organization called Rugby PA, which
includes a mix of single schools and club
teams throughout western Pennsylvania.
As a sport, rugby football has a
reputation for being dangerous—a
stereotype that Danke hopes North Pitt
United can overcome through basic
education.
“Rugby is viewed as being too rough
due to the fact that there are no pads.
Because there are no pads, we have to
be even more careful with the way we
instruct players in the contact zone.
Everything is controlled,” he explains,
adding that there are no “shoulder
charges” or hitting a player without
“wrapping,” like in football.
“Many football programs have
looked to rugby-style tackling for
safer alternatives to the contact zone
in football,” Danke says. Leading this
movement, according to him, is the
head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, Pete
Carroll.
The sport also requires a high level of
respect between players, coaches and
referees.
“We live in a society with a lot of
screaming from the sidelines and stands,”
notes Danke. “In rugby, everything is
about respect. Only one person speaks to
the sir [referee], and that is the on-field
captain. Everything must be funneled
through that player when emotions
arise.”
In addition, after every match, players
from both teams meet for a post-match
meal with the referee, coaches and
parents.
“The post-match meal is always a
hard habit to break for players, since
many sports would not even think about
sharing a meal with their opponent
after battling for 70 minutes,” Danke
says. “Our players have been extremely
respectful on and off the pitch.”
Athletes interested in learning more
about the sport can participate in a
youth co-ed program this summer. The
program will take place on Thursday
evenings in June and July at St. Ursula
Church on Duncan Avenue in Allison
Park. The cost is $50 per person, and
each player receives a T-shirt and rugby
ball.
For more information about
North Pitt United RFC, call
724.882.3131 or send an email to
[email protected]. You can
also find information about the club on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by
searching @NorthPittUnited. n
North Hills Varsity Boys
Trevor Thoma
Mikey Knochel
North Hills Varsity Girls
Phoebe Keenan
New Club
Ellie Hall fighting her way through a
defender to solidify a 50-meter try
down the sideline against Moon.
Mya Orgovan getting through a
defender during a match this season
at Moon.
Christian Henning looking to offload in
traffic during the team’s Kiski Valley match.
Ross Township | Summer 2017 | icmags.com 13