Rugby a passion for area athletes

NEENAH - While it takes a little translation, rugby does its job getting players and fans hooked on the excitement.

"Our coach said, ‘if you go to one practice and don't like it, I'll be surprised,’” said Eric Umhoefer, who plays for the Valley Crusaders out of Neenah. “I fell in love with the game the first practice I had."

Rugby is one of many high school club sports in Wisconsin. That means some additional challenges, like fundraising and providing your own transportation to games. Attendance is always a challenge as well – though awareness in Northeast Wisconsin does seem to be improving.

“I wouldn't say there are more teams or more involvement, but there are definitely more people aware high school rugby is out there,” said Oshkosh Pigs rugby coach Scott Koehnke.

Rugby players are a passionate group. Before the Oshkosh Pigs faced the Valley Crusaders, a game the latter would win, one player said there’s nothing quite like being out on the pitch.

“It's awesome, being out there with your team and working, it's probably the best feeling in the world,” said Oshkosh rugby player Skyler Levenhagen, who goes to Oshkosh West High School.

Oshkosh and the Valley Crusaders are both part of the NEW Youth Rugby League.