Rugby in Raleigh (Fall) 2019 by Josie McGlynn

During the first week of school back in August, I attended an event called “Recfest” which took place on an open field where a bunch of athletic clubs and student organizations were present, trying to recruit new members for the fall semester.

I had an interest in joining rugby since I was still in high school. My english teacher senior year had encouraged me to try it out as she had played in college as well. I eagerly walked around during Recfest trying to find the women’s rugby club booth. I eventually found the booth and was immediately welcomed and handed information for an upcoming interest meeting and a practice schedule.

I attended the first practice and was amazed by the huge turnout. We had 14 new rookies and about 20 veterans. After doing some quick warm ups, we all stood in a circle and introduced ourselves. Leaving that first practice, I immediately felt a sense of community with individuals I barely even knew.

Fast forward more into the season, we had a total of 5 rookies who actually joined. Each practice was a learning experience as it was very different from my time during cross country and track. I never felt embarrassed or intimidated by my teammates when I dropped the ball or messed up a drill. Everyone on the team was eager to teach the new rookies the rules of the game and introduce them to the best family at NC State.

The atmosphere of the women’s club rugby team is like no other. I can confidently say I am comfortable around all my teammates, knowing that everyone’s main goal is to support one another and build each other’s sense of inclusion and acceptance. Not only do I feel better about my physical ability and strength in joining rugby, I also feel more confident as an individual.

Rugby has shown me to work with others and become more assertive and less indecisive. I had always been quite shy and quiet in high school, but I feel more empowered and comfortable with who I am in only a stretch of a few months.

My teammates are some of the most supportive and hardworking individuals I have ever met. Everyone is constantly drowning in school work, on top of other jobs and commitments, but they all make the effort to show up at practice twice a week.

Being part of a sports team is not about the points you score and the record you have at the end of the season. Being part of a team is about connecting with others and building an environment that allows each individual to grow and perform to the best of their ability.

Rugby truly is for everyone. You don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest to be able to contribute to the team. Rugby is one of those sports where it can’t just be one individual who makes the team. Everyone is a part that makes up the whole on the pitch (we call the field a pitch). You have to know your teammates. You have to be able to trust them that they’ll hit every ruck and give you support so that you don’t get hurt. Rugby can be dangerous, but when the team is able to work as a cohesive system, great things can happen.

Joining rugby after running for four years is definitely a change. You can argue that running is a team sport, which I fully believe, but it is the individual in the end that runs their own time and places in their own spot. I loved running throughout high school and I definitely miss it at times, but going off to college I wanted a new challenge and rugby surely fulfills that request. I have never felt so much adrenaline and fire when I tackle someone or score a try (a try is basically a touchdown). When I scored my first try I was overwhelmed by the excitement of my teammates and at that point I truly understood the passion and love these individuals have for the sport.

I’ll never forget my experience on the Medway cross country and track teams. I owe a majority of my success to my coaches and friends that have taught me the importance of finding a place where I belong and living a life I know I can be proud of.

I am excited to grow in my knowledge about rugby and master different skills that will help me on and off the pitch. I hope one day to possess the same leadership skills that my older teammates portray every practice and match. I want to be as inviting and friendly as they were for me when I’m the one helping new rookies in the future. Thank you NC State Women’s Rugby Football Club for the opportunity to be a part of something truly incredible and something I will always remember as part of my college career.

Dreams Are Tangible Goals

Josie

#Update on Rehab | Tarali | Feeling Stronger

Quick update on my rehab feeling stronger, I have made a commitment to not overuse and over train but maintain my cardio, this week I have biked, and did some aqua jogging. Yesterday motivated by the new runners that joined the BPS XC team I decided to take heed to the Doctor's orders over at Spaulding National Running Center to run maybe twice a week but don't drop the it, in essence no need to push myself. I must believe in my own hashtag #RespectTheProcess

Can we just take a moment of silence for Pavia's Tarali Spinach wrap, Grilled Salmon, Pesto, roasted red peppers, garbonzo beans, brown rice served on a Spinach wrap. #FoodPorn 

Since Foss Running Camp I have been working hard on getting back in shape and finally addressing my issues, of Achilles tendinitis, weak left hip and flexibility. I started my rehab two weeks ago, and first started with 3 x 30 Calf raises, I was advised by Dr.Tenforde that I have two options. Option 1 Stay of my feet and continue, aqua jogging, elliptical machine & biking. Option 2 would be run twice a week, but don't force it.  I decided to mix it up lol... In a period of week I would do two days of Warmups, Dynamic Drills and run twice with the kids. 

Below is my activity from Yesterday from Strava. I must say I feel little bit better, rehab is working and I am get stronger