Observations from Boston College Army Game

I watched Boston College play Army. BC is a solid division 1 team and Army is routinely one of the top programs in America, perennially in the final fours and producing numerous all Americans each year.

They both played good college rugby. Neither played a spectacular game. What was spectacular was that both teams had equal rugby skills, both were athletically similar and both were fundamentally sound because they had great coaching staffs.

The game was a spectacular event Army marched onto the field in step, in form fitting black gold uniforms, BC in maroon and gold. They played on a superb pitch with several hundred fans cheering on. Each had a coaching staff of about 5. The A-side played at 1, with cside opening at 11 and bsides closing the rugby day at 3. With subs and starters each side played about 60 players on the day. Army had 2 more games scheduled on Sunday against Hofstra for their D and E sides. There were trainers, water at each breakdown, and positive comments from players, fans and coaches on both sides. Minus the hugh stadium and thousands of fans this game could have been a top college football game. Had the game been at Army they would have played in their new stadium.

The coaches are paid BC pays their coaches a few grand a season (5-10K) (Harvard pays about 50K a season for its staff for 4 sides) Army's head coach is 'director of rugby' whose sole job is to coach rugby, he probably makes $60K-$90K a year.

Both schools have and explicit mission of character development, and screen their coaches and monitor their players accordingly. Army builds officers to lead soldier, BC is a Jesuit run school, building future Catholic leaders. Check out their websites BC, Army. Both are well funded by their alumni, all players have sharp uniforms, warmups, travel by bus to games and often get hotels before games even for short away trips. Post match events usually have a meal at a school dining hall or catered in their club house. There are lots of moms and dads and family on the side lines.

The most important part of this game is that it had meaning, the BC kids I know worked every single day of the off season to win this match, the players were fit, strong and explosive, the coaches had worked hard creating game plan and techniques to win this game. BC lead 17-0 at the half. For these players, coaches and fans this was the best rugby experience of their lives. This is the rugby experience I would prefer for Miami. Having talked to players and coaches this year I think this is what they want too.

For both programs attaining this level of professionalism, and tremendous player experience it is 100% alumni driven. Sure they have great players and have found great coaches but the constant is the alumni who keep funding, keep interested, and keep coming back for alumni weekend.

At Miami we are 1000 miles away from this rugby experience, but we are approaching it. We the alumni are seeking out coaches, improving the game plan, getting equipment, seeking a field and mentoring presidents and coaches. The current players are taking steps personally to advance their game, they stay in Friday nights, they attend organized off day workouts, they have high school experience. The current players want a competitive rugby experience-to play in meaningful games, have a shot at play-offs, and to perhaps make and all star team.

We have $60K in the bank BC probably has $600K Army probably has $6M. Lets keep trying to not just keep rugby at Miami, lets make it the best rugby experience we can.

Toby