Jallo and Jones Named 2001 Honorable Mention All Americans
June 26, 2001- Tom Jallo and Scott Jones were named Honorable Mention All American in recognition of their form at the National Collegiate All-Star Championship held in Boulder, Colorado in June. While this selection leaves them out of the All-American's fall campaign to Ireland, it does recognize them as one of the top 50 collegiate players in the country. (All American Details)

Jones, Barkman, and Jallo Named to South All-Stars
May 20, 2001- Scott Jones, Rob Barkman, and Tom Jallo were named to the 25 man South All-Star squad that will head to Boulder, Colorado on June 7 for the National Collegiate All-Star Championship. This is Jones' third trip to the NCAC, where last year, he and Barkman claimed All-American honors. This will be Barkman's second appearance in the national tournament and will be Jallo's inaugural trip.

Rugby Club Receives Award as Sports Club of the Year
Jones Receives Award as Male Sports Club Athlete of the Year
May 01, 2001- The University of Tennessee Sports Club Department has awarded the UT Men's Rugby Club the title of Club of the Year for the academic year 2000-2001. This award is given each year to the club that best demonstrates excellence in its given sport plus provides leadership on campus and in the community. The sports club counsel, the student managed governing body of all sports clubs registered with the university, selected the rugby club to receive this honor and will present it to club President Jay Blandford at a 3:30 reception on May 01.

The University of Tennessee Sports Club Department has awarded Senior Scott Jones with the title of Sports Club Athlete of the Year for the academic year 2000-2001. This award is given each year to the athlete that best demonstrates excellence in his given sport plus provides leadership within his club, on campus, and in the community. The sports club counsel, the student managed governing body of sports clubs registered with the university, selected the Jones to receive this honor and will present it to him at a 3:30 reception on May 01. Jones, a senior from Paris, Tennessee, was a 2000 Collegiate All-American.

Photo- Team With Award
Photo- Butch Accepting Award
Photo- Jones Accepting Award

Tennessee Rugby Announces 2001 Awards
Barnes, Cornelius, and Linne Awarded Scholarships
April 28, 2001- The University of Tennessee Men's Rugby Club held it's year-end awards banquet on Saturday, April 28th at the Howard Johnson's North Banquet Hall. UTRFC finished they year with a record of 30-3, the single best year record in the 31 year history of the club. Included in this year, Head Coach Butch Robertson received his 500th career victory as head coach of the men in orange. Each year, the club presents the Iron Man award to any player that is available, is chosen to play by the selection committee, and participates in each A side match of the academic year. This year's recipients were: Scott Jones, Tom Jallo, Matt Schultz, Jay Blandford, and Brian Silkwood. Also, the players vote on the Ultimate Man Award, the award presented to the most valuable player of the club. This year's recipient is Scott Jones, a Senior from Paris, Tennessee. Additionally, the club said farewell to nine seniors and presented them with their senior mugs, an engraved silver mug that commemorates their participation in Tennessee Rugby. They are: Matt Schultz, Jay Blandford, Scott Randolph, Scott Jones, Andrew Wiske, Grant Edwards, Shigeru Shabata, John Sullivan, and Brian Silkwood. Over 100 players, Old Boys, and guests were in attendance.

The UT Old Boys named three Sexton Scholarship Recipients at the Tennessee Rugby Club Annual Awards Banquet held on April 28. The Sexton Scholarship Fund, formed in 1980, provides annual scholarships to deserving club members and is named in honor of Richard Sexton. Sexton was a dedicated club member that met his untimely death in an industrial accident. Each recipient is selected not just on the basis of sound rugby skills and athletic ability, but also upon leadership capabilities and commitment to the rugby club at the University of Tennessee. This year's recipients of $1750 scholarships are: Jeremy Linne (a Junior from Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan), Jason Barnes (a sophomore from Asheville, North Carolina), and Garry Cornelius (a sophomore from Westchester, Delaware).

