Rugby

 

In 2005, Andrew Fautch—fondly referred to by current members as "The Godfather"—founded the Viterbo University Rugby Football Club, or VURFC. That team had to wear borrowed jerseys for their first ever match against St. Mary's University. 

     Just four years later, the club has grown into a 25 member squad that is making its first trip to the Minnesota Rugby Football Union state tournament. 

     Viterbo rugby competes at the Division 3 level in the Union. The team has compiled a 6-0-1 record so far this season, with the lone tie coming against rival UW-River Falls. 

     Current club president Philip Francksen credits the club officers with helping to make the season so successful: "We have a great group of officers who run the club and do the day-to-day off-the-field work to make sure that when it comes time to play rugby, everyone can focus on the game," Francksen said.

     Francksen also singled out team captains Chris Hanson and Patrick Rodriguez as leaders on the field, adding that they "have been doing an outstanding job this year." Statistics weren't available at press time, but Francksen said that freshman David Miller, a La Crosse Logan graduate, is the team's leading scorer. 

     The team is coached by Ted Skemp—"Uncle Ted" to the players—and recent Viterbo graduate Travis Bassett. Skemp is particularly well-versed in the sport, with over 25 years of rugby experience under his belt. 

     Francksen added that the VURFC is always looking for new members, and is open to any men from Viterbo or Western Technical College, regardless of age or physical ability. Anyone interested in joining is welcome to email him at rugby@viterbo.edu. The team would also like to thank the SGA and the student body for all their support.    

      The V-Hawks will compete at the state tournament in Eagan, Minn. on Oct. 17and 18.  Their opponents will include Bemidji State, St. Thomas, and St. Olaf University.