Jesuit Rugby “Scrum[s] for A Cure” for Cancer

February 15, 2011

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Few can claim the myriad of accomplishments that the Jesuit College Prep Rugby Program can. Certainly, no other local high school rugby team can claim Jesuit’s great achievements: five rugby excursions (to the Cayman Islands, Arizona, California, Washington, Utah, and Ireland), appearing ten times in the State Final-Four matches, acquiring two State Championships, appearing in eight West Regional Championship matches, one West Regional Pool Championship, and one National Tournament.

Trust me, we are victorious. Even so, to say that Jesuit Rugby is a sport that focuses only on victory, one that gauges competence purely on the magnitude by which we destroy the opposing team, is largely inaccurate. Don’t get me wrong; winning is a plus, but “greater things are still to be done,” as Christian vocalist Chris Tomlin insists.

On Wednesday, February 10, 2011, the Jesuit Rugby Program tackled one of these “ greater things” by hosting an extravagant event here on the Jesuit campus: the “Scrum for a Cure” match, the sole purpose of which was to raise money for the Tackling Cancer Foundation in honor of World Cancer Day. While Coach Anthony Mattacchione sported a pink beard on the day of the game, each Varsity Rugby player individually supported the cause by “pinking out,” or wearing the customized, bright pink jerseys, shorts, socks, and in some cases, shoes during the game. The team, as a whole, dedicated its time, its dignity, and (ironically) its warmth in this frigid game between Jesuit Varsity Rugby and Plano Schools Varsity Rugby. After a hard fought match, Jesuit came out on top; however, the players were playing this game for more than just a “W” to add to their record, for more than just a shining star to add to their self-esteem, for more than just recognition by other local rugby teams centers–they were playing (and winning) for those afflicted with cancer, especially those who have a personal relationship with the Rugby team.

By measure of sheer talent, Jesuit stands above the rest. Yet this doesn’t seem to foster arrogance among the team. Such a successful program, supported by Ignatian values and morals instilled by the Jesuit staff (specifically Coaches Anthony Mattacchione, Raul Ornelas, and Austin Ryan), truly demonstrates what it means to be a “Man for Others.”