The Rose Fitness Scholarship

The Rose Fitness Scholarship was formed in 2003 as a way to recognize and reward those players that are dedicated to strength and conditioning as a participant with the University of Tennessee Rugby Club. This award was created and is annual funded by UT Old Boy Jay Blandford, and administered by Mick Larrabee, a specialist in strength and conditioning and loyal supporter of UT Rugby.

A nine week pre-season program is based on the concept of periodization, which allows for manipulation of several variables that prepares the athlete to "peak" just prior to the start of the season. The program will be divided into three sections: weight training, plyometrics, and conditioning. Combining these three components will improve the total athleticism of the team and allow us the opportunity for greater success on the pitch. The focus will be to improve: speed, acceleration, power, agility, strength, and quick responses. Testing of all UTRFC athletes will begin during the second week of November. The program will then be implemented and given to each player to complete on his own. Each athlete will be re-tested on the same criteria during the last week of January. The spring semester results will be compared to the fall scores to determine award recipients with adjustments to reflect the appropriate benchmarks for the athletes size and position.*