Imagine, you're a high school boy who wants to play high school football, but the program is so big, you'll never play, or play much, you're to slow, or not big enough, what do you do? With the success of rugby across the country, rugby has become a huge success in Texas. There are plenty of club teams across the state. If you are so inclined, you can find a club anywhere. Allen, and Plano have club teams where kids from McKinney and the surrounding area go to play. Jesuit, Woodlands, St. Thomas, are just some schools that have club teams. Girls have the opportunity to play a collision sport as well with rugby. This sport is an excellent sport for anyone who played soccer, lacrosse, football, and even for those who never have played a team sport.
As someone who played high school and college rugby, because we didn't have football, I understand the pleasure of having an outlet for my passion for a collision sport. Some areas or specific high schools offer lacrosse as well, but that is just another contact sport. For those of us who want to really "hit" someone, in Texas the best alternative to football is rugby!
Rugby, specifically union rugby, is played with 15 players per team on the field, with a ball that is shaped similar to a watermelon. All passes must go backward. Rugby was formed when soccer players picked the ball up one day and just ran with it. Without getting into a history lesson rugby is played on a soccer size field, with goal posts in front of the end zone, just like American football was in the beginning. By the way American football started from rugby. The term "touchdown" is from rugby, as you must "touch the ball down on the ground" for a player to score in rugby. This would be called a "try" and it worth 5 points. The conversion is worth 2 points, and you can also place kick or drop kick the ball, and these are worth 3 points.
Once out of high school you can continue this play in college. Most institutions don't offer scholarships, but some do like A&M and OU to name a couple, but you also don't need to tryout usually. If you want to play, just show up, and begin to learn. University of Texas at Dallas, http://utdallasrugby.weebly.com is a perfect example of a highly successful rugby program. After just two years, and two Lone Star Conference titles (www.texasrugbyunion.com/lonestar/), Coach Wagner has the Comets thinking a national championship. The Comets are undefeated in their conference, and just missed the national playoffs this past season when the they lost to the University of Denver in the Cowboy Cup held at UTD. Coach Wagner knows football may come to UTD in the future, but for now "we are the only collision sport on campus". Comet rugby continues grow in popularity. Coach Wagner has built his team with mostly kids who never have played a sport, much less a team sport. UTD is an institution that offers both a men's & women's team. UTD is part of the growing National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) www.eteamz.com/nscro/
Texas has also two other rugby conferences for college, both are D-1, the Southwest Conference, www.texasrugbyunion.com/competitions/mens-collegiate/swc/ whose members are UNT, Rice, TSU, TCU, and the University of Houston. The other, Allied Rugby Conference which includes, OU, UT TxTech, Baylor, & A&M, www.alliedrugby.com The Texas Rugby Union, www.texasrugbyunion.com is the governing body over all rugby in Texas, is sanctioned under USA Rugby, www.usarugby.org Once out of college, there are still opportunities for men/women to continue to play. The are three divisions in Texas for men, with many clubs having multiple teams, in the three divisions, and two divisions for women. There are some 18 clubs across Texas with opportunities. If you are good enough and lucky enough, you may play for the national team, The Eagles. Maybe, if you are really good, you can go play in Europe or Australia. The US is possibly going to have a pro league. There currently is a push to start the league within the next two years, #USAwantsprorugby on twitter, We Want a Pro Rugby Comp in the USA on Facebook to follow and join the movement.
In Texas football is the game, but rugby is fast becoming a serious alternative. This fall or next spring, take the time to watch a match. Decide for yourself if rugby is truly a great sport. I already know it is, give it a chance. I hope to see you at the pitch!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
DI Playoffs, is the current plan enough?
I am looking forward to the new D-1A playoffs to start in 2014. With the demise of the WAC(Western Athletic Conference) as of yesterday, there are 10 FBS (D1-A) conferences remaining as of today. However, there could be more shuffling around and by next summer, we could see even more conferences dissolve.
