So the offseason rages on. The Georgia Bulldogs and their last four years of top 4 rating recruiting classes absolutely dismantled the TCU Horned Frogs 65-7. America was definitely pulling to see the little guy win, but in the end 36 year old signal caller Stetson Bennett IV was able to stave off his career at the car dealership long enough to lead the Dawgs to back to back national titles.
All kidding aside it was an impressive run from the Dawgs and the former walk QB on completing back to back title runs. But it was a sobering reality of the haves and the have-nots in college football. The sport is in real trouble folks. But I have already covered that thrice over. We’re now living in a world where the mighty Florida Gators cannot even hold on to million dollar recruits who already signed letters of intent…
This kid was reportedly promised a payout in the 8 figure range, but has since tried to back out on his commitment to UF for greener pastures, and by “greener” you know what I mean. Pure insanity. So… back to the reason for this post… As this offseason settles in I wanted to highlight two programs at USF that are doing big things - the old fashioned way where kids at YOUR university suited up in YOUR colors with YOUR logo and went to battle… Not for money… for the game…
First, USF Rugby, a team with a storied history and multiple state and regional championships to its name, including top 16 in the country finishes. The club dates back to 1969 at the university and is currently a top performer on campus.
Last fall the boys competed in the All Florida Day Rugby 7s competition and won the tournament beating out FSU, UF, UCF, FIU, and FAU. If you aren’t aware 7s is the version of the game with 7 players a side and is played at a much faster and more exciting pace. The team has big plans this spring in both the traditional 15s version of the sport and the faster 7s format. Here is a look at their upcoming 15s spring schedule.
But in addition to this season, the success of the team has garnered them invites to multiple nationally televised 7s rugby competitions where they will compete on the biggest stage against the best schools in the country. From what I know they are looking for some “NIL” type assistance, just to get the kids to be able to afford to travel. Here is the link to their foundation account at USF that helps them with travel and even scholarships for the players. (Tax deductible)
If you don’t know much about the sport, I encourage you to check it out…
Next up, a sport you are probably more familiar with… the USF Hockey team is another star performer at USF with a big spring ahead of it. I am a new convert to hockey but find it to be a great sport to watch, and it’s nice to have a good team at USF.
The USF Ice Bulls aren’t new on campus either - they’ve been around since 1989.
They also have big plans ahead this spring after a fall campaign that included wins over the University of Tennessee, Florida Gators, Miami Hurricanes, and Ole Miss. From what I gather, there will be a showdown at the Welsey Chapel Advent Center Iceplex on January 21st against UCF with conference championship implications. If you can make it - make it!
Additionally, they played their battle for the bay against University of Tampa last year in the Amalie Arena which I personally thought was pretty cool. If they manage to pull this venue off again, I will be making the trip.
As a quick wrap up, I didn’t write this expecting anyone to become die hard fans of these teams… but I for one like the idea that USF has some teams that play physical sports and get big wins against the state’s other big names. And if you live in the area (especially if you have young athletes in the house) and want to see USF win, these two are great options especially considering the men’s basketball team would probably struggle if it showed up at a local LA Fitness. But at minimum - fans of USF Athletics should follow their social media pages and keep an eye what these teams do as they represent USF. Go Bulls!
Your dose of USF products I like:
Thought this wheel cover was pretty nice, embroidered too.
This one hurt but is simultaneously awesome (link here)…
Notes:
This is the first stack written on a computer and not my iphone. It feels… nice.
Brian Gregory face plant countdown until I roast him: 2
I only operate on Twitter but USF Hockey and Rugby have social media info on Instagram and Facebook, so give them a follow there too!