Izzy Heines
Contributing Writer
What is a small liberal arts school, tucked away in the woods, without a unique, niche and gritty sport like rugby? Sewanee’s student-run rugby club, Purple Haze, was founded in the early 2000s, and in 2013, the women’s rugby team, the Lady Ruckus, was re-established. In 2017, the women’s team officially merged into a single co-ed club to give both sides more numbers on the practice pitch.
If you are a resident in Gorgas or Quintard Hall, you are well aware of the high-energy practices that occur on Stringer Field: the club’s home pitch nestled behind the two residence halls. What you may not know is that a large portion of the team is brand new to the sport of rugby. On the men’s team, only four of the 15 current players had played rugby before joining the club. Some athletes join to replace a sport they played before; others want a new way to stay active and meet people. But what keeps most players around is the community surrounding the sport.
Being on a club sports team also generates many social opportunities with students from rival teams. At the concluding whistle of games, you may find Sewanee players socializing with the opposing team — the same team they tackled minutes earlier. Mindy Mitchell (C ’27), the women’s co-captain, told The Sewanee Purple, “You go out there and hit someone as hard as you can, and then after the game you’re complimenting each other.”
That camaraderie shows how the Purple Haze is connected to a small but mighty national community of rugby lovers. Even when traveling for away matches, opponents are often welcoming and eager to make new friends who share the same fever for the sport.
Don’t let the friendly nature of this squad fool you, though; this is an ultra-competitive team with a strong reputation to back it up. The Purple Haze has a tradition of significant competitive success.
In April 2024, Lady Ruckus advanced to the rugby national tournament in Maryland, reaching No. 15 in the nation for National Collegiate Rugby’s Small College division. Similarly, the men’s team made it to nationals in 2023, peaking at No. 12 nationally. But players said that they receive little campus recognition. “The women’s team went to nationals my freshman year, and no one even knew about it,” said women’s co-captain Burbury Myers (C ’27).
Even though the teams operate outside Sewanee’s varsity athletic system, the club has gained national attention without access to locker rooms, trainers or a stable coaching staff.
With a successful history, this club of hardworking athletes is building strong rosters for years ahead. Men’s player Scott Busey (C ’27) said, “In our first game, I think 10 of our starters had never played before, mostly freshmen, and they’re all fired up to keep going. Next year looks good.”
Still, that eagerness does not come without real challenges. Men’s captain Jack Williams (C ’28) said, “I hope to get more recognition from Sewanee, because we could definitely use the help to get new equipment, real tackle pads, a new sled, and access to trainers.”
For a club lacking recognition and support, this crew certainly has no deficit in ambition, pride and talent. The Purple Haze and Lady Ruckus squads continue to work hard and build on the remarkable history of rugby on the Mountain: one tackle, one new player and one new season at a time.