With that in mind, I want to begin conversations regarding the expansion of the planned playoff system. Only four teams will be included in the playoff, to start, but not nearly enough. They will be using bowls for hosting the games, which I support, but those four teams will be selected by an "unbiased" committee! Come on, are they really going to be unbiased? I would rather see the computer rankings involved, then leaving up for conjuncture. The computer rankings at least take strength of schedule as part of the formula. This committee will be no better than using the coaches poll or the writers poll to select the teams.
My proposal would include ALL conference winners, plus utilizing the BCS rankings to select the additional teams to make a 16 team playoff. The top eight teams, based on the BCS, would have a another home game. While the playoffs are going on, the bowl games will continue, awarding the qualifying teams to get their extra game as they do now.
Week two the playoffs continue, with the winners of week one meeting in a bowl game. The quarter finals would be hosted in a BCS bowl. Match ups again would be based on the BCS standings. The Semi-Finals would be played in a BCS bowl, with the Championship game played at a neutral location.
I believe this scenario takes care of any doubts who is truly the best, and it still includes the current bowl system. We all know college football is a BIG money business, but the decision must be made on the field and not by some committee. The bowls and the playoffs would be completed by the end of the Christmas break.
With that in mind, I want to begin conversations regarding the expansion of the planned playoff system. Only four teams will be included in the playoff, to start, but not nearly enough. They will be using bowls for hosting the games, which I support, but those four teams will be selected by an "unbiased" committee! Come on, are they really going to be unbiased? I would rather see the computer rankings involved, then leaving up for conjuncture. The computer rankings at least take strength of schedule as part of the formula. This committee will be no better than using the coaches poll or the writers poll to select the teams.
My proposal would include ALL conference winners, plus utilizing the BCS rankings to select the additional teams to make a 16 team playoff. The top eight teams, based on the BCS, would have a another home game. While the playoffs are going on, the bowl games will continue, awarding the qualifying teams to get their extra game as they do now.
Week two the playoffs continue, with the winners of week one meeting in a bowl game. The quarter finals would be hosted in a BCS bowl. Match ups again would be based on the BCS standings. The Semi-Finals would be played in a BCS bowl, with the Championship game played at a neutral location.
I believe this scenario takes care of any doubts who is truly the best, and it still includes the current bowl system. We all know college football is a BIG money business, but the decision must be made on the field and not by some committee. The bowls and the playoffs would be completed by the end of the Christmas break.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Cowboys vs. Bucs
After watching the Cowboys win yesterday, I got to thinking, did they just win or did they beat the Bucs? Dallas played about as good as they can in the first half yesterday, just pushing the Bucs all over the field and dominated them. However, in the second half, it was a different story. The Cowboys looked like they have the prior games, not aggressive, timid, and with no energy.
The defense played fairly well all game, but I am not sure that was because of their doing or just how poor the Tampa is! On the other hand the Cowboy offense looked as good as it has all season in the first half, but seemed to lack any sense of urgency or energy in the second half. The offensive play calling seemed to become ultra conservative, and playing to not lose, rather than playing to win.
Dallas does not have a kick them when their down attitude, which I believe you need to win championships. New England, Green Bay, and even New Orleans have that swagger, that step on your throat until you tap out behavior. Dallas plays soft. They do not put someone away, and that is the personality of the coach.
Jason Garrett is a very nice man and obviously football smart, but the team is to nice, and laid-back. Dallas does not play aggressive and want to pummel opponents for 60 minutes. Dallas has lost 3 games with double digit leads in the 4th quarter by either poor play calling, poor defense, or horrible game management. I can only hope since this is Garrett's first head coaching job, he will learn quick, and learn from his mistakes, otherwise we are in for another few years of no playoff football.
The defense played fairly well all game, but I am not sure that was because of their doing or just how poor the Tampa is! On the other hand the Cowboy offense looked as good as it has all season in the first half, but seemed to lack any sense of urgency or energy in the second half. The offensive play calling seemed to become ultra conservative, and playing to not lose, rather than playing to win.
