CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Eastern Illinois women's rugby head coach, Frank Graziano, has announced open tryouts for the 2009 season.

Any interested EIU students should meet in the LANTZ ARENA POOL LOUNGE (located off the main concourse and behind the pool) on TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 at 6 PM for a brief informational meeting. Actual tryouts will begin the following Wednesday or Thursday.

For more information, please contact coach Graziano at (217) 581-7135. EIU Panther rugby, which enters its twelve season this fall, is the premiere NCAA Division I squad in the nation.

All Attendees must bring proof of insurance. Additionally, incoming freshmen must be registered with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

"Every season we have had several walk-ons make our squad," said coach Graziano. "In the past we have had several walk-ons on our roster that we picked either in the fall or spring, with many having earned starting spots."

Not only have walk-ons become starters, but Graziano states that many have gone on to become stars in the program. "Several former athletes listed in our record book joined the team as a walk-on, including Mary Archer and Kate Taake, who were both freshmen walk ons and ultimately became team MVP's."

Another former walk-on who has made an impact to the squad is Eileen O'Rourke, who started as a walk-on and eventually earned a scholarship and is in her second season as the graduate assistant coach with the program.

The Panthers are in the midst of preseason practice camp and will open the 2009 campaign on the road at Ball State on Sat., September 5, with kickout set for noon.

2009 Panther Rugby schedule

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID