Central Washington University Rugby has been off to a fantastic start this season. The Wildcats began their 2023 campaign against the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds. CWU knew they were in for a tough first round squaring up against the current Canadian University Champions. The Wildcats came away victorious, with a 32-17 win. When asked about the teams preparation for the season, CWU Coach Todd Thornley said, “We have created a great sense of belonging within our group and had a lot of fun along the way mixed in with the hard work which has absolutely contributed to some favorable outcomes.” Coach Thornley emphasizes that the team feels different this year. “We are intentionally trying to have as much fun as possible at the right times and enjoy each other’s company,” says Thornley.
Since the opening win, the Wildcats have continued to go 2-0, besting both Western Washington and Trinity Western with impressive scorelines. Looking forward to the rest of the season, coach Thornley remains humble and focused. Thornley recognizes, “every week is a challenge for us, we have some great teams lined up on our schedule so preparing as best as we possibly can. We have a long road ahead of us, so taking it one training session and one game at a time is crucial for us to continue our growth.” Central Washington continues their season February 4th, taking on UCLA.
Q&A with Coach Todd Thornley
How has your preparation for 2023 been? How has it set you up for success this year?
We had a good fall pre season trainng block where we focused on mainly individual development before building out our game model this past month. Most importantly we have created a great sense of belonging within our group and had a lot of fun along the way mixed in with the hard work which has absolutely contributed to some favorable outcomes. While the outcomes have been great so far, performance has been sub par at times in our games so far so there is plenty to improve on as the season goes on.
You’re playing great rugby – how have the boys been getting on in training? Do things feel different this year than previous years?
We have been lucky at times during our limited season so far, as trainings have been inconsistent in terms of effort and intent. We know we have a long way to go in our ability to train consistently day in day out but they environment has been great in terms of everyone enjoying each other’s company. It does feel different to previous year, but we are intentionally trying to have as much fun as possible at the right times and enjoy each other’s company when we are off the grass. They are a tight group with some experienced players leading well.
As you look towards the rest of the season, what are you looking forward to? What challenges do you foresee?
Every week is a challenge for us, we have some great teams lined up on our schedule so preparing as best as we possibly can week in week out to put a performance out there that we can be proud of is all we are chasing. We have a long road ahead of us, so taking it one training session and one game at a time is crucial for us to continue our growth.
