In a wonderful game of expansive rugby, The Men’s Division 3 Highlands Rugby Club (6-2-1) and the Albuquerque Rugby club (7-0-1) ended in a 26-26 tie. Men’s Division 2 Albuquerque was a USA Rugby Union National Finalist in 2009 and quarterfinalist in 2011. The score reflected the game.
“As all who saw the game were impressed with the quality of the rugby, I am very proud of the boys. A similar match up across divisions would be the Highlands Cowboys football team playing even with a top D1 football team. In the spirit of sportsmanship, it was clear that Albuquerque started with many of its developing players, but they soon turned to their key men when they saw the quiet quality of the Vato team,” Coach Greene said. “The Vatos hope to advance to the National Final 8 in California in MD3 at the same time and place as Albuquerque does in MD2. There is a strong respect between the two clubs that have historically represented demographically small New Mexico well at the national level. We both try to produce hard gentlemen and good citizens – rugby men.”
Senior Andrew Lavea from California was the Man of the Match. “Drew is a model father, husband, student, athlete, citizen, and person. He is physically gifted and remains humble in victory and gracious in defeat. He will have a fine future professionally and in his recreational rugby,” Greene added.
In their last home game this fall, the Vatos host the improving Las Cruces Rugby Club (mostly NMSU alumni) in Perkins Stadium at noon on Saturday. The Vatos B side plays Adam State College Rugby Club immediately after the first game. Everyone is welcome to the games and the postgame social. The Highlands Homecoming football game will follow.
NOTE: As Coach Greene plans to be working in Namibia and Botswana all of 2013, the Vatos are looking for a new volunteer coach beginning late summer of 2012. if interested, please contact Coach Greene at greene_d@nmhu.edu