Loyola’s rugby team is hoping to become the big-man on campus this fall. Expanding their presence will require more than just an increase in face time.
An expansion of their budget will be required in order to cover their necessary expenses this semester.
Rugby team captain, Lloyd Greenfield, history senior, said, “The team needs money for jerseys, hotel rooms, gas and tournament fees.”
The rugby team did not receive funding from Loyola’s Student Government Association. Greenfield believes this is due to team disorganization last year.
Cade Cypriano, SGA president and political science senior, said, “The best way for an organization to be ready and prepared for allocations is to attend the pre-allocation meetings. The key to a successful packet is attending all meetings, then attending the actual pre-allocation hearings. Here, organizations can meet with the committee, and they can ask questions necessary and possibly make corrections.”
“The biggest problem I saw was that presidents and treasurers did not read all the information necessary and submit incomplete and faulty packets,” he said.
“Finally, if they do not receive funding, they should be going to post-allocations to correct any mistakes.”
In the future, the club wants to keep in close contact with parents and alumni. They may host a parent/alumni game to keep them involved.
The rugby club wants to distribute coupons from local businesses and in return receive a percentage of return sales. Another fundraising strategy is to sell team t-shirts to help promote a larger fan base at Loyola. Greenfield said the club may have a concert with a silent auction.
To help promote a larger fan base, the rugby team is going to have a fan bus for students. The club is working with the athletic department to make this possible.
The rugby team has 13 members, though their goal is 30 members. There will be fliers announcing a team meeting for prospective players.
Pat McNamara, second year law student said, “Rugby takes a couple of weeks to learn, but a lifetime to master. There is no experience needed to join our team.”
Lee Hudson can be reached at [email protected]
