Despite falling 43-12 to Duke on Oct. 16, the Longwood men’s rugby team has continued their revival this fall. Suspended last year, the team is continuing its comeback, and is growing in numbers.
It’s going well, we’ve doubled in size over the last eight weeks,” said First Lieutenant Ben Smith, head coach of the men’s rugby team, whose team has outscored opponents over their first two games 100-29. “So, it’s been an excellent start so far.”
Smith’s enthusiasm marks a stark contrast with the recent past of the men’s rugby team. After being suspended last season, the team has returned, and is back and competing in the NSCRO Champions Division this year.
The club sports team was placed under suspension in the spring of 2015 over disciplinary issues, notably an incident involving former Longwood student Gus Altschuler. Altschuler was charged with rape and abduction with the intent to defile over an incident in Feb. 2014 at the then-Rugby House, though he was eventually found not guilty of either charge.
Assistant coach and senior Brenden O’Hara believed the Altschuler incident was a turning point for the program.
“It really was (a turning point). It really put into perspective how quickly all this can go away because we’re a club … no people are here on a scholarship. I think that was less reflective on the team and more reflective on an individual,” said O’Hara. “(Now) it’s positive. I think the culture on the field is changing the culture on the sidelines.”
Now under Longwood alumni Smith, the team has bounced back, and Smith also spoke about the culture of the team now.
“We’ve started with two culture values: it’s relentless effort and personal accountability,” said Smith who won the Division III National championship as a player in 2011. “So, that kind of hits home on most aspects, of not just sports, but in life. If you’re continually putting forth effort, you’re going to reach your goals.”
No one embodies that spirit more than team captain and club president Connor Legan, who worked with alumni to revitalize the program.
“Whatever rumors you’ve heard in the past – I’ve heard rumors of hazing and that stuff – that’s pretty much been killed this year,” said Legan. “We come out here, we practice, obviously we’re all friends now, we all hang out as a team and do stuff together as a team. I don’t see any negative parts. If you’re willing to come out here and work hard, really all the hard stuff is on the field. Everything’s done as a team now, and I would say come out and meet the guys.”
The team has seen the hard work convert to results with a 2-1 record this season, and the team has high expectations and goals for the rest of the season.
“This is the best team I’ve been a part of,” said Legan. “We’re looking to beat everyone in our conference and be No. 1. Last time we were back in D-III, we won a national championship. So, that’s the whole team’s goal is to get back to that national championship this year, and I really think we have the people to do it.”