HUMBER 104, SHERIDAN 0

OAKVILLE, Ont. - While their inaugural OCAA campaign ended the same way it began - with a lopsided loss to the West Division champions from Humber - it was clear that the Sheridan Bruins men's rugby team (1-5 OCAA) had made massive strides as a unit since the beginning of the season.

"I was really happy with the fact that these guys didn't quit," head coach Carlos Moniz said. "It was a cold day and we all knew the caliber of the team we were playing. We were definitely out-matched, there's no question about that. So even though tackles were missed and plays weren't made, they came and tried the tackles; they didn't quit. That was very great to see."

With their first season now officially complete, Moniz says that there are many positives upon which future editions of the team will grow.

"The biggest thing is the fact that we've started the team and we have brought this team a long way from day one," he said. "Another thing we have going for us is the support from the school. We have support from everyone here, we have tremendous facilities and that is going to help build our program tremendously. We're going to recruit hard in the off-season and try to get as many experienced players as we can. That way we won't necessarily be starting at the same level we started at this year."

As would be expected, there were more than a few bumps in the road along the way but with the way the team held together Moniz is certainly bullish on their future prospects.

"This is going to be a successful program, there's no question," he said. "The support is there [and] geographically we have a lot of rugby players in the area - this is a good rugby area. We will get these guys coming to us that may not be coming now. We have enough confidence in the coaching staff to make some teams coming up."

Source: Sheridan I.T.