Goggin Ice Center was once again filled on Oct. 9, with the rousing chorus of "Hey Ref, Get Off Your Knees," as fans watched the now #1 ranked Redhawks begin the season with a win against St. Cloud. For many fans, the Redhawks are Miami's champions-defenders of Miami glory who prove their love and honor by brandishing hockey sticks. This year, the team gained seven new players to add to the brotherhood.
"There is nothing more thrilling and moving than watching your favorite player out on the field," says Jonnie Piluso, a Miami University sophomore and selfproclaimed ESPN addict. There may also be nothing more heartbreaking than when 100,000 people are brought to their feet in dismay when a player from the opposing team makes a great catch at the end of a tie game.
Last year, they finished third in the national Final Four. This year, the Miami Club Rugby Team (MURFC) hopes to be the last one standing. The 2008-09 team glided through the regular season, winning the Midwest Championship before heading to the big stage for the national tournament where they lost to Wisconsin.
In today's results driven society, most people evaluate success based on the final outcome rather than one's journey throughout the experience. Students focus on the final grade instead of their personal growth during the duration of the course. Similarly, fans often judge their team based on wins and losses, ignoring players' development as the season progresses.
According to Miami's Deputy Director for Athletics Jason Lener, student athletes have to be able to get into the university based on their own merit before Miami coaches can give out scholarships. "If you don't meet those minimum requirements, then you can't get the scholarship," Lener says.
