High school rugby club returns to field after hiatus

(Above) Mountain Home's Jonathon Kaiser plows into Eagle's offensive line as he looks to make the tackle for the Mongrels during their game against Eagle High School on April 2 at Optimist Park. (Right) Eagle gains possession of the ball during their lineup against the Mongrels.

"Crouch!"

"Touch!"

"Set!"

With each command, the players representing both teams responded accordingly as the ball was tossed below them. With each team throwing their combined weight against the other, the goal was simple -- gain control of the ball and drive to the goal line.

It's something that Hugh Stephens knows all too well. For nearly a quarter century, it's been an active part of his life.

The coach of Mountain Home's rugby club, Stephens is building a team of high school athletes setting their sights on competing against larger, veteran teams across southern Idaho. Following a one-year hiatus, the Mongrels squad returned to the field this season featuring 15 players ranging from 14 to 18 years old. All of them are marking their first year in the sport.

"Rugby is a great cross-over sport with many of the same skills that can be found in others sports like basketball, football, wrestling, soccer and many more," Stephens said.

In addition to being an Olympic sport, rugby remains the most popular contact sport in the world that provides excellent athletic conditioning for its players, Stephens added.

Although the team includes high school players, the club isn't affiliated with the high school. This means each player had to cover their own registration fees in addition to helping raise money for the team through various fundraisers.

High school rugby is growing rapidly in communities across the United States but isn't as structured as sports like football or baseball, according to Stephens.

"Sportsmanship is emphasized and is more important than winning," he said. "We are not worried about the score as much as how the players play the game.

"Rugby is a team sport, and the best player is usually the one who puts their teammates and team first," the coach added. "We encourage our players to play the game to the best of their ability and reward effort, not just results."

The Mongrels' season began in March and continues through the end of May. They hosted their first home game at Optimist Park on April 2 when they faced players representing Eagle High School.

Mountain Home, which is listed as a Division 2 club, found the competition fierce as they battled the significantly larger and more experienced Division 1 club from Eagle. Despite the loss, Mountain Home's coach emphasized that his team isn't discouraged.

"We want them to come out and have fun while learning the game... to get in shape and learn to love the sport," Stephens said. "I'm very proud of how they came since their first practice in February. They've come a long way."

The coach expects to focus more on the finer points of the sport when the team starts training for next season.

Looking ahead, Stephens emphasized that he will only lose one player at the end of the season due to graduation. This means the Mongrels will return with plenty of experience already under their belts.

The Mongrels hit the road on Saturday to face Copperhead -- a team comprised of students from Boise and Borah high schools. They return to Optimist Park this Saturday to host Bengham United from Blackfoot with a 1 p.m. start time.

They return to the Treasure Valley April 23 where they will face the club representing Nampa High School. For more information on the team or to get involved, contact Stephens at 794-4892, Dan Kissik at 409-6445 or send an e-mail to mongrelsrfc@gmail.com.