The AIC Men’s Rugby team agreed that they will be targeting an invitation for this year’s CRCs. This will not be an easy task, as they have to win a qualifying tournament: “The Heart of America” tournament in Kansas City.

The Yellow Jackets experienced the CRCs last year and overcame the odds by beating huge Division I Schools, like the University of Arizona twice, as well as a draw with UCLA. With a full returning team plus a few incoming players, this year AIC should have the class and experience to punch a ticket for this year’s tournament (which will be aired on ESPN).

Junior Michele Magistrali, who played on the team that went to the CRCs, said the entire team has its fingers crossed.

“Playing in this big tournament is a big thing for the program and the school, being aired on NBC around the country gave us a chance to put this small school from Springfield on the map,” said Magistrali.

Magistrali and other key players believe with this team they can achieve anything. Another point that was touched upon was that their team is more in depth then last year’s squad.

Senior Jihad Khabir agreed.

“We have a squad of 15 strong players this year instead of 8 or 9 players,” Khabir said. “We found out that it’s going to take the whole 15 people in the squad to go far in the big tournaments.”

The men’s squad had a team meeting at the start of the year and named what has to happen in order to achieve their goals for this season. Head Coach Rob Guiry expects leaders to set the tone so guys will be hungry throughout the season.

Whether it’s during team lift or on the practice field, the level of intensity can’t drop. If the more experienced players are leading by example, the younger guys will follow and therefore, the team will grow.

The team has been practicing inside the gym due to the weather conditions during this period but it hasn’t stopped the team from reaching their true potential. Practicing indoors still gives them a chance to work on fitness and skills. Captain Stephen Fobes noted, “we want to create a sense of brotherhood, so even if you’re injured or unwell, you are expected to be in attendance to all team events.”

Their first tournament is a charity event that is hosted by AIC called the “Tackle Hunger Sevens.” This is an open invite to all, as long as they bring canned goods. At the end all proceeds will go to a shelter. It was a huge success last year, so the team will look to continue the tradition this year and strive for a great relationship with the community.