Rugby players wanted: MIAA approves first varsity team for Worcester HS students
WORCESTER - This spring, Worcester high school students will get the opportunity to tackle a new sporting option with the freshly minted varsity rugby team, the Wildcats.
Based at Burncoat High School, the Wildcats received Division 2 varsity status on Oct. 25 from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association during its full board meeting.
“Expanding our diversity of sports options allows more youth to attain skills in physical fitness, teamwork and wellness," said Worcester Public Schools Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez.
While the team is set to begin its first varsity season this spring, rugby has been a club sport since 2021, with funding from Worcester Public Schools, the Worcester Sports Foundation, private donors and MassHire Central Region Workforce Board.
In supporting Worcester school programs like the rugby team, MassHire hopes its Connecting Activities Initiative will help Worcester students develop skills that will serve them in the workforce, including team building, discipline and leadership.
"Being a leader on the team has helped improve my communications and problem-solving skills," said Brendan McCormick, a senior at Worcester Technical High School. "I've learned more about the game and how to be a good teammate and friend, both on and off the field. We're excited to be varsity and play tough teams, which will help us grow even more."
“In our first two years, we were welcomed into the Massachusetts rugby community, but we lacked the important MIAA Seal of Approval,” said Bruce R. Mendelsohn, the Wildcats’ head coach. “Now that we have it, we’ll focus on building the program, developing players’ skills and fielding a championship team that reflects Worcester’s grit and tenacity.”
The Worcester Public Schools rugby program is open to all students at all levels of rugby experience attending any Worcester public high school.
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester Public Schools gets greenlight for first varsity rugby team
