As it launches a new season, the Drake men's rugby team possesses a new look, complete with positive expectations. Although the team has lost two starters from last year's squad, it has acquired almost 10 new members who have little experience and tons of energy. While returning players bring experience to the team, it is balanced by the speed of the newcomers. Even though speed may be attributed to newer members of the team, the conditioning levels entering this season have improved compared with last year. While lifting and running outside of practice is not required, players are encouraged to do extra workouts on their own.
Typical practices consist of drills and scrimmaging.
Prior to the team's first game, a 17-10 loss in its home opener against Iowa State Sept. 25, the team had intersquad scrimmages for two consecutive Saturdays. Despite the addition of players, last Saturday's game demonstrated the team's biggest weakness - inexperience. Our pack wasn't as good in the ruck or mull. Considering Drake uses Iowa State, along with the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa, yearly to judge its progress during the season, and that Iowa State has more players with fewer newcomers, Drake's performance Sept. 25 predicted a promising season for the team. We did pretty well for the start of the season.