Rugby's Roots Run Deep in Kern County

Rucks, a maul, a scrum, are terms that are about as foreign to Americans as afternoon tea and crumpets. For decades rugby in the United States has been thought of as a game of brutality only played by folks across the pond. Contrary to that belief, the sport of rugby has an international following of over 70 countries, with team USA as the defending 1924 Olympic champions. The basics of the sport are the same as those of American football with some variations; players tackle, run, pass, and make touchdowns through goal posts. The field, referred to as the pitch, is slightly larger, and the ball slightly fatter. The biggest difference between rugby and football is protective gear. Rugby players don't wear padding or helmets. While that may have contributed to the sports reputation for being rough, most rugby fans and players believe that particular rap is undeserved. Amongst those is Kern County Rugby Football Club president and player, Ahmed Baameur and player-coach Ray Salazar.

The Kern County Rugby Football Club, also known as the "Tuskers", have competed with other teams from the Southern California Rugby Football Union each Saturday from January to April for nearly four decades. The clubs past accolades include five Southern California North Division II Championships, six Southern California North Division III Championships, and a 4th place National ranking in 2004 in their division. There are over 30 active players ranging in age from 19-44, and over 100 past members in the community providing support in many ways. Kern County not only has a reputation for being one of the hardest hitting clubs on the pitch, but also for giving back to the community that supports them by participating in National Arbor Day Tree planting ceremonies, holiday toy drives, donating blankets and coats, as well as volunteering time to the Bakersfield Homeless Center each winter.

Tuskers who will play their 2009 season in Division II, along with rivals San Luis Obispo and San Fernando Valley, will be looking to improve upon their 2008 season which concluded with only two wins and a 7th place finish. Struggling due to player turnover, and the providing of playing time to younger players made for a rough 2008 season for Kern County, losing some matches by less than seven points.

"We are at a crossroads for our club this season. We are bringing up lots of younger players, with 1/3 coming from our High School League", says club president Ahmed Baaumer, " these young players make up 50 % of our team now". The Kern County High School Rugby program is under the non-profit umbrella of the Kern County Athletic Association and is for players between the ages of 14-18 years of age. Currently there are teams based out of BHS, Foothill and Highland High Schools, and are open to any high school student from Kern County, regardless of the high school they attend. These clubs compete against each other and high schools as far away as Orange and Ventura Counties. The club views these young "ruggers" as the future of Kern County and great ambassador's of the sport as they continue to grow in participation.

The club has made the high school program their number one priority over the next several years in an effort to build depth within the organization and to maintain consistent competitiveness for a chance at a Division I promotion. To assist in this strategy, the Kern County Rugby Football Club has launched the KCRFC Rugby Scholarship Program. Beginning this season a limited number of scholarships will be made available to young rugby players that have difficulty fulfilling the financial obligations of belonging to the club.

" A major goal is to educate the school system that rugby is a graceful game", says Ray Salazar who has been playing rugby in Kern County for 13 years. The 44 year-old player-coach, and high school wrestling star gave up softball for rugby and has never looked back. "This is such a beautiful sport, this is something that these kids can do after high school. It combines all the elements of wrestling, soccer and football."

Salazar and Baaumer both agreed that the clubs main focus for 2009 is to build depth by starting even more youngsters this season. "I want guys that are going to be here. We don't care about superstars. Come to practice, work hard and you will get time on the field", stated Salazar. He finished by saying, "My goal as a coach is that when we leave this game these kids will take over this club. Hopefully, we have coached them well and have taught them about respect and honor, and I think it will go along way on the field and in their life"

I asked club president Ahmed Baaumer what we might expect from the Tuskers this season. " We have an excellent front 8, one of top 3 in our division, and we have solid backs. I think we should have no less than a .500 season. If we beat San Fernando and Back Bay on the road, we could make the playoffs"

The Tuskers opened the 2009 season with a 24-10 loss last week to host Pasadena. All home games are played at Emerald Cove Park in Bakersfield. Kick of is at 1PM. Check the Kern County Rugby Football Clubs website for complete 2009 schedule at www.kcrugby.com