By staff writer John Lubowsky
Albany, NY- The University at Albany Men’s Rugby Team opens the 2015 with the Developmental Side taking on Siena College Today. The First XV open against Stony Brook [Empire Rugby Conference] this Saturday at 2:00PM. Stony Brook is traditionally at or near the top in their conference each year. They have a strong coaching staff led by Jerry Mirro and recruit from many of the metro NY high schools.
The Danes are looking to rebound from a poor 2014 season where they went 1 -7. The Danes are led by scrum half Conor O’Brien [Captain] who is entering his sophomore season at Albany and played high school rugby at Fordham Prep. Raphael Henriquez, who is returning for his final semester will move from center to fullback. Raphael was a 2nd team all ECRC selection in 2014.
The Danes are bolstered by a strong recruiting class. Freshmen Rob Warner [Xavier HS] and Sterling Wotholl [Fordham Prep ] look to make an immediate impact. Transfers Sharif Koonce [Harvey School by way of Fitchburg St] and Esvin Mendoza [Iona College] have shown great promise this pre-season.
“The players did a great job of on campus recruiting” stated Coach Durant. “We currently have a roster of 80+ players and we got some excellentl high school rugby talent in our freshman class. Players from Xavier, Fordham Prep, Harvey School, Albany and a bunch of others should be able to give us the depth we need to compete for the entire season. More importantly, the veteran players are embracing the team first culture with a work for it attitude that is crucial for success this year and beyond. I am really looking forward to see how this team evolves. ”
Albany will have to evolve quickly as it jumps right into a very tough ECRC schedule. Albany will face new comers Fairfield U away, and then host nationally ranked opponents; Boston College and American International.
9/13/14 , Middlebury, VT- Albany traveled to Vermont rivals, Middlebury College on a dreary, cold day a met a Fluery that they could not contain. MC’s Jake Fluery would dot down a score 2.5 minutes after the opening kick off to put the Panthers up for good. Albany’s first half struggle continued again this week, this time on the defensive end. Poor Albany tackling allowed the east-west running Fluery to straighten up and score two times. An errant 22 meter drop out would lead to a third MC score to put them up 15-0 at the half.
Albany would regains some form and picked it up on both ends of the field. Raphael Henriquez took a crash from his center position to score under the posts. Middlebury would answer with a score of their own. 8 man Austin Wolf scored for Albany with little time remaining. Final 25-14 Middlebury.
Danes travel to nationally ranked AIC [third ranked opponent in a row] this Friday for a 7:00PM kick off . Danes will get a break from the road 9/27/14 when they host UMas
