Babson Makes Its Mark in CRC Championship
Babson Makes Its Mark in CRC Championship
Babson's run to the CRC small college championship was fairly astonishing.
Consider that the Beavers got through pool play without giving up a point. They won the final over Springfield 17-0, and the only points they gave up were in the semi, 21-5 over Coastal Carolina. The run capped off a period of four months in which they went 26-1 in 7s games, scoring over 800 points and allowing just 160.
They won the Cianci 7s in Providence, the Frosbite tournament open division, the Puerto Rico Founders Cup, and the Nor'Easter 7s.
During this run the Beavers also beat Dartmouth, Fairfield University, UConn, Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the British Virgin Islands.
"From my perspective, we are special because we do everything for each other," said Head Coach Carrick Pell. "We stress being grateful. Prior to every training and match, we circle, breathe, and I ask them to focus on what they are grateful for and is ask them to remember that every moment we have together is special and we can never get it back. The players believe in our family."
It important, added Pell, that the B side has its own identity, its own value. They carry their own nickname, the Maulers, and they played in five tournaments on their own.
The Culture
"Our culture is the big thing," added Pell.
"Babson should be the model for collegiate club rugby in America," said Babson Rugby co-founder Rick Santos, who has a son playing at Harvard and another at Cal, as well as his son, Reed, being captain at Babson. "The Babson rugby program is: self funded—alumni supported—well-coached, and is playing high level rugby with true student athletes. Moreover, Babson rugby players boast one the highest GPA’ of any athletic sports team on campus; have nearly a 100% graduation rate and Babson players go on to leadership positions in many disciplines, namely business and entrepreneurship, post-graduation."
This year Babson Rugby beat four Ivy League rugby teams in either 15s or 7s and
"My experience so far at Babson College has been nothing short of extraordinary, thanks to the exceptional culture and dedicated community that has been carefully cultivated over the years," added captain Reed Santos. "The success of Babson's rugby programs can be attributed to various factors that seamlessly blend together, creating an unparalleled environment for students to thrive both on and off the field.
"The development of talent is the cornerstone of Babson rugby success. Through player-led extra sessions outside of practice, our athletes are empowered to focus on their skills and continuously grow as individuals and team members. These sessions demonstrate the commitment of our players to excel beyond expectations."
Santos said Pell has been a vital component as coach. He is constantly available to the players and has instill a sense of passion and determination within the players. Combined with the support of the alumni, the players were set free to concentrate on their performances.
Disparate Backgrounds
"The development of a strong, inclusive culture at Babson rugby is the glue that binds all these elements together," said the captain. "Our athletes are not only committed to their performance on the field, but also dedicated to their academics and career aspirations. This holistic approach to personal growth creates well-rounded, responsible individuals who contribute positively to society."
Babson brings in players from all over the world because the school itself has an international appeal (full disclosure—GRR Editor Alex Goff's father, Howard, attended Babson on the GI Bill and was Babson Class of '49. He, together with classmate Bill Cruikshank, started the Class of '49 Scholarship fund which helps bridge the gap between a returning student's ability to pay and any cost increases at the school, thus ensuring no student fails to graduate because of funding; Howard Goff went on to a long and successful career in the petroleum industry that took him to Indonesia, India, the Middle East, and the UK).
The international flavor of the rugby team reflects that of the school.
"Coach Carrick has taken a group of very intelligent young men from at least a dozen different countries from around the world—Philippines, Ireland, Morocco, Great Britain, Estonia, Argentina, Ethiopia, United States, Mexico, Nigeria, Sudan, China—and taught them the fundamentals of life," said Babson rugby dad Stephen Garofalo. "He has taught these young boys how to work together and respect each other as equals no matter what part of the world they came from. After a decade of team sports our son has had his greatest dreams fulfilled, to be playing with a team for the National Championship. What looked like a casual year of team sports, has turned into a world vision of solidarity between exceptional young men with a common goal in mind. To not only win but to share the experience of success. They have recognized each others talents, been totally unselfish, worked night and day on their skills and have joined in a global brotherhood of teamwork."
Even those not in the program notice it.
The Beavers have, these last two years, traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico for their spring training. There they have played the Puerto Rico national team and provided a link between the island US territory and college rugby in the Northeast.
"Babson Rugby is special because both players and coaches understand the importance of growing the game and make that an active part of their program," said Jorge Soltero of Rugby Puerto Rico. "They make time to learn about the challenges of grassroots rugby and use their experience and talent to help out. Their visits have given our growing program a chance to train with and compete against a top side. It has been a massive opportunity not just for us to get better, but also to interact and really feel a part of the greater rugby community and culture. Note also that with Carrick's help and recommendation, Brown University's rugby team also visited in 2021 and we expect to see them again in a few years.
This was a special achievement for a Babson rugby program that a year ago was just a step or two away from glory. This year, as they grew more together and embraced what was working and under the watchful eye of coaches Carrick Pell and Mike Sapers, they have taken a massive step forward.
