FORT SMITH, Ark. — The Fort Smith High School Rugby team has finished playing an entire spring and summer season in their first year as a program, but how was this team founded? It all started when one former Razorback rugby player, Cristy Miners, took matters into her own hands.
“For me, to some extent, I was an empty nester, my boys were gone, and my son's playing at the U of A, and so I missed that. I'd been a team boy mom for 20 years, and I really enjoyed that experience, and feel like I can make a difference," said Miners.
Most of the boys who played on the team had never played the sport before, so they had to learn it from scratch.
“They let you go at your own pace. If you mess up, they'll slow everybody down and help you get better.” Said Mason Barker, a member of the team.
Rugby isn’t the most popular sport in Fort Smith yet, but many experienced rugby players in the area are involved in the team.
“In Fort Smith, there's only five people that have played rugby prior, and all five are helping with the team.” Said Miners.
And the coaches on the team are committed to being there for their players.
“I mean, we just want to have the best positive experience for the players that we can, and of course, put our best foot forward just to try to be the best example we can be. As long as we can be positive role models, that's really what the win is. As long as the community of rugby can grow, then it's a success.” Said Beau Fore, an assistant coach for the team.
As for the players, they’ve started to view this team as more than a team.
“I see a second family, I can come here to see my best friends.” Said Hunter Byrd, a member of the team.
“Family, even though we're not blood, we're family.” Added Barker.
Many of these players started out in football, but there’s something about rugby that stands out to them.
“It means more to me than football, and I grew up playing football. After playing rugby for a couple of months, the intensity and the anger is just insane. I love it a lot. The commitment and the leadership that I feel towards my team has a big, big impact.” Said Tyreque Hutton, another member of the team.
Miners has another goal for the sport in Fort Smith.
“I’m hoping we can expand to a high school girls' team and then eventually get some middle school teams as well.” Said Miners.
The team will take a break to allow the players to play football this season and will be back in the spring.
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