Linsey Wotjasczyk, club president and flyhalf, says this semester will be different. As a team, these ladies have set team and individual goals and assigned accountability for accomplishment - fitness and on-field basics taking priority. These goals and their corresponding responsibility have put purpose behind the team's practices that was not present in the fall.
An extra recruiting push has helped the team, as well. Wotjasczyk reported an e-mail inbox full of questions from parents of the students they've recruited about the seriousness of the A&M Women's rugby program. Linsey was recruited by former coach Jim Schreiner while she was a high school senior playing rugby at St. Pius X in Houston. Thus, she's well placed to answer questions about the seriousness of the program.
The Aggie Women have also been blessed this semester with the coaching efforts of former players Nick James and Stephanie Dvorak. These two have been rolling into Aggieland from their Houston-area jobs during the week to drill the team on their goals: fitness, basics and tackling hard (Did I leave that out earlier?)! The team's gratitude for the efforts these two have put forth is immense!
But is all this enough to motivate the Lady Ags to overcome the University of Texas Women this Saturday? It's a lot, to be sure. But, they've also got some awesome players on their side:
- Marki "The Hulk" Hoyne at prop who likes to run over other ruggers in practice and in games alike!
- Kelley Storey at Flanker and Jessica Bivens at #8 are putting in the work-rate from the back-row.
- Former U19 standout Rachel Watson is providing the speed on the wing.
- And the fast and elusive Jo Lisa Hargrove is running havoc at Outside Center or Fullback.
These and a veteran backline with a feel for each other's playing styles should bring the team together for a stronger performance this weekend than they experienced last fall. Don't call it a comeback, but that IS what these Aggies aim to achieve!
A&M MUST win out this semester and beat their opponents with big scores to move forward in the playoffs. The number one women's collegiate team in Texas will advance to the Division 1 playoffs and the number two team moves on to the Division 2 playoffs (according to Wendy Young on Episode 2 of the Texas Rugby Show).
FULL DISCLOSURE: I coached The Texas A&M Women's Rugby Club in 1997-1998. That was some of the MOST memorable rugby ever for me (only trumped by the few Camp Lejeune Misfits rugby roadtrips in which I was fortunate enough to partake). April Burns, Keri Cusick, Aubrey "Emmitt" Wolf, Emily Stallings, Forrest, Heather, Nikki, Penny, Jen, and so many more: you were my only daughters (as I've only fathered sons) and you'll always have a special place in my rugby heart! Thank you for allowing me such a wonderful opportunity!