PROVO — Rise and shout, BYU (5-0) is finally back in town and ready to take on the Air Force Academy in the first home game of the season Saturday at 1 p.m. MT at BYU’s South Field.
“There is nothing like the first home game of the season and feeling such strong support from our fans,” said Kyle Sumsion, BYU team captain. “We’re happy to be home.”
Up to this point in the season BYU has five straight wins, and the latest victory came over Utah State (64-12).
The Air Force Academy sports only one loss and most recently defeated Pittsburg, Dartmouth and Georgetown in the Las Vegas Invitational where the team was made up of several Academy grads as well as active-duty members.
The BYU-Air Force Academy rivalry is not strictly reserved to football. Both schools have strong rugby programs and have a history of playing each other. The last time the Cougars took on the Falcons at home was in 2012, and the Cougars dominated 76-20.
The Air Force rugby team, more commonly known