One of the almost automatic questions posed in the Rocky Mountain Rugby Conference is when people ask the Air Force Academy will go varsity.

Army and Navy are varsity, after all. So what's the problem. Reports are that there is a campaign to get that going, but more important on the short term is a hoped-for elevation in status that makes it easier for players to all train at the same time. And even more shorter term, the Air Force men's team is focused on playing rugby the best they can.

A close loss to Colorado State was a tough one to take because that put them in a position of chasing both the Rams and BYU. Last week they beat Texas A&M on tour in Colorado and that result was a nice boost for the Zoomie side. The time together thourhg the fall is crucial for a team that is made up almost entirely of athletes who played another sport. 

"We do have a few freshmen with some rugby experience, which is nice," said Head Coach Jeff Burrows. "Our guys are playing hard. Our forwards played a great match against A&M, and we’re pretty happy with that performance."

With Wyoming and then the hugely important games with Navy and Army, Air Force has challenges ahead, but a lot of players coming out to play.

"The team is really tight," said Burrows. "The attitude is great. We have 65 players registered, a big freshman class, and a lot of depth, particularly in the forwards. The guys know the mistakes they made that cost them at Colorado State. But they are a great bunch of kids to coach."