Mardi Gras, king cake, beads, Bourbon Street, gumbo, and jambalaya are all parts of the unique New Orleans culture that the Jesuit Rugby team got to experience this past weekend. Leaving last Friday, February 10th, the team embarked on the eight-hour trip as they anticipated their scheduled scrimmages with Jesuit New Orleans and Brother Martin. After the trip, the team left reminiscing on their great experiences such as attending a Mardi Gras parade, getting treated to some tasty Cajun food, and, of course, playing a full day of competitive Rugby.
The players and coaches arrived in New Orleans around 4 PM Friday after stopping in Grand Coteau to see the famous Jesuit Spirituality Center located there. Once the students—housed by members of the Jesuit New Orleans team in groups of three and four—unpacked, they headed out to a wild Mardi Gras parade. Junior Erik Eppig ’13 said, “My favorite part was the Mardi Gras parade that we were able to attend the night that we arrived. It was interesting to get to participate in such a different kind of festival, and it was a lot of fun to hang out with friends, catch beads, etc.”
After a fun night of partying Mardi Gras style, the team understood that Saturday was all business as the teams prepared for their two games. The Jesuit Dallas team started off rough with a 22-7 loss to the Jesuit New Orleans team; however, the Rangers fought back and won their second game against Brother Martin, 10-7. Commenting on the games, Coach Matta said, “It was a tough first game because we had a couple of potential starters out of the game due to eligibility and injuries. The second game was equally tough since it was a long sunny day and the boys were pretty worn out.” The JV team also made the trip and played two games. More specifically, the JV Rugby team finished 2-0 by beating New Orleans Jesuit 17-7 and Brother Martin 26-5.
For a complete schedule of the rest of the season for the Jesuit Rugby team, feel free to visit the following site: http://www.jesuitcp.org/page.aspx?pid=1800
The team reluctantly returned home Sunday after having a wonderful time; however, the long bus ride was not dreaded, as Eppig says: “Believe it or not, the bus rides were very enjoyable and a lot of fun.” In addition, Coach Matta concurred to say, “I think the bus trips were great and beneficial because you have forty-five guys, freshmen through seniors, hanging out and talking together and it’s a great experience for the team to bond like that.” Reflecting on the entire trip, Eppig explained that, “It was very beneficial to teambuilding and the whole experience of being a part of a team trying to gain chemistry together. All in all, it was a great experience.”
If you would like to join the Jesuit Rugby team or learn more about the team and what it has to offer, then contact Mr. Mattacchione.
