While football remains in the spot light many forget about the much faster paced and physically demanding alternative, rugby. Several students from the area, including Bellwood’s own Cayden Grager, Reid Schrier, Chase Gallagher, Mason Nagle, Malachi Patterson, Chase Focht, and Janiyah Jackson joined together to play for Blair United Rugby.
Originating in England in the early 1900’s, rugby has over 10 million players would wide as of 2023. Rugby follows rules similar to football. Points, or tries, are scored when a player touches the ball down in their team’s try zone. A try zone is the rugby term for an end zone. Extra points can be scored if a kick is made, just like a field goal. Unlike football, however, there are no downs and plays continue until a point is scored or an infringement (foul) is made.
Blair United Rugby is considered a club sport as it isn’t associated with any school. Instead many school students join together to practice at Hollidaysburg Area High school. The team travels all across Pennsylvania, and even out of state, to compete against other club and school teams.
Last Sunday, March 33, the boys team faced off against Elizabeth town. Blair United fell short 0 to 3. The boys record is now 2-1. The girls team is set to play Downingtown at Tigers Stadium in Hollidaysburg on March 30.
“Rugby has given me so many opportunities to meet new people and experience new things. Out of any other sport I’ve played rugby requires the most team work. Everyone has their specialty but you can’t win if you can’t keep up so it really pushes you to do the best you can,” said senior Janiyah Jackson
“My position this year is scrum half (number 9) which requires me to retrieve the ball the most during the game and make a lot of quick decisions that will impact the way we play. It’s kind of like a link between forwards and backs. When I’m not number 9 I play in the wing which is similar to a soccer.”
“I like tackling and breaking through tackles,” Chase Gallagher remarked.
