UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA'S 7th ANNUAL YOUTH RUGBY CAMP

December 4, 2008, Norman OK – The University of Oklahoma Men and Women’s Rugby Teams are hosting the 7th annual youth rugby camp on Saturday, January 5 and Sunday, January 6 at the Everett Indoor Training Facility. The camp is divided into elementary, middle, boys high school, girls high school and collegiate. Cost for the two-day camp is $25 for 12 and under, and $35 for high school and collegiate. Participants receive two days of high-level instruction plus a t-shirt. The camp runs from 9-noon and 1:30-5pm on Saturday, and from 9am-3pm on Sunday.

Rugby is a sport of strategy and finesse, requiring athletes who can think fast and move even faster. Kids of all ages can learn the sport quickly and easily. The purpose of the rugby camp is to develop safe technique and increase awareness of the sport. “Last year, we had over 150 boys and girls participate at the youth camp”, says head OU men’s coach Kenneth Forehand. “Our elementary and middle school-aged divisions saw the most growth in numbers. We’ve already got strong participation at the high school and collegiate levels, with van-loads of athletes coming from Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas to participate. We are particularly excited about this year, because we’ve got great coaches coming to run the session and we know each participant will learn a lot in a fun and positive environment.”

OU women’s rugby team captain, Candace Taylor, says “I am so glad that I play rugby. I found some of the best friends and I know we’ll be tight for life. I started playing in middle school and have loved it ever since. We really enjoy hosting this camp. It’s fun to see the little kids getting in there and mixing it up with each other. By the end of the weekend, everyone is playing in a scrimmage at their level, and all are having a blast. The t-shirt is pretty cool, too. The fact that it is held at the same place the OU football team practices is amazing. I would pay the fee just to get to compete in that environment!” Additionally, any OU student interested in joining the men or women’s rugby teams for spring are encouraged to attend the camp as a “try out”.