By Larry Mullenix
Arizona Daily Wildcat
At least 80 people have signed up for a mandatory meeting for all new UA club rugby team members today at 4 p.m. in McKale Center Room 109. The heightened interest is a result of increased television coverage and competitive students, recruiters say.
"Most of the people Ä I would say about 90 percent Ä haven't played the sport before and are interested in learning the game," said Mike Cano, a second-year player who was recruiting students in front of the Student Union Wednesday. "The rest have played and are interested in the competition."
Billy Key, also a second-year player, said recruiting has been high because "rugby is a sport that both keeps you in shape and requires a dedication that intramurals just do not provide."
Added Key: "There are athletes on campus who have competed in athletics all their lives and who still want to compete. In rugby, they find a game that you will learn very quickly if it is the game for you or if you need to go home."
That point will be stressed today at the initial meeting, designed to inform newcomers about rugby. Those who continue will be taught fundamentals and given the chance to compete in a few tournaments before league play begins in the spring.
Recruiting will continue today from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Student Union.