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About Women's Rugby

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The 2006-07 season marks 26 years of women's rugby at Vassar. Women's Rugby at Vassar has made great strides since its introduction in 1980. In Fall 2004 they won the Northeast Division I title advancing to the Sweet 16 round of the National Championship. The Brewers have won seven Metropolitan New York Division I championships in the past ten years. During that run, Vassar advanced to the Northeast Rugby Union's final four championship in 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006. In the spring of 2006 Vassar was ranked #16 in the nation. In the Fall of 2006, Vassar finished 3rd in the Northeast and is a top 20 ranked school in the nation. Last Spring, Vassar went 10-1, winning the Seven Sisters and Beast of the East Tournaments.

In April 2002 and 2001, the Brewers captured the prestigious Beast of the East Tournament Women's Division I title. In 2002 they shutout Wesleyan 53-0, Ithaca 22-0, UConn. 10-0, and then Radcliffe 26-0 in the final. In 2001 Vassar conceded just 12 points in three games as they took the title for the first time.

In Spring 2003 Vassar finished runner-up in 3 tournaments. They tied Ohio State 0-0 and lost in a penalty kick off at the Pittsburgh Classic. At the Cherry Blossom they lost by a single try 5-0 to Brown University, and at the Beast of the East Tournament in Portsmouth, RI they tied 7-7 with Dartmouth only to lose in overtime sudden-death by 12-7. In Spring 2006, Vassar finished runner-up at the Beast of the East Tournament.

Since head coach Tony Brown's arrival in 1995, the squad size has grown such that the school now competes with "A" and "B" sides. In addition to the "A" sides successes the "B" squad competes against other schools' "A" programs.

"Not only does this allow us to develop players who can then step up to our "A" side and make an immediate impact, but players get to play each weekend and feel the thrill of representing their college," said Brown.

Besides traditional opponents, Vassar travels overseas for competition. In March 2005 the team went to Argentina. In 2003 year they went to England and Wales going 4-0 defeating U.C. Northampton, a Coalville Select XV, a West Wales Select XV, and Swansea University. In 1998 and 2000, the Brewers faced top quality programs like Exeter, Oxford, and Cambridge universities during their England tour. In 1999, VC traveled to Ireland matching up against Trinity, Waterford, and Ballincollig. In March 2002 the Vassar Women toured Australia staying in the beach resort of Manly. The squad practiced and played tough competition but also got to see the beautiful city of Sydney and surrounding New South Wales. In 2006, Vassar toured England and France. The fall 2007 schedule sees a shift as Vassar has joined the New England Union. The spring slate includes regional rivals and tournaments.

"The real strength of Vassar women's rugby is the pride that each player feels when they take the field wearing the school colors," Brown said. "The team is very supportive of each other and the players are encouraged to express themselves and have a go! Pride and support are the products of players with big hearts and generous friendships."

Practice begins in the Fall with players attending three sessions a week unless there is an academic conflict. Players are generally on the field for two hours three times a week.

For more information about women's rugby at Vassar, please contact:

Head coach Tony Brown
Box 750
Vassar College
124 Raymond Ave.
Poughkeepsie NY 12604
(845) 437-7804 (W)
(845) 437-7033 (F)
E-mail: tobrown@vassar.edu

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