The Olentangy Blues rugby team has continued to grow as a competitive and community-driven organization within central Ohio.
Located in the heart of Delaware, OH, the Olentangy Local School District is what several student-athletes call home, as well as home field.
Rugby has remained a niche sport in the vast majority of the midwestern part of the United States. This is in comparison to the southern parts of the U.S., such as Texas and California, which are home to the highest-ranked D1 High School rugby teams in America, according to Goff Rugby Report. However, the Blues show steady expansion at the high school and middle school levels.
The Blues compete against high school varsity teams such as St. Ignatius, as well as fellow club-level teams such as Dublin Rugby Club.
Unlike traditional school sports, rugby is a sport that puts more of a focus on respect and sportsmanship, rather than violence and arrogance. All players around the world follow a code of conduct that emphasizes integrity, responsibility, and respect to the Sir (referee) as well as the opponents.
The Blues welcome all students with a wide range of athletic and non-athletic backgrounds. Most players arrive with experience in football, soccer, or even wrestling. The current Head Coach of the Olentangy Blues Rugby team is an elementary school art teacher within the school district, Sharyn Bosley.
Mrs. Bosley is also joined by a handful of other coaches who are experienced and intelligent within the sport of rugby. The coaching staff emphasizes skill development, game knowledge, and conditioning. These skills were worked on individually to help less experienced players work along with more experienced players.
The Blues program has also fostered a sense of community these past seven years. Teammates form a strong bond through the shared challenges of the competition and struggles put forth in front of them every practice and every match.
As interest grows in the Midwest (specifically Ohio), teams such as the Blues play an important role in introducing the sport to new audiences and athletes alike. The program offers students the opportunity to play for an extremely competitive and decorated team, sporting six finals appearances and 4 state championships within those appearances, as well as represent their district in a sport that values both toughness and respect.
