University City High School's Rugby Team Begins First Season Of Competition

After a year of laying the groundwork to establish a local rugby club, is now playing matches in a sport many in the area are just learning about, including the players.

Chris Perkowski, who founded the U City club, and Leo Polson, who coaches the team, have spent many months planning and raising funds to get the program off the ground.

On Saturday, March 19, the University City Rugby Club played its third official game, against Parkway United, losing 26-3.

"They all played really well, I was proud of the effort today," said Perkowski.

University City started competition this season by playing in the Priory tournament two weeks ago. The double elimination tournament saw UCHS square off first against Jefferson City, who they lost to 16-0. In the second contest U-City played Marquette, losing 13-0.

The full season will run through mid-May, and then the state finals will be held in Jefferson City in late May.

In the loss to Parkway United, U-City conceded a pair of tries early in the first half, but took some important steps in the process of building their skills and experience.

"We got on the board, our guys recovered the ball off a scrum in the Parkway try zone, and then they (Parkway) committed a foul, which led to a penalty kick opportunity, and our fly half, Fran Stewart (10) scored," said Perkowski.

While the program is new, the talent level is considerable and the players are involved in many ways, including designing their uniforms, and maintaining a commitment to participating in fundraising during the offseason.

University City's parks foundation has supported the team by providing practice fields, and the St. Louis Ramblers rugby club purchased uniforms for the team, as well as helped teach the basics during 11 weeks of pre-season practice.

Learning the game is key, but the level of fun and athleticism already present points to likely success as the squad develops over the remainder of this inaugural season, and in the future.

To get there, fundraising will be needed and Perkowski stresses that the University City Rugby Club, in order to compete with the many private school clubs in the area, will have to apply itself consistently to developing and sustaining financial backing.

But, on this Saturday afternoon in Forest Park, the team, decked out in yellow jerseys, has the look of an established and hungry side, and this is an important component of the club's development.

"We're new and the coaches and the team really believe in what we're doing...over the long-term we hope to build on this by eventually qualifying for the state tournament, but we will take things one step at a time, and develop a solid foundation for success," said Perkowski.

University City Rugby Club's Schedule

Date                                    Opponent                        Time                                      Location

3.31.11

4.2.11

4.9.11

4.16.11

4.21.11

4.30.11

5.7.11

5.14.11

Desmet

RuggerFest Tourney

Kirkwood

Priory (District Match)

Eureka

CBC (District Match)

SLUH (District Match)

Fox

6.00pm

11.00-3.00

4.00pm

11.00am

5.30pm

11.00am

1.00pm

1.00pm

Desmet

Creve Couer Park

TBA

Priory

Forest P.Lindell-Cricket

Forest P. Lindell-Cricket

U. City Stadium

Arnold Park