Arizona men's rugby kicked off its season this weekend with an inspiring series sweep against two formidable opponents.

On Friday, the Wildcats kicked off their season with a hard-nosed battle in Laramie, Wyo., defeating the Cowboys 11-10.

UA triumphed once again yesterday, this time in Boulder, Colo., against Colorado State 37-17. Both Colorado State and Wyoming were final four qualifiers last season.

"Two wins on the road to start the season is very impressive for us," head coach Dave Sitton said. "We played well and we played hard against some very strong competition."

Senior Paul Rouff came up big on both ends of the field for Arizona. The flanker scored two trys ÷ the equivalent of a touchdown ÷ and contributed strongly on defense.

"Paul set a good pace and was tough on defense," Sitton said.

The weather previously thought to be a concern for the warm-blooded Wildcats proved not to be a factor with temperatures reaching the low- to mid-60s.

"People thanked us for bringing some warm weather up with us," Sitton said. "From now on I think we will try to arrange to open every season with a trip to Colorado. They have many talented teams."

The trip to Colorado took on a sentimental side when the Wildcats paid their annual visit to Columbine High School. A former UA rugby teammate of coach Sitton's lost his daughter in the shootings at the school several years ago. Every year since, UA players and coaches take time to visit the school to talk to students and pay their respects.

Up next for Arizona is a trip to California, where it will take on Saint Mary's on Nov. 15 and the always-tough Stanford Cardinal on Nov. 17. The Wildcats then return home for their annual Domino's Invitational that will feature teams such as New Mexico State and Sacramento State.