Rugby mens team play begins Feb 4

The Sierra Foothills Rugby Club's youth teams have been steadily growing. That prompted the Penryn-based organization to expand into the Rocklin/Lincoln area. That's when two local club members decided to develop a mens team, a first for Placer County.Roseville Police Sergeant Jason Bosworth got in touch with Lincoln resident Dave Faingold and pitched the idea of forming a mens team. Faingold was a varsity-level rugby coach for SFRA. Faingold agreed with Bosworth, and the two set out to form a Division III mens team. It started slowly, but quickly began to grow.Faingold said the mens club attracted individuals with a variety of backgrounds and playing experience."It was truly a collective effort and quite the learning experience for the new guys," said Faingold. "We had our first scrimmage against Sierra Junior College, a top level program (and) the guys were hooked for good."In July, Faingold and Bosworth attended a general meeting of the Golden Gate Rugby Football Club on Treasure Island near San Francisco. They pitched their idea in an effort to gain the acceptance of clubs within the Northern California Rugby Football Union. The vote to accept the new mens club was passed and the team became a reality."It (was) a major accomplishment to provide men's rugby in Placer County," said Bosworth. "There has been a void for too long. Anyone can play this game; there is a spot for everyone."They enlisted the services of Sierra junior varsity head coach Doug Mooneyham, and coach Dan Matson, who coaches the backs. The two of them jumped at the chance to join the team.The mens team now practices after the youth clubs on Tuesday and Thursday nights. They can be seen under the lights of Whitney Park along Wildcat Boulevard preparing for their opening game, Feb. 4. The games will be played at Margaret Azevedo Park, also on Whitney Boulevard.Paul Kessler, who is in charge of the youth program, would like to see more young people from Lincoln join the program. He said it's an excellent way to stay in shape, no matter what other sport one might play – and that goes for the girls, as well."We'd love to get more girls our here," Kessler said. "We need at least a minimum of 15."Dave Faingold contributed to this story.Sierra Foothills Rugby ClubMens Club 2012 ScheduleFeb 4 – vs ShastaFeb 18 – at HumboldtFeb 25 – vs. Redwood EmpireMar 3 – at Reno ZephyrsMar 17 – vs MendocinoMar 24 – vs SiskiyouMar 31 – at ColusaApr 14 – NCRFU Div III Quarterfinals