Dallas does not have a kick them when their down attitude, which I believe you need to win championships. New England, Green Bay, and even New Orleans have that swagger, that step on your throat until you tap out behavior. Dallas plays soft. They do not put someone away, and that is the personality of the coach.
Jason Garrett is a very nice man and obviously football smart, but the team is to nice, and laid-back. Dallas does not play aggressive and want to pummel opponents for 60 minutes. Dallas has lost 3 games with double digit leads in the 4th quarter by either poor play calling, poor defense, or horrible game management. I can only hope since this is Garrett's first head coaching job, he will learn quick, and learn from his mistakes, otherwise we are in for another few years of no playoff football.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
College Football Recruiting in Texas
It has been announced that both Taylor Bible, from Denton, and Darius White, of Fort Worth are leaving UT to get a new start elsewhere. White was a Parade All-American when coming out of high school and Bible was rated the 12th best defensive tackle in the nation. They both were part of the highly touted 2010 football class and thought to be one of the best recruiting classes ever in Texas.
With these two young men deciding to search for other options, although the mecca for high school football stars in Texas, it is very apparent that UT, is not the best place for the best players. Texas does an excellent job in coaching kids up, and even if you are the top player at your position coming out of high school, there is no guarantee you will see the field at UT. I remember hearing about both players, and couldn't wait to watch them at Texas. This year, until now, I had forgotten they were there.
High school recruits and their families must be prepared for such a situation when they are considering the school the athlete will attend. They must decide when choosing, if the school is where they want to be, or is the football opportunity the most important thing. College is about learning, not athletics. A sport is the mechanism that may get a student athlete recognized by a school, but ultimately it is the academics that should keep a student there.
I do not know what the situation is for either player, but most likely it is about playing time,or the lack of it. Sometimes it is about character, work ethic, or academics, but remember, there is always some one who will be bigger, stronger, and faster than you coming in and wanting your playing time. Bigger is not always better when it comes to selecting your college/university.
With these two young men deciding to search for other options, although the mecca for high school football stars in Texas, it is very apparent that UT, is not the best place for the best players. Texas does an excellent job in coaching kids up, and even if you are the top player at your position coming out of high school, there is no guarantee you will see the field at UT. I remember hearing about both players, and couldn't wait to watch them at Texas. This year, until now, I had forgotten they were there.
High school recruits and their families must be prepared for such a situation when they are considering the school the athlete will attend. They must decide when choosing, if the school is where they want to be, or is the football opportunity the most important thing. College is about learning, not athletics. A sport is the mechanism that may get a student athlete recognized by a school, but ultimately it is the academics that should keep a student there.
I do not know what the situation is for either player, but most likely it is about playing time,or the lack of it. Sometimes it is about character, work ethic, or academics, but remember, there is always some one who will be bigger, stronger, and faster than you coming in and wanting your playing time. Bigger is not always better when it comes to selecting your college/university.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Mavs Make Their Moves
The Mavs have made some transactions recently that have helped their team to stay in contention, but not enough to my satisfaction. Yes they added Lamar Odom to replace Tyson Chandler. He may be as physical, but certainly a better scorer in the post. Yesterday the Mavs added Vince Carter, who is 34 and will be 35 in January, to play small forward. Ok, so now we have Shawn Marion and Carter for the 3 position, both late in their career, and then they still have Jason Kidd at point guard. At 38, Kidd, who will be 39 this season, is not my ideal point guard for this team at this time. I am ready to see new blood, and I am still holding out hope the Mavs trade for Deron Williams.
The Mavs need some youth. They must start planning for the future, and with Odom now here, and some nice veteran pieces, they can mold this team to contend annually if they now add a point guard. Kidd cannot play the majority of the minutes any longer, we saw that in the playoffs. Coach Carlisle used him very wisely, with him and J J Barea last season. Now that Barea is gone, we need a young, experienced point guard to take the rings of this team. The Mavs don't have another point guard listed on their roster at this time, and no other guards I would trust to partner with Kidd. Hopefully Mark Cuban and his money will find us another addition in the next day or so to continue the team's success. Oh by the way I hear there is this guy in New Orleans the Mavs just might want to take a run at. Just saying!
