College 7s Championships

Just A Club, Indiana Wins

Just A Club, Indiana Wins

Indiana University Rugby is just a club team, but plays with the varsity and elevated clubs just fine.

Jun 4, 2017 by Alex Goff
Just A Club, Indiana Wins
Of the eight teams to make the men's Collegiate Rugby Championship quarterfinals, seven are varsity programs, have an elevated club status, or have significant administrative and alumni support behind the team -- and then there's Indiana.

"We know that we're the team that is basically a club sport," IU's Jacob Garwood said. "We take some pride in that, saying that just because we're a club sport doesn't mean we can't be a great rugby team. We have a bit of a chip on our shoulders. We know we have the talent to win, and that's all that really matters."

Garwood said it boils down to working hard. Like many teams, the Indiana squad finished classes some weeks ago but was able to stay in off-campus housing and work together.

"We are just going to keep on doing what we believe in," Garwood said. "We trust in each other and we have confidence in each other and we'll leave it all out there."

On Sunday, Indiana beat UCLA 24-12 to move on to the semifinals, where the Hoosiers will take on varsity program Cal.