By Emily Mulcahey
Staff Writer
Saturday’s frigid air brought with it a cold that had nothing to do with the weather itself. As the Bonnies took the field to face off against Kutztown, there was a new feeling for many of the players. That day, when they stood across the field from their opponents, would be the last fall season game for some of them.
Seniors Greg Johnson, AJ Vitanza, Tim Callahan and manager Shea Raff have given four program-changing years to the Bonnies and have helped make the team what it is today. Their absence will not go unnoticed.
The match against Kutztown started strong. However, the team has never seen competition at the level of the teams they have faced. Being one of the best teams in the country, Kutztown defeated the Bonnies in their last home match.
“We competed well for the first 10 to 15 minutes,” Raff said. “After that, one of the best teams in the country took over and showed why they have had so much success over the last decade. As a graduating senior, I hope to watch a St. Bonaventure team compete with teams of Kutztown’s caliber over the next few years.”
Season after season, the rugby club propelled themselves up their division. After a long stretch of impeccable rugby, the team decided to make a name for themselves in the highest division in the country- Division IA Rugby. They took on teams such as Penn State and Army, and unfortunately, their flawless record suffered slightly.
It’s a good thing rugby is a sport that is only fueled by the challenge of getting better and beating better teams.
“The season wasn’t what we wanted obviously,” captain AJ Vitanza said. “I think the rookies and everyone need to understand that every season has its ups and downs, but you just keep working as hard as possible and eventually, it will pay off. I bet by the time the freshmen are seniors, we will be a strong force in the D-IA conference.”
In anticipation of their upcoming spring season, the Bonnies are already at work.
“The team can’t wait to get into the offseason. We have a bad taste in our mouth after this season and want to start preparing for next season right away,” Vitanza said.
With only three starters graduating and a team who has started against the teams in the D-IA conference returning, the Bonnies hope to see a better turn out in seasons to come.
“I see a junior and senior heavy team over the next two years,” Raff stated. “Guys will need to step into leadership roles. Our staff is always working hard recruiting high school juniors and seniors to ensure the club will be in good hands for years to come.”
Win or lose, the club has shaped the lives of its graduating seniors which, unlike the score of a game, is something that they will always remember, according to Vitanza.
“I loved my rugby career,” Vitanza said. “It has really made me who I am today, not only the team and the great friends I made, but the game itself has helped shaped who I am. I am upset to leave, and it is going to be tough. A big part of my life is over, but I am excited to continue on my career.”
For some, the Bonaventure rugby journey has ended; for others, it is only beginning, and the opportunity to begin in this division is a decadent treat for the new players.
“I think the work we put in over the last four years got us to this point, but now, we realize how much more effort and attention to detail is needed to compete at the D-IA level,” Raff said. “I hope the guys are willing to put the work in. I’m confident we have the pieces in place to get the job done.”
With some players facing their final match, others are still itching to get a spot on the field. The Bonnies will resume play during their Spring 2015 season.