UT Topples Clemson
April 21, 2001- UT hosted the Clemson RFC on a beautiful day at Fulton Bottoms. A modified format was adopted to allow playing opportunities for the twenty nine UT squad members and the eighteen who traveled with Clemson. Three periods of between 25 and thirty minutes with free substitution were agreed upon before starting the match

UT kicked off to Clemson who maintained possession for most of the first ten minutes of the match. UT's defense was up to the task and did not allow serious threats to materialize. The first score was in fact a result of defensive pressure as the ball popped out of a loose ruck situation and Center Grant Edwards alertly scooped it up and ran 40 meters for the try. UT began to make the better of its now more frequent possession opportunities. Jay Blandford took clean possession at a line out outside the Clemson 22. Flyhalf Mike Scoutten executed a cross move with both centers before delivering the ball to Fullback Scott Jones who penetrated the Clemson back line. His pass as he was being tackled put the ball in the hands of Center Brian Silkwood who scored under the posts. Scoutten's kick gave the Vols a 12-0 lead. Five minutes later as UT's strategy of close in punches followed by quick ball to the outside began to provide consistent possession, a quick wheel from a scrum put the ball in Jones' hands again for a wide break. His pass to wing Todd Van Dyke put another try on the board. Scoutten's kick made the score UT 19, Clemson 0. Receiving the kickoff, UT maintained possession with a series of rucks which moved toward the Clemson line before scrumhalf Jeremy Linne went over for the score. Scouten's foot was once more on the mark giving UT a 26-0 lead as the period ended.

UT received the kick off for the next period and picked up where they had left off by continuing to retain possession through a series of rugged crash balls from the loose. Eventually lock Matt Schultz was able to bull over the line for another five for the men in orange. UT 31, Clemson 0. Later in the period, a blind side move from a scrum allowed Scott Jones to cross the line and add five more to the score. UT 36, Clemson 0. As the opposition tired from the constant need to play defense, the penetrations from the rucks gained more and more yardage. Wing Forward Andy Wiske made a 35 meter break from one such move to put the ball under the posts. Scoutten's kick pushed the margin to 43.

Rookie Steve Baskins took advantage of the opportunity after a series of substitutions and crashed over from a ruck close to the line for another five for the home side. Later on as the period wound down, center Brian Melroy was able to cross the line for another five making the final tally for the men in orange 53 - 0.

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Tennessee Defeats Western Kentucky
April 7, 2001- Tennessee traveled to Bowling Green, Kentucky and took two from Western Kentucky University on Saturday. UTRFC took the first match 56-7 and claimed the second by a score of 27-0. UT traveled with 21 players and provided WKU with two matches with developmental lineups, giving Head Coach Butch Robertson his first glimpse of a potential fall semester lineup. A very strong cross wind made consistent line out throws very difficult. It also dictated the departure from the usual UT approach of taking points from kicks at every opportunity. Quick taps from the spot of the penalty were to be the standard approach for the day. UT took control of possession from the opening kickoff. However inconsistent ball handling frustrated early scoring opportunities. After approximately ten minutes, the side settled down and provided ball from a ruck close to the Western line to rookie Matt Neff who crashed over for the first score. Minutes later, a series of rucks and mauls provided good ball to hooker Shibata Shigeru who in turn made an acrobatic delivery to wing Todd Van Dyke. Van Dyke grounded the ball in the corner at the fifteen minute mark (10-0). Next, Matt Schultz went over the line making it 15-0. Then, All-American Fullback Scott Jones evaded more than a few would-be Western tacklers to place the ball under the posts at the 30 minute mark. Flyhalf Mike Scoutten slotted the kick moving the score to 22-0. Moments later at a scrum at mid field, a Western put-in got loose behind the WKU loose head prop. Scrumhalf Peter Hillermann alertly scooped up the ball and outran the opposition fifty meters to the line. Again Scoutten’s foot was on the mark leaving the score 29-0. Minutes later, a fist thrown by a WKU ball carrier led to Scoutten’s penalty kick for three more and also provided the WKU player with some much needed quite time in the sin bin (rugby's version of time out for those of you with 4 year old children). The half ended with UT firmly in control 32-0.

