Lurking in the West in men’s D2 college rugby has been Colorado Mesa, who this past weekend won big over a very tough Boise State to secure a place in the NCR playoffs.
With Liam Brannan coming in as Head Coach from AIC, the CMU rugby team has blossomed in part because of what happens off the field.
“Before coming here I was somewhat aware of what good rugby community looks like outside of practice and games when I was at AIC for the four years,” Brannan told GRR. “I learned a lot of things and lessons from AIC that I have somewhat adapted to make better and use here at CMU. These boys here at CMU are doing things outside of practice—volunteer work or going out and doing team hikes, these guys are more than just teammates. They have become a family.”
This was crucial for Brannan as a new coach to help create a successful team culture.
Then on the field, things changed, too. A new coach brings new tactics, new patterns of play, and that can be an adjustment. The CMU players adjusted well.
“Overall, we’ve been playing as a unit,” said club president and second rower Tom Gauweiler. “It all stems from our mindset of playing for each other and being willing to go one more for the boys. Everything we may lack in size or skill, our team makes up with physicality, effort, and willpower.”
