Program Spotlight: New Hampshire Makes Statement in Win Over UML
Program Spotlight: New Hampshire Makes Statement in Win Over UML
New Hampshire took a huge step forward Saturday with a 22-12 defeat of a very good UMass Lowell team.
UNH, ranked #39 by GRR while Lowell was ranked #13, entered the game 2-1 in their conference after a somewhat humbling 29-7 loss to University of Vermont. But that result, said Coach Kyle Parker, was a bit of a wakeup call.
"Coming off last week we really wanted to tighten up our offensive structure that we have in place and our forwards, specifically our second rowers, really ran the ball hard."
UNH started four rookies against UML because of injuries and they all took that opportunity to put in a performance.
"We had some key plays and some very heads-up plays that got us into position to put points on the board.."
But it wasn't a one-off. The UNH players say this is about a major program change.
Support Goff Rugby Report. Donate or become a Patron to support what we do here>>
Culture
"We’re hitting a new wave in UNH rugby; the program has completely changed," said co-captain Mody Abdel-Salam. "We started with a really strong 7s season and we've brought that passion, that effort, that energy to this season. It's made the program blow up and we have such a driven team with a lot of guys itching to prove themselves."
"If I had to point it to anything it’s the culture we’ve built as students," said club president Griffin Sypek. "We build each other up. It's a brotherhood."
But there have also been some times to be tough with each other. Coming out of last week's loss to Vermont they had to take stock a little.
"We were a little upset," said Abdel-Salam. "UVM was good for us because it showed us we aren’t yet as good as we think we are and that we still need to put in the hard work. So this week we wanted to show that we deserve to be here."
All of this—the change in the attitude and the culture and the good balancing of having fun and being serious—is a result of the leadership, said Quinton Martin. "That attitude comes from the top down. But we’ve also been really blessed this year with strong freshman class and an environment that is very positive."
Add to that the coaching. This is the second year that New Hampshire has had this coaching staff that includes Jonathan Cheyne, Sam Christy-Rubin, and UNH Rugby alum Parker.
Cheyne, said the players, has been an important addition because, not to put too fine a point on it, he's tough on them. He's not afraid to be critical and show they aren't reaching their potential.
"We want coaches that are constantly pushing us to continually improve," said Abdel-Salam.
Star Players
This has been a solid team showing but there are some players showing well.
Abdel-Salam was player of the game against UMass-Lowell, playing scrumhalf and leading the attack.
"He is a leader on and off the pitch and he just knows the game so well," said Parker.
Pete Logee at lock was a monster ... actually the metaphor Parker used was "tank."
"He's our powerhouse in the forwards," said flyhalf Jasper Anderson. "He can rush through a line like you’ve never seen in your life. He's not vocal but he leads in how he approaches the game and how he practices."
And the newer guys.
"The rugby doesn’t stop on the field," said Abdel-Salam. "The new guys are texting us questions, what can I do better. They re looking to improve and add to our culture."
"Commitment is a big thing for us," added Sypek. "The culture is overhauled. Commitment is overhauled."
And look at that. The team is having more fun together, and is more unified. But it also comes from combining that with holding themselves to some rugby standards, and having coaches who care who stick around. All the pieces may be in place, and while there's work to do, leading the NEWCRC Pool B is a pretty good start.