The second half open in similar fashion with the men in orange taking early possession. Wing John Sullivan had the ball delivered wide from a ruck close to the Western line and capitalized by grounding it in the corner for another five. The kick failed, but UT still led 37-0. WKU was penalized for a high tackle on the score and the referee allowed a penalty kick on the ensuing kickoff. Cagey veteran Scott Randolph recognized the opportunity with a quick tap and pass to Scott Jones who used his game speed to slice through the opposition to ground the ball under the posts. UT had two tries in less than 20 seconds and now led 44-0. UT continued to control possession in Western’s half. Working once more from a quick tap on another Western infraction, UT moved through three quick rucks and a pass to Fly Half Mike Scoutten who crossed the line for another five to make the score 49-0. Despite the margin Western continued to battle. A blind side break got the ball behind the Orange defense with the wing scoring in the corner. The kick got Western on the board 49-7. UT immediately went on the attack again. Possession at a well executed lineout and quick passes in the backs led to a long break by wing Todd Van Dyke who passed to rookie Center Brad Colson for a score under the posts. Van Dyke’s kick were the final points of the first match, UT 56, WKU 7.

After a break for a WKU v. UT women’s game (won by the Lady Vols), UT took the field for a second match. This side contained many of the backs from the first game but with a pack featured fresh players including UT coach and Old Boy Bill Peterson propping in the front row. Playing uphill and once more dealing with the cross wind UT retained possession for most of the half. The first score didn’t occur until a mishandled ball at a Western scrum alertly gather in by alumni Nate Dempf and a quick pass to center Brad Colosn put the ball down in front of the posts. Scott Jones, on for the injured Will Hoeppner, added the conversion for a 7-0 half time lead. A change in tactics at halftime moved the team away from the quick release to the backs and initiated the repeated crash ball off the corners of the loose. The result caught Western who had seen wide play through out the day, by surprise. Penetration by the hard charging forwards led to a try by Hooker Tom Jallo which made the score 12-0. Attacking immediately from the kickoff, passes put the ball in the hands of Lock Matt Schultz who kicked ahead to space. Quick coverage by Hooker Jessie Troxler led to a ruck. Scrum Half Peter Hillerman’s pass to the short side found Wing John Sullivan who rambled 40 meters for another ruck on the Western line. The resulting crash put Jallo over for another score. Kick and chase tactics on the following kickoff resulted in pressure on Western well within their twenty two. A short kick by Western’s flyhalf was gathered by Wing Todd Van Dyke who once more evaded three Western defenders for the score. Again the conversion kick was unsuccessful leaving the score 22-0 UT. The kickoff was moved again into the Western Half. Strong pressure resulted in a UT scrum at the fifteen meter line. Center Brad Colson broke two tackles on the way to his third score of the day leaving the final 27-0.

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UT Falls Just Short Against Florida
March 30, 2001- The Tennessee Rugby Club lost a hard fought semifinal match against the University of Florida by the score of 15-13 in Clemson, SC. Though this loss ends UT's quest for a South Championship and a birth in the national tournament, it doesn't overshadow a fine year of rugby that features a current record of 28-3.

UF opened the scoring just six minutes into the match with a try after a series of penalties backed Tennessee inside its own 22 meter line. Florida, after a couple of well executed crash balls, reversed the field, found space, and touched it down in the corner to take a 0-5 lead (conversion failed). Two minutes later, UT answered with a well struck penalty goal by Scott Jones making the score 3-5. At the sixteen minute mark, UF got on the board again with a penalty goal of it's own to increase the lead to 3-8. With 24 minutes gone in the first half, Tennessee finally found the try zone after a strong crash by center Grant Edwards, another crash from the corner of the ruck by #8 Pat Poynor and lock Matt Schultz, and some nice ball movement between Schultz and lock Jay Blandford. Blandford got the touch down and Jones converted making the half-time score 10-8.

The second half featured many change of possessions and multiple stops in the closely officiated match. Neither team seemed able to get untracked with possession and failed to develop any type of continuity in their attack. Finally, 25 minutes into the second half, Jones hit a penalty kick to stretch UT's lead to 13-8. However, five minutes later, UF answered. After several possession changes, Florida worked the ball into UT's end of the field and put together several good phases. After a couple of good passing moves by the UF backs, they found the corner of the try zone. As the UF player was diving to put the ball down in the corner, the UT defenders dove to try to keep him out. The referee ruled that the defensive effort was dangerous play and awarded Florida a penalty try, thereby centering the conversion attempt and giving UF a 13-15 lead. Tennessee had several possessions with opportunities to regain the lead in the final 10 minutes but it just wasn't to be on this day.
Referee: Mike Cobb (SERRS)
Half-time: 10-8 (Tennessee)

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UT Advances To South Final Four
March 10, 2001- UT advanced to the final four weekend for the division I championship of USA Rugby South due to a forfeit by the #2 seed from the North Carolina Union. Appalachian State, siting injuries, weather, and travel concerns, was forced to concede the match and thereby provide Tennessee with an unobstructed view of the semifinals held at Clemson University on March 31.

