The Oberlin athletic program encourages the establishment of strong relationships between male and female athletes participating in the same sports. In some cases, the rapport developed between athletes and their opposite gender counterparts is so strong that the teams become extensions of one another and their members become part of one big unit.

The Oberlin women’s rugby team has not had such bonds since the disappearance of the men’s rugby team about a decade ago. However, Saturday, April 7 marked the end of this void as Oberlin rugby went up against the men’s and women’s teams from Ohio Wesleyan, making it the first doubleheader in over ten years.

The weather was pretty miserable; the teams prepared to compete in a light snow. In the first game, the Yeowomen blew Ohio Wesleyan away, scoring four tries and letting nothing through. With this win, the women’s team claimed its fourth victory this semester.

The Yeomen put up a strong performance against the more experienced Ohio Wesleyan team. Oberlin was rewarded for its hard work as men’s rugby recorded its first two tries since the reformation of the team. Ohio Wesleyan did prevail in the end, but the players and coach acknowledged Oberlin’s progress, commenting that they did not expect such a strong performance from such a young team.

While the men have not won a game yet, the team has a dedicated group of players who have a great work rate. Sophomore David Sokoll stressed the cohesiveness of the unit: “The team spirit is very high and the boys are really into the game. It feels good to share the responsibilities especially when I see the commitment from the other players.”

Sokoll, who played a big part in the establishment of the team, explained that the players’ dedication is definitely paying off as the team continues to improve.

With both the men’s and women’s teams now in full flight, windows have been opened for support and collaboration. Players on both teams appreciate the presence of their counterparts and have started making efforts to put things together toward forming one big Oberlin rugby family.

First-year Fiona Rose-Purdon feels that the creation of the men’s team has benefited the Oberlin women’s rugby program.

“It’s really nice that the men’s rugby team has been restarted. It’s great to see them play so well even though many of them are not very experienced. I think their efforts are admirable,” she said.

Both Oberlin teams are in action at home this Saturday against Kenyon College. The Oberlin women’s team has a 1-1 record against Kenyon so far this year. The men go up against a Kenyon team that they lost to last semester when they were just getting things started. First-year Ben Sandberg, who scored one of Oberlin’s two tries in the last game, indicated that the men’s team will be gunning for a victory.

“We will be going for the win in all our games during the rest of the ‘informal’ spring season, and we expect to be able to reach the playoffs when the competitive season begins in the fall,” said Sandberg.

The drive for victory in both teams is evident and the players expect to achieve a lot during the upcoming seasons. Sokoll too can smell success in the air. “This is the first year of many years of glory for Oberlin rugby.”

The game against Kenyon is the last home doubleheader of the academic year.