“We are extremely exited to be adding the Cougars to the Red River,” said TCU Head Coach and Red River Commissioner TeShay Flowers. “In the Red River we are always monitoring other programs, and looking for ways to strengthen our competition. By bringing in Coach [Daniel] Whetzel, who has a wealth of rugby knowledge and experience, we are confident that they will be a good fit in the Red River.”
TC: What are your overall thoughts on the team joining the Red River Conference?
AP: I am very excited for the team becoming Division 1-A Rugby. This brings a higher level of game to us but means that we have to buckle down as an organization.
The University of Houston definitely deserves D1-A rugby, as it has the potential for being one of the best schools. This is because of the sheer size, but also the University’s tendency to attract foreign students who may bring rugby experience with them.
Of course, Whetzel and the club understand that recruiting will play a big role in the season. The Cougars will have their work cut out for them: Several of the universities in the Red River Conference are large clubs armed with well-known backers or athletes with scholarships.
“I think when the students who can play rugby see that we (play) LSU, Arkansas, Oklahoma, I think that’s going to excite them,” Whetzel said. “Once we show that we’re stable in Division I-A and can make an impact for UH, we’d like to see the university sponsor us and maybe even give us some scholarships.”