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UT Comes From Behind to Defeat Radford
March 03, 2001- UT defeated Radford University in Knoxville by the score of 29-15 after falling behind 3-12 in the first half. Radford, 2000 Division II Plate Finalist, brought 36 talented players to Knoxville. The second 15 gutted out a tough 8-0 victory. 35 UT players participated on the day. Tennessee now turns its attention to the playoffs and the South quarterfinal matchup against the #2 seed from the North Carolina Union.

Radford started strong with fierce rucking in a multiple phase attack off the opening kickoff. Just minutes into the match UT was down 0-7. After a Scott Jones penalty kick made it 3-7, Radford once again pressured. With the aid of some innovative line out play, Radford got on the board with a second try to make it 3-12. Tennessee finally got untracked after Mike Scoutten stole a RU pass and moved the ball to Rob Barkman who sprinted his way to the try zone for the touch down. After the Jones conversion, UT trailed 10-12 to end the half. The men in orange opened the second half with good pressure that resulted in two well struck penalty kicks by Jones to open a 16-12 lead. After a Radford penalty goal, UT answered with two more to make it 22-15. A couple of nifty backline movements were rewarded with Brian Silkwood finding Jones in space who raced to the post for the try. Jones converted his own try to reach the final score of 29-15.

Tennessee went toe to toe with the Radford second side for 50 scoreless minutes (in thirty minute halves). With less than 10 minutes to play, UT's Todd Van Dyke hit a long range penalty kick to make it 3-0. Then, with time expiring, Scott Lance took the ball from the corner of a ruck and drove into the try zone to finish the scoring at 8-0.

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Tennessee Defeats MTSU to Take MidSouth Championship
February 24- Tennessee defeated MTSU at the MidSouth Collegiate Tournament in Nashville to claim the 2001 MIdSouth Division I Collegiate Championship by the score of 17-8. With the victory, UTRFC claims the #1 seed from the MidSouth and awaits the #2 seed from the North Carolina union on March 10. The second 15 continued their remarkable run with a 32-0 victory. These emotional clashes featured inspired play and hard hitting by both squads. A fifteen to twenty mile an hour wind blowing down the field definitely became a factor in the day.

With the wind at its back, MTSU opened the scoring just minutes into the match with Cayo Nicolau slotting a well struck penalty goal (0-3). UT finally answered late in the half when Rob Barkman broke free off the wing and then chipped ahead with Brian Silkwood getting the put down under the posts (Scott Jones converted: 7-3). MTSU immediately answered with a try of their own when UT misplayed the ensuing kickoff and found itself backed against its own try line. MTSU's Grant Anderson sprang in for the try but the conversion failed and the half-time score remained 7-8 (MTSU). UT had weathered the first half facing the strong wind and was only down by a single point. In the second half, the fierce play continued with several stoppages for injuries. After a long kick ahead and chase the men in orange finally found themselves knocking on the door. A penalty on MTSU allowed Jeremy Linne to take the quick tap and stretch into the try zone for the touch down. With Jones' conversion, the score was 14-8. Jones tacked on a penalty goal and the final whistle blew with Tennessee claiming the 17-8 victory and the MidSouth Championship.
Referee: Dave Haines (MRRS)
Half-time: 8-7 (MTSU)

The Tennessee B side played a MTSU B side which also featured players from Western Kentucky University. UT opened up the scoring when Todd White blocked a MTSU kick and Brad Colson dove over for the try. Todd Van Dyke converted and UT led 7-0. Just before the half Van Dyke got the ball to Dillon Brackman on the outside who raced to the try zone for the touchdown. The conversion failed and the half-time score remained 12-0. In the second half, Van Dyke added to the score with a penalty goal, then Pat Poyner broke loose from a #8 pickup and fed scrumhalf Peter Hillerman, who touched it down and the Vols led 20-0. Matt Tedford then got a well earned try when he went over the try line after a series of good ball movements and UT led 27-0. Just before time expired, Van Dyke capped the scoring on a long kick and chase that he touched down to make the final score 32-0.

