by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
The UNM men's rugby team isn't intimidated by the University of California, even if it is the No. 1 team in the country.
As the Lobos prepare for the first round against Cal in the USA Rugby Championships Sweet 16 on Saturday, team member Philip Bolton said UNM isn't backing down.
"We're definitely hungry for this," he said. "We've really come together in the last year, and we're starting off playing the No. 1 team in the nation. They're people just like we are. They're not immortal."
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The men's and women's rugby teams will compete in the Sweet 16 this weekend.
The UNM men play their first game on Saturday at 10 a.m. If the Lobos win, they will play Sunday at 2 p.m. against the winner of San Diego State and Harvard.
The Lobo women will play Saturday at 11:30 a.m. against UC-Santa Barbara. The bracket UNM is in is hosted by Penn State in State College, Penn.
If UNM wins, it will play again Sunday at 11:30 a.m. and will face the winner of Navy and Brown.
Because the men's and women's teams are playing in the Sweet 16 this year, it should gain recognition for the UNM rugby program, Lobo All-American Jillion Potter said.
"I think it's a good opportunity for both teams," she said. "It's exciting because rugby isn't really well-known in the University, and I think it will help emerge our sport."
Brandon Campbell, captain of the men's team, said it is a privilege to play in the championships.
"We are so excited," he said. "We worked really hard. We put it all on the line, and now we're going to the Sweet 16."
Regardless of the outcome, Campbell said the teams' participation in the Sweet 16 should show Lobo fans the talent in the UNM rugby program.
"I hope this helps UNM really recognize how good of a team we are, and to get people out there to support us from now on," he said.
The teams practiced together Wednesday, focusing on techniques such as scrumming before heading off to their respective regions.
On the women's side, Potter said UC-Santa Barbara is a tough team that will push UNM.
Because the Lobos have not played in a Sweet 16 before, she said it will be interesting to see how the team handles it.
"I think it's going to be an eye-opener for most of the people on this team," she said. "They haven't really experienced what high-level rugby is."
Still, Potter is not selling short UNM's chance to succeed in the championships. She said it's just a matter of the team playing its best this weekend.
"I think it would be a huge accomplishment to make it to the Final Four, and I do think we can make it to the Final Four, and we'll see from there," she said.
Bolton said knowing the Lobos can compete with any team is an important mind-set to have.
"We know we can hang in there," he said. "You got to have confidence. In a sport like rugby, you got to know that you can go up against anybody and just hit them in the mouth. Hit them hard and hit them strong, and you can win any game."
Women's rugby at USA Rugby Championships
Saturday, 11:30 a.m.
State College, Penn.
Men's rugby at USA Rugby Championships
Saturday, 10 a.m.
Berkeley, Calif.