The Mavs need some youth. They must start planning for the future, and with Odom now here, and some nice veteran pieces, they can mold this team to contend annually if they now add a point guard. Kidd cannot play the majority of the minutes any longer, we saw that in the playoffs. Coach Carlisle used him very wisely, with him and J J Barea last season. Now that Barea is gone, we need a young, experienced point guard to take the rings of this team. The Mavs don't have another point guard listed on their roster at this time, and no other guards I would trust to partner with Kidd. Hopefully Mark Cuban and his money will find us another addition in the next day or so to continue the team's success. Oh by the way I hear there is this guy in New Orleans the Mavs just might want to take a run at. Just saying!
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Texas Playoffs, Finals
Well, I was 12-6 this last week in predicting the winners. Not bad for my first public predictions. So here is my write-ups and picks for next weekend.
1A DI Stamford vs. Mason
Last week I missed on both of these teams. Both teams won big, and continued to have their way in the playoffs. Stamford beat Mart, who was going to be my winner in this division, and Mason beat Garrison huge. Mason is only giving up 10 points a game in the playoffs. I am going with Mason.
1A DII Munday vs. Tenaha
Munday is averaging 56 points per game and Tenaha is averaging 59 points for the playoffs. Tenaha has been more consistent on defense, so I am picking Tenaha in a shootout.
2A DI Melissa vs. Hempstead
I picked Tatum to win this division, however Hempstead beat them last week. Hempstead seems to have had an easier time getting to this point than Melissa. All but one of Melissa's games have been fairly close, whereas Hempstead has had two shutouts. I like Melissa's offense; I have seen it first hand. I like the numbers Hemsptead has put up defensively, and defense wins championships. I am picking Hempstead in a close one.
2A DII Cisco va. Refugio
This game is going to be a good game. These are two evenly matched teams. Both have scored points through out the playoffs, but also have had a tendency to give up some as well. I feel it is Refugio's game, but very close.
3A DII Argyle Wimberley
Once again a very interesting match up. Two very good evenly balanced teams. During the playoffs Wimberley is just giving up 14 points per game, but Argyle is averaging 41 points per game on offense. I would normally go with the better defense, but I feel Argyle can score enough to get by. Argyle in another close game.
4A DI Hewitt Midway vs. Lake Travis
Wow, what a match up! Midway has scored over 50 the last two games, and Lake Travis has put up over 40 in all but one playoff game. Any defense this week? I am not sure either defense stands a chance next week. I am picking Lake Travis.
4A DII Aledo vs. Manvel
Is there anyone who can stop Johnathan Grey, except Grey himself? I think not, a man amongst boys. Grey will continue his ways and Manvel, although a stout opponent, will fall. Aledo will win in Grey's last high school game for yet another state championship.
5A D1 South Lake Carroll vs. FB Hightower
SL Carroll is averaging allowing only 15 points per game, while Hightower scores on average 38 in the playoffs. What is going to give? I believe in the SLC magic that has been talked about. I think this is their year. South Lake in a very close, but fairly high scoring game.
5A DII Spring Dekaney vs. Cibolo Steele
Both Dekaney and Steele broke out and scored over 50 this past week. However, Dekaney is just giving up just under 15 points per game, while Steele is averaging 12 points on defense. This may be the best game next weekend. I expect a slug fest, and low scoring. I am picking Steele because of the athletes on both sides of the ball.
1A DI Stamford vs. Mason
Last week I missed on both of these teams. Both teams won big, and continued to have their way in the playoffs. Stamford beat Mart, who was going to be my winner in this division, and Mason beat Garrison huge. Mason is only giving up 10 points a game in the playoffs. I am going with Mason.
1A DII Munday vs. Tenaha
Munday is averaging 56 points per game and Tenaha is averaging 59 points for the playoffs. Tenaha has been more consistent on defense, so I am picking Tenaha in a shootout.