UT carried 33 players to the tournament. Thanks to the many parents and old boys that traveled to Nashville to support the club. And, also thanks to Dr. Mike Casey for his invaluable assistance on a day that really kept him busy.

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UTRFC Takes Two from The Citadel
February 10- UTRFC, on the strength of two first half tries by Fullback Scott Jones, ran to a 44-0 victory over The Citadel on Saturday afternoon. In addition, Dillon Brackman had a try, Jay Blandford added a first half touch down off a well timed kick ahead by emerging flyhalf Mike Scoutten, and Jones scored 3 points on a penalty goal from 20 meters out. Early in the second half, #9 Jeremy Linne and Jones used some back and forth unselfish passing to score beneath the post with Linne getting the put down making it 34-0. Another kick ahead by Scoutten resulted in a touchdown by the crusty veteran, Scott "Fuzzy" Randolph. Brian Silkwood finished the scoring in the A match with a long run down the west touch line to make the final 44-0.

In the second match, veteran back Todd Van Dyke paced a fast developing unit to a 17-7 victory. UT opened the scoring when Van Dyke executed a long kick ahead and chase that was eventually put down by Senior fullback Mike Landon. Later in the half, UT got on the board again when, after a series of rucks, Andrew Wiske bulled his way across the line to make it 14-0 at intermission. After a well struck penalty goal by Van Dyke made in 17-0, The Citadel finished the scoring on the day with a well earned try (although the UT contingent didn't much appreciate the young man spiking the ball) to make the final 17-7.

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UTRFC Opens Spring Campaign with Victories on the Road at Murray State University
February 03- Tennessee Rugby sent 26 players to Murray, Kentucky to open the Spring 2001 season. UTRFC brought home victories in both the A by the score of and B matches and now prepare for the home opener against The Citadel.

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37 Participate in Orange and White
January 27- Thirty Seven players participated in the traditional orange and white scrimmage held on January 27. UTRFC welcomes new players Steve Baskin, Brad Colson, Scott Gniadowski, Will Hoeppner, Scott Lance, Matt Lundie, Brian McPeters, Matt Neff, Justin Taylor, and Matt Tedford. Also, welcome back Grant Edwards. New players are always welcome! All interested participants are encouraged to attend a practice to learn more about the exciting sport of rugby. Practice continues at 4:00 on Tuedays and Thursdays throughout the semester.

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Four Receive Mugs at Fall Banquet
Campus Pub proves a worthy host for this prestigious event
December 07, 2000- The season ending Christmas banquet was held on Thursday, December 07 at the Campus Pub on Lake Avenue. Over 50 players, Old Boys, and other rugby enthusiasts joined this festive event. Head Coach Butch Robertson presented mugs to the following players: Michael Towns, Michael Jackson, Nate Dampf, and Eric Johnson.

10 Selected to MidSouth All-Stars
November 19, 2000- UTRFC had ten players selected to the MidSouth all-star team that participated in the South LAU Collegiate all-star championship tournament on November 18. Fifteen players went to Nashville on October 29 for a selection camp where over 50 players from eight different clubs competed for 24 roster spots. The following UT players were selected: Scott Jones, Jason Barnes, Garry Cornileus, Jay Blandford, Kevin Trussell, Rob Barkman, Brian Silkwood, Jeremy Linne, Tom Jallo, and Todd Van Dyke.

Fall Season Ends with Impressive Victories over Kentucky
November 11- UTRFC traveled to Lexington to finish up a successful fall campaign against the University of Kentucky. Tennessee came out strong and never looked back in the 60-5 and 54-0 victories. In the first match, tries by Dillon Brackman, Scott Jones, Matt Schultz, Jay Blandford, and Jeremy Linne lead UT to a 34-5 half-time lead. Another try by Jones, two by Tom Jallo, and a Zulu try by Eric Johnson finished the scoring. Scott Jones converted seven tries plus kicked a penalty goal before a partisan crowd. That's right, UT was supported by about 40 fans in Lexington, including about 15 family members of Scott Jones who had traveled up from West Tennessee. In the second match, UT continued its dominant play with a 54-0 victory. Tries by Dillon Brackman, Matt Schultz, Scott Jones, and David Kurtz, along with a penalty goal by Mike Lund powered UT to a 23-0 half-time lead. Second half tries by Nathan Brown, Brian Melroy, Matt Schultz, and two more by Dillon Brackman (for the hat trick) finished the scoring against a side made up of UK and Eastern Kentucky University players. UT traveled with 25 players who wanted to finish the season with a strong effort in a salute to those players receiving their mug after this semester, including: Michael Towns, Eric Johnson, Michael Jackson, and Nate Dampf.

