SEASON PREVIEW: Tommies to Use Depth in Pursuit of Maritime Championship
The St. Thomas University men's rugby team plans to use its depth this season in pursuit of a Maritime Rugby Championship.
The team only lost two starters from last year's roster—one of the most successful in recent history—and is welcoming nine new players, six of which have provincial-level playing experience.
"It's a good, skilled group," said Tommies' head coach Jon Wilson. "It's a big change from past years, when putting out 15 experienced guys was quite a challenge."
"Having a bench full of players that can come in at any time and being able to make strategic substitutions is going to be huge for us."
The Tommies are coming off a solid 2014-15 season, where they were undefeated at home and finished with a record of 4-2—good for a portion of a three-way tie for first place. Unfortunately, the tie breaker didn't end in their favour, eliminating them from the championship final.
Wilson is hoping this year's team will continue to build on that success, as well as their off-field growth.
"We had great success in terms of the attitude and culture surrounding the team. The guys got to know each other well and were great friends, but they knew when to flip the switch and take care of business," he said. "I hope we can build that same attitude and professionalism this season."
Leading that charge will be fourth-year captain and former MVP Johnny Cullen, along with fellow seniors Robert McMichael and Mike Irvine.
With strong leadership, experience, and the skill level of the new additions, Wilson plans to focus on the technical and strategic parts of the game.
"One focus for us will be learning to play more than one style of rugby, so when we face off against different teams we'll know how to read and adapt," he said. "The other big focus will be on basic skill development so we can eliminate the little mistakes that come up."
Although their ultimate goal for this season—and every season—is winning a Maritime Championship, it's also important for the athletes to embrace the process.
"Our sights and our work will be on winning a championship for STU and this seems to be a year where that's in our reach," Wilson said. "In doing that, we hope we get a group of guys together that can learn to love the game, give everything to the game and their teammates, and build a platform to keep at it."
The Tommies kick off the regular season Saturday, September 13 against the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers.