It’s not every day that you get to see a team known for bone-crunching tackles and lightning-fast runs down a muddy pitch donning academic caps. Yet, on the 16th of September, 2024, the men’s and women’s rugby programs at American International College took a break from their rigorous practice schedules and the impressive start to their seasons and instead put on their academic game faces for the 3.0 Club Induction Ceremony.

So, What Exactly Is the 3.0 Club?
For those who might be scratching their heads, the 3.0 Club is an elite squad of student-athletes from all sports who have consistently maintained a GPA of 3.0 or higher over the past academic year. It’s a recognition of their dedication and discipline, balancing the demands of academia with the toughness of being a D1 athlete. This year, the rugby teams turned out in force, with over thirty players from both the men’s and women’s sides earning their spots on stage. With broad smiles, they accepted their 3.0 Club t-shirts which read, “#EarnedIt”–a huge testament to their hard work.

Interim Director of Athletics, Scott Foulis, kicked off the ceremony with a heartfelt message: “We are here tonight to celebrate the academic success of not only those in the 3.0 club but the achievement of all of our student athletes.” His words set the tone for the evening; it wasn’t just about honoring those who hit the academic mark but acknowledging the collective effort of student-athletes striving to excel in every aspect of their lives.

Professor Jill McCarthy-Payne added: “We congratulate these 3.0 inductees on their academic achievements. We hope they will become academic role models for all students and student-athletes. We hope to see all of you next year. To all the 3.0 Club members, please wear these t-shirts proudly because you are our walking billboards for academic success.”

Rugby: More Than Just a Game
For those unfamiliar with rugby, it’s often viewed as a game of sheer physicality–like football with no pads. It’s a sport where players leave it all on the field, bruised and battered. But, as the 3.0 Club ceremony demonstrated, there’s much more to these athletes than meets the eye. Rugby at AIC is about family, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, both on the pitch and in the classroom. This can be seen with how tight both the men’s and women’s sides are with each other.

We caught up with Coach Jameson Bonti, assistant coach for the men’s rugby team, who shared what it meant to have so many athletes inducted into the 3.0 Club. “It means a great deal,” he said. “When we talk with families, whether they’re from Springfield, New York, Hawaii, Alaska, Uruguay, South Africa, or anywhere else, all of the families want their kids to have a home away from home. Part of that comes with a level of accountability and belief that we have in our students. I am incredibly proud of the young men and women in the 3.0 Club.”

But how does a team, known for its grueling training schedule and demanding game days, manage to keep up with their academic pursuits? Coach Bonti explained that time-management is key. “So much of being a D1 athlete comes down to your ability to time manage. We encourage all our athletes to utilize resources like Rexcel, the tutoring center, and to become involved on campus. The more invested they are in the community, the stronger they become, both academically and athletically.”

Captain German Rossi, a senior, and an Resident Advisor, shared his perspective on maintaining a balance between his responsibilities. “I always try to lead by example and be a motivation for my teammates, in and out of the field,” he said. “A big part of our success is sacrificing time to do the things we may not like doing, but we do them anyway. It’s not enough to just attend class. You need to study, stay on top of lectures, and complete your assignments.”

Sophomore Jaysa Jo Paulsen, another standout who manages to juggle rugby, academics, and various leadership roles, emphasized the importance of a support system. “My team played a significant role by supporting me academically and always cheering me on in practice and games. My coach also assigned specific hours of Rexcel to complete each week, which helped me set aside time for academics,” she explained.

A Supportive Family, On and Off the Field
What becomes clear in talking to these athletes is that rugby at AIC is more than just a sport. It’s a family. A family that supports, encourages, and challenges each other to be better, both on and off the field. Captain Rossi noted, “We are a big supporting team. One’s achievement is everyone’s achievement, and that shows the type of culture we have as a team.” This culture of mutual support and accountability is exactly what sets AIC rugby apart. It’s a place where athletes are encouraged to strive for excellence in all areas of their lives. Coach Bonti summed it up best with his advice to younger athletes: “You are often a product of the five closest people you surround yourself with. So, surround yourself with greatness, and that’s where you’ll be.”

As the night drew to a close, the players mingled, shared laughs, and proudly donned their 3.0 Club t-shirts. It was clear that this was more than just a ceremony; it was a celebration of what it means to be a Yellow Jacket.