SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Well like the old saying goes, there’s a first time for everything. At American River College, a first-of-its-kind program that’s taking the state by storm.
"It took vision and belief by Coach Jon Oesterhout and Dr. Roberson. They gave me the ability to start the rugby program here," said Coach Zach Swithenbank, head coach of the new rugby team.
That rugby program is not only in its inaugural year, but is also making another kind of history...
"We’re the only Division 1 community college in the state," said Swithenbank.
Swithenbank was inspired to start the program for a specific reason: helping athletes grow.
"We have a lot of kids who were never given the opportunity out high school to take their athletic careers to the next level, and we’ve given them the opportunity to play rugby at the Division 1 level," he said.
Every player on the team is on a specific journey, some sports related and others not so much.
"It’s an awesome opportunity," said freshman Gavino Fanara. "I’m here to study fire science and fire technology, become a fire fighter. That’s my end goal."
Since the team is at a community college, students can transfer on to four years, opening "so many doors (and) pathways to universities and stuff," said freshman Puka Keliikuli.
Not only are these players taking care of business in the classroom, they’re also excelling on the field.
"Honestly, it's insane," said Fanara. "More than what I signed up for. I just wanted to play a little bit of rugby here and there, and look at us — first year of the program and we’re going into playoffs."
And some players are finally able to showcase their talents where not previously able.
"I think I speak for everybody — who doesn’t like when the big man runs the ball? Come on, everybody loves when the big man runs the ball, can't nobody stop it," said Keliikuli. "This is the opportunity to showcase it,"
The team takes on the San Jose State University Spartans at the NorCal Championship game Saturday March 23.
