The IUP Women's Rugby Club started in 1979. In 1983 the club became non-operational for unknown reasons. However, in Fall 1996, the club re-started with a group of women who had little or no experience with the game. They made signs and hung them around campus saying "Play Rugby- No Experience Required." Only one student from England knew how to play the game. One hundred and fifty IUP students showed up for the informational meeting, with 100 eventually joining. The club was fortunate to get two women from Pittsburgh who volunteered to coach for one year. On their departure, the men's rugby team provided guidance and support.
The first scrimmage was against the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown (UPJ) on November 23, 1996, in which 45 women traveled to participate in this tournament. Performing well at this tournament the club in fall 1997, joined the Allegheny Rugby Union (ARU), and was placed in division three. The club participated in the UPJ tounament that fall and won. This success started the process of recognition as an IUP Club. The women continued to build a name for the club by winning games. The first major success was at the Mid-West playoffs in fall 1998. At the playoffs, the club defeated the second ranked team and finished fourth in the tournament. In fall 1999 and 2000, the club also made it to the Mid-West playoffs. These achievements earned the club elevation to division one in 2001. Unfortunately, after strugglying to fulfill financial and other obligations mandatory for division one teams, the club in 2002 withdrew from division one and returned to division two. It is the desire of this club to return to division one. |
