Maybe for people in some parts of the country September means cooler weather, apple picking, and leaf peeping. At American Legion Post 175, however, September means viciously humid nights at practice with Megalodon mosquitos on the attack, and hot Saturdays of high scores and cold beers.

With some familiar faces in the Captain and Coaching roles this season, it looks like both the Men’s and Women’s squads are looking to grow from years past, but bring their own sense of style and leadership to the program they are proud to call their own.

This year, the Men’s side of the club is putting up two teams, a Division III and a Division IV. With enough new interest as well as some Old Boys who aren’t afraid to run with the youngins, the Division IV team looks to be an excellent opportunity to develop new talent and provide ample playing time to grow with the game. Coach Dave Egar knows the pressure is on him to help the Men find their next level of commitment and skill on the pitch. By continuing their plan from last year of focusing on the basics, he is confident that the Men will continue to find success in both Divisions as long as they remain committed to the task at hand. Captain Colin Gottimer hopes to see as many people at practice as possible and continues his reputation for understatement adding, “we always play a little better when our rugby family is supporting us.” In other words get out to the pitch and celebrate the season with us!

The Women remain among the top teams in Division II in the MAC Conference and hope to move beyond the MAC Championships this year. By eliminating the North and South designations in the MAC Conference for this year, the women have the opportunity to compete against all of their competition before hopefully making it to the playoffs in the spring. Coach Dolla Harmse is eager to see what the women do with their strong veteran knowledge as well as the rookie energy the women added in the off-season. With only two home games this fall, Captains Leni Ferraria and Casey Hartzell ask the alumni to show-up en masse whenever possible. After a disappointing loss in the MAC Semi-Final last May, the women are looking for redemption this season and to break the “short sock curse” on their way to the MAC Final this year.

Players to Watch -

Men’s Division III - Dan Woodell (Scrumhalf), Quinn Freeman (Back), Nick Stratchko (Forward), Aldo Batubara (Forward)

Men’s Division IV - Derek Swayze (Forward) and Sam (Leone)

Women’s Division II - Kate Todorovich (Forward), Masha Romanchak (Back), and Erin Gallagher (Rookie to us…vet to the Game)