team were also reported. Sports editor's note: my mother always told me if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all ......... but here are two opinions . . 'X

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Rugby Rugby's fact lineup October 28, 1975: A letter addressed to Fr. John P. Raynor, S.J. contained the following information, according to a letter from Christian Sachs, director of student activities: Letter from the bus driver for the team charter trip to John Carroll Univer- sity. . .According to the letter, the team used racially offensive language tthe bus driver was black? and smoked marijuana on the bus necessitating the aid of a state trooper to calm the team down. The letter further reported that the bus was left filthy and that the bus driver's cap had been stolen. April 14, 1976: A letter from the Alpha Phi sorority of Northern Illinois University itemized post-game damage to their house by the Marquette rugby club totaling S141.90. April 28, 1976: The Office of Student Activities suspended club rugby's status as a recognized student organization at Marquette, and the committee on constitutional review denied the club an appeal. May 5, 1976: The rugby club was granted an appeal of this suspension before the ASMU senate. The Marquette Tribune reported on the Northern Illinois incident and quoted Tom Kraack, assistant director of student activities, as saying, We have con- firmation in writing of at least two other incidents. Kevin Carter, then president of the rugby club, said there is somewhat of a natural inclination toward such behavior, but said he felt a coach could curb such inclinations. September 9, 1976: The rugby club appeals to the ASMU senate and loses its 51,700 worth of funds but regains status as an organization. The rugby team, in a letter to the senators, suggests its own punishments: 0Outlaw any overnight game trips. 0Fine the rugby club, and deduct any sum of money from their proposed ASMU budget. 0Send evaluation forms to the coaches of the teams just played for the coaches evaluations of the Marquette players' post-game behavior. lNames and student numbers should be registered with Student Activities and ASMU so the players can be punished as individuals instead of as a team. September 15, 1976: This reporter publishes an opinion that the above listed incidents are inexcusable. September 16, 1976: This reporter gets letters from ruggers and their friends saying that rugby will reform. The demise of the rugby team would mean one less organization to enrich Marquette student life, the demise would mean the end of the apparently highly successful University Alumni Rugby Fest, held annuallyg the demise would disappoint the 17 freshmen who just joined the club. September 17, 1976: Rugby team invades Tribune ofiice claiming defamation. Editorial editor is punched inthe nose as she recites the First Amendment. September 18, 1976: The outlook for rugby's future is uncertain until ASMU meets again to decide whether or not rugby's promises to shape up are credible.