2A DI Melissa vs. Hempstead
I picked Tatum to win this division, however Hempstead beat them last week. Hempstead seems to have had an easier time getting to this point than Melissa. All but one of Melissa's games have been fairly close, whereas Hempstead has had two shutouts. I like Melissa's offense; I have seen it first hand. I like the numbers Hemsptead has put up defensively, and defense wins championships. I am picking Hempstead in a close one.
2A DII Cisco va. Refugio
This game is going to be a good game. These are two evenly matched teams. Both have scored points through out the playoffs, but also have had a tendency to give up some as well. I feel it is Refugio's game, but very close.
3A DII Argyle Wimberley
Once again a very interesting match up. Two very good evenly balanced teams. During the playoffs Wimberley is just giving up 14 points per game, but Argyle is averaging 41 points per game on offense. I would normally go with the better defense, but I feel Argyle can score enough to get by. Argyle in another close game.
4A DI Hewitt Midway vs. Lake Travis
Wow, what a match up! Midway has scored over 50 the last two games, and Lake Travis has put up over 40 in all but one playoff game. Any defense this week? I am not sure either defense stands a chance next week. I am picking Lake Travis.
4A DII Aledo vs. Manvel
Is there anyone who can stop Johnathan Grey, except Grey himself? I think not, a man amongst boys. Grey will continue his ways and Manvel, although a stout opponent, will fall. Aledo will win in Grey's last high school game for yet another state championship.
5A D1 South Lake Carroll vs. FB Hightower
SL Carroll is averaging allowing only 15 points per game, while Hightower scores on average 38 in the playoffs. What is going to give? I believe in the SLC magic that has been talked about. I think this is their year. South Lake in a very close, but fairly high scoring game.
5A DII Spring Dekaney vs. Cibolo Steele
Both Dekaney and Steele broke out and scored over 50 this past week. However, Dekaney is just giving up just under 15 points per game, while Steele is averaging 12 points on defense. This may be the best game next weekend. I expect a slug fest, and low scoring. I am picking Steele because of the athletes on both sides of the ball.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
College Football Playoffs
I have been enjoying watching college football today. Most are not watching football, because their team isn't playing this week, but there are teams playing in a football playoff game! As a true college football fan, I like watching football at any level, period. So it got me thinking, again, what if the FBS had a playoff system , what could it have looked like.
1st Round: Dec. 10, based on BCS standings, played at Home of high seed
1LSU vs. 16Baylor
2Alabama vs 15TCU
3Ok. St. vs 14Clemson
4Stanford vs. 13Mich. St.
5Oregon vs 12Mich.
6Boise St. vs 11Va, Tech.
7Ark. vs.10KSU
8Wisc. vs 10S.Car.
Now that is some very NICE match ups, but oh no, we cannot dare play that. Week 2 Dec. 17, four bowl games, Cotton, Capital One, Outback, and Orange Bowl. Week 3 Dec 24 2 more bowl games, Rose and Fiesta, and then the National Championship, Monday Jan. 2 the Sugar Bowl. I just cut a week off the the bowl season. ALL other meaningless bowl games would play as normal. No school time lost. No argument by school presidents/chancellors, coaches, conference commissioners can throw out to dispute. I know, it makes way to much sense.
1st Round: Dec. 10, based on BCS standings, played at Home of high seed
1LSU vs. 16Baylor
2Alabama vs 15TCU
3Ok. St. vs 14Clemson
4Stanford vs. 13Mich. St.
5Oregon vs 12Mich.
6Boise St. vs 11Va, Tech.
7Ark. vs.10KSU
8Wisc. vs 10S.Car.
Now that is some very NICE match ups, but oh no, we cannot dare play that. Week 2 Dec. 17, four bowl games, Cotton, Capital One, Outback, and Orange Bowl. Week 3 Dec 24 2 more bowl games, Rose and Fiesta, and then the National Championship, Monday Jan. 2 the Sugar Bowl. I just cut a week off the the bowl season. ALL other meaningless bowl games would play as normal. No school time lost. No argument by school presidents/chancellors, coaches, conference commissioners can throw out to dispute. I know, it makes way to much sense.
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