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UTRFC Upsets North Carolina
November 03- Tennessee turned a 8-3 half-time lead into an improbable 31-8 victory over University of North Carolina. UNC opened the scoring with a penalty kick within the first two minutes of the match (0-3). The two teams went toe to toe for the next 20 minutes. UNC's hard-charging loose forwards provided good inside support for their backs, resulting in several impressive territorial gains. The Tarheel centers proved to be excellent defenders with several sure tackles and producing possession changes. UT held on with some clutch tackling and slowly worked the ball inside the 22 where Brian Kagey hit a well struck drop goal leveling the score 3-3. Then, in injury time, Scott Jones ran well off a scrum moving the ball inside the 22 where Jason Barnes rolled out of a maul for the try. The conversion failed leaving the half-time score- 8-3. UT opened the second half in impressive fashion. Fielding an errant kickoff, the UT forwards set a quick ruck and then hit Scott Jones in full stride who took it 50 meters for the try. Kagey converted and UT led 15-3. Kagey then hit a penalty goal increasing UT's lead to 18-3. Tennessee's forwards then went to work and produced a long series of rucks and then gave good ball to the backs allowing Dillon Brackman to bull his way across the try line leaving the score 23-3. Ten minutes later, Jay Blandford advanced the ball off a lineout leaving it with Michael Towns who drove it in for the try with Tom Jallo in strong support (28-3). In injury time, Scott Jones hit a penalty kick from 40 meters (31-3) and then UNC score the final points of the match as time expired leaving the score 31-8.

UT's second fifteen continued it's impressive run with a 10-3 victory in the second match. UT opened the scoring off a strong run by Matt Schultz with good support from Mike Scoutten who finished the try with an illusive run. No further scoring in the first half so UT went into the intermission with a 5-0 lead. In the second half, hooker Shigeru Shibata raced over sixty meters, outrunning the entire UNC side. Near the tryline, he left the ball for Patrick Kelly who had provided excellent support. Kelly touched it down and UT led 10-0. Late in the second period, UNC completed the scoring of the match with a penalty kick leaving the final score 10-3.

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Tennessee Defeats South Carolina
October 27- UTRFC, after trailing 5-6 at the half, rallied to defeat the University of South Carolina by the score of 26-14 in Columbia, SC. UT opened the scoring on this Friday night match with a nice run by Dillon Brackman and good support from Rob Barkman, who finished off the try. Mistakes and a tight whistle seemed to prevent either team from seizing any momentum. Tennessee opened the second half with a try on a nice run by Brian Kagey(converted by Kagey), but USC soon answered with an unconverted try, leaving the score 12-11. Scott Jones scored a converted (Kagey) try and USC answered with a penalty goal leaving the score 19-14. Then UT wrapped up the scoring with a nice break by Matt Schultz with Brian Melroy scoring the try (Kagey Converted).

UT's B side continued to play well, posting a 33-16 victory in the second match. Pat Poynor opened the scoring off a quick ruck and Todd Van Dyke scored one of his own shortly thereafter (Mike Lund converted) leaving the half-time score 12-3. USC opened the second half with a try, but UT answered with Van Dyke feeding Patrick Kelly for the try to make the score 17-8. USC kicked a penalty goal and added another try and Tennessee found itself back in a close match, 17-16. However, UT finished strong with a try by Eric Johnson, another on a Van Dyke to Brian Silkwood pass (Lund converted) and a penalty kick by Lund. By all accounts, Todd Van Dyke earned the "man of the match" honors for his play with Michael Towns providing the fire for the A side.

