By ELLIOT HARRIS

Staff Writer

It was the alumni team who showed the younger Techsters who was boss in the annual Alumni Rugby Game held Saturday with a score of 32-20.

Jake Kennedy, vice president and match secretary of the team and a senior civil engineering major, said it was the alumni team's experience that made a difference in his team's loss.

"They had a lot more experienced players," Kennedy said. "They usually win every time. If we hadn't had so many errors, we would've won."

Kelly Irvin, captain of the rugby team, next year's team president and a senior industrial engineering major, said although the final numbers may not show it, his team did well.

"We started out 12-0, but [the alumni team] calmed down and started playing fundamental rugby," Irvin said.

"The old guys know the ins and outs. What they lacked in speed and conditioning, they made up for in skill and knowledge of the game."

The alumni, according to Kennedy, have been playing against the rugby team for approximately eight years.

Kennedy said many of the alumni players are members of the Shreveport Men's Club, a semi-professional league.

Kennedy also said the game is mostly a social event that allows the team to meet and learn from rugby players of the past.

"It gives current players a chance to interact with alumni," Kennedy said. "They give us a lot of good tips on how to play and become better organized.

"Many play for the Men's Club, and they show us how to build numbers, stay in good standing with the league and how to take care of travel arrangements."

Irvin said the game was an enjoyable experience.

"It's always good to see past teammates," Irvin said. "We get to play with older players. It's one of our big fund-raisers."

Kennedy said the alumni donated $250 to the team, and Irvin said the alumni bought the team's current jerseys, which they have had for two years.

Irvin said the game's attendance was good and he is appreciative, but "recruitment is a problem." He said getting new rugby players is something the team will work on next year.

"We plan to set up a booth at orientation next year [to promote] the rugby team and discuss what we do and have," Irvin said.

Dr. James Heimdal, chairman of the health and exercise sciences department and a volunteer coach and adviser for the team, said it was a great day.

"We do this every year, and the old boys always win," Heimdal said. "It was a wonderful day.

"It's good for Tech to have alumni come back. They come from North Carolina and all over the country."