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WORCESTER – Monday, November 27, 2023 – The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) has granted varsity status to the Worcester Public Schools’ (WPS) rugby team, the WPS Wildcats. The MIAA granted the team Division 2 status at its October 25 full board meeting.
The Wildcats are based at Burncoat High School and open to students of all genders, regardless of rugby experience, who attend any WPS high school.
“Thank you to the Worcester Public Schools administration, MassHire, and everyone who worked together to create this additional athletic opportunity for our students,” said Mayor Joseph Petty, who is also the Chair of the Worcester School Committee. “It is important that we provide our students a menu of options that match their interests and encourage their participation in athletics.”
The WPS Wildcats open their inaugural season in the spring. The team was originally established as a club sport in 2021 with funding from WPS, the Worcester Sports Foundation, and private donors.
“It’s wonderful to continue to grow our athletic program to better meet the needs of all student athletes,” said WPS Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez. “Expanding our diversity of sports options allows more youth to attain skills in physical fitness, teamwork, and wellness.”
The Wildcats also received funding and support through the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Connecting Activities Initiative which is managed by the MassHire Central Region Workforce Board. MassHire invests in this and other WPS programs to foster career development skills through unique life experiences, such as rugby.
Weekly practices include interactive discussions around life and career skills drawn from the workforce development partner Commonwealth Corporation’s Signal Success curriculum that reflect rugby values.
“We are thrilled to add rugby to our varsity sports offerings,” said WPS Athletic Director Dave Shea. “The rugby values of integrity, passion, solidarity, discipline and respect align seamlessly with our department’s focus on sportsmanship and teamwork, as well as the MIAA’s mission of building the future through educational athletics.”
Bruce R. Mendelsohn, the Wildcats’ head coach, said making the team varsity signals a heightened commitment to the program.
“In our first two years, we were welcomed into the Massachusetts rugby community, but we lacked the important MIAA ‘Seal of Approval,’” Mendelsohn said. “Now that we have it, we’ll focus on building the program, developing players’ skills, and fielding a championship team that reflects Worcester’s grit and tenacity.”
Brendan McCormick, a senior at Worcester Technical High School, has played for the Wildcats for the past two seasons.
“Being a leader on the team has helped improve my communications and problem-solving skills,” McCormick said. “I’ve learned more about the game and how to be a good teammate and friend, both on and off the field. We’re excited to be varsity and play tough teams, which will help us grow even more.”
Kizito Lugano Okumu, a senior at Doherty High School who moved to Worcester from Kenya in 2022, joined the team last year. “Having played rugby for more than four years, I was able to continue playing and learning in a welcoming environment,” Okumu said. “It’s great that the Wildcats are a varsity team. Even better, we’ll attract more players from all Worcester high schools.”
Steven McDonald, a junior at Worcester Tech, eagerly awaits the inaugural varsity season.“I love how physical rugby is,” McDonald said. “Being able to tackle and ruck safely are my favorite parts of the sport. It also keeps me motivated during the school year, which helps my academics. I’ve met some of my best friends through the team.”
The WPS Wildcats welcome all student athletes, regardless of gender or rugby experience. Practices and home matches are at Burncoat HS; practices start March 2024. For info, email Head Coach Bruce Mendelsohn.