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Tennessee Suffers First Defeat of the Fall Campaign
October 07- UTRFC was defeat by a strong and mature University of Georgia team by the score of 29-10 in Athens, GA. UGA jumped to a 24-3 half-time lead with 17 of the points from penalty situations. UT bounced back in the second half to make it competitive with a try by Scott Jones and conversion by Brian Silkwood. However, not to be outdone, UGA scored its lone second half points from another penalty near UT's try line. UT redeemed the loss with a 27-7 victory in the second match. Tennessee took 27 players on the trip, all current students of the university.

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UTRFC Takes two from Western Carolina on Family Day
September 30- Tennessee Rugby defeated Western Carolina in front of close to 100 parents, family, and friends at Fulton Bottoms during the first ever Family Weekend. In the first match, UT opened up the scoring early with a nice run by Nate Dampf and some solid ball handling by the backline. Mike "Catfish" Scoutten finished the try with a nice run down the west touch line- UT 5, WCU 0. Next Brian Silkwood scored followed closely by a Jeremy Linne score following a nice "change of possession" pickup by Jason Barnes. Both conversions we missed and the men in orange led 15-0. Both sides traded penalty kicks with Brian Silkwood slotting the one for UT- 18-3. Following another penalty goal by WCU, Scott Jones raced in from midfield countering a poorly executed 22 meter kick. Silkwood converted and UT led at the half 25-6. The Second half started much as the first ended with tries by Dillon Brackman, Brian Melroy, and Jay Blandford moving UT to a 40-6 lead. After WCU slotted a well struck penalty goal, Rob Barkman finished up the scoring with a nice run down the east touch line (Silkwood converted) ending the first match with a final score of 47-9.

UT put a fresh 15 on the field for the second match of the day against a side made of WCU players, a couple of UT players, and 5 or so Old Boys that "just happened" to bring their boots to the Bottoms. The teams traded tries in the first half with UT scoring off a nice run by Mike Lund and good support by Eric Bibb (converted by Brian Kagey). Half time score: UT 7, WCU 5. Tennessee opened it up a bit in the second half on a tired WCU team with tries by Brian Kagey and Patrick Kelly for a final score of 19-5.

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Tennessee Rugby Comes From Behind to Defeat Arkansas State
September 23- UTRFC scored a try in injury time to defeat visiting Arkansas State University by the score of 16-13. The defending Division II Plate National Champions, returning their entire first 15 from their spring campaign, proved to be a tremendous foe. UT trailed 8-10 at the half and then fell behind 8-13 prior to scoring the games final 8 points for the victory. A Scott Jones penalty kick and long try-scoring run by wing John Sullivan accounted for the first half points. The second half was a slugfest with both teams content to crash the ball and concentrate on fierce rucking. While most of the half was played in ASU's half of the field, their defense held strong. A penalty goal with 15 minutes to play set up the late match heroics. After stealing possession off a tackle just past midfield, Jeremy Linne fed Rob Barkman who raced down the east touchline, passing to Scott Jones on the inside at about the 22 meter line, who broke a tackle and touched it down to complete the improbable try and seal the victory.

UTRFC's second team outscored ASU 28-0 to complete the afternoon. UT jumped to a 14 point lead at the half on the strength of tries by Mike Scoutten and Michael Jackson (Kagey converted both). In the second half, tries by freshman center Brian Melroy and first semester #8 Pat Poynor completed the scoring. UT played 36 players on the afternoon.

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UTRFC Opens Fall Campaign with Two Victories over Georgia Tech

September 16- UTRFC opened the fall campaign on September 16 with a home match against Georgia Tech. The match was played on an extremely sloppy field due to an overaggressive irrigation system.... Muddy conditions seemed to magnify some early shortcomings in ball handling and continuity. At the half Tennessee led l4-7 thanks to a pickup of a loose ball and 70 meter run by flanker Nat Dampf and a tap and go try by #9 Jeremy Linne with very little time remaining in the half. In the second half UT seemed to calm down and play within the predetermined game plan. Final score: UTRFC 46, Georgia Tech 7.

In the second game, UT battled to a 3-3 tie at the half. In the second half Tennessee began running with authority and finished Georgia Tech off with some long runs by Michael Jackson and some devastating tackling. Final score: UTRFC B's 20, Georgia Tech B's 3.

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