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3 Bulldogs Tackle the KY Experience
by John Norbury '02, article from
"Dog Days," summer newsletter of the Yale Bulldogs in the Bluegrass Program
While many Bulldogs enjoy spending time shooting hoops, playing tennis, or accompanying Rowan to his church softball games, three Yalies have taken their love of sports to the next level.
For the past six weeks, Lisa Rothman, Alanya SHOW-field, and Melissa Bailey (you know sailing gets you nowhere, Melissa...;) have been spending two afternoons a week practicing on the fields of Cherokee Park with the Louisville Riversharks, the local club rugby team.
"I just missed rugby and had to play," says Lisa. Alanya adds, "It seemed like it would be so much fun, and a great opportunity to meet new people." Both are one-year veterans of the Yale club team, while Melissa began her career as a rugby player this summer. She explains that, "this summer has been all about trying new things, and it seems only fitting that I have had a chance to learn a new sport between the church picnics and trips to the countryside."
The Louisville club has played in Cleveland and finished fourth in the Louisville tournament known as the "Kentucky Fried Sevens." As you might have guessed by the name, these athletes are mainly out to have fun. "The attitude in Luhvul is more laid back than at Yale," says Lisa. "The team is older and not as competitive. It's more social."
Yet the word social is the last thing that comes to mind as you watch them on the field. Because neither protective padding nor breaks between plays are allowed, the game has an intensity that rivals even the NFL. These lady Bulldogs go all out - even in the Louisville heat - and they are certainly not afraid to take their share of the hits for the team.
Most of the women in the Louisville club are in their late 20s, and the Bulldogs are the youngest members. On the team, they are known simply as "The Yale Girls."
The trio agrees that their time on the field has been a great complement to their Louisville experience. Alanya points out that "it has been such a great part of my summer. We have gotten to see a side of the Louisville community that we would not have had the opportunity to through Bulldogs. The people on the team are so friendly and go out of their way to make sure that we are enjoying our time in Kentucky. Playing rugby this summer has been one of the most important parts of being here. It's a good feeling to be part of a team here, to be part of something regular." These Bulldogs appreciated the chance to see Louisville through the eyes of people their own age. Lisa adds, "Rugby players anywhere are just awesome. You go to one practice, and you're in the club."
If you would like to come and support the Riversharks, you can catch thse Lady Bulldogs in their last tournament of the season at the Midwest Championships all day on Saturday, July 28, in Cherokee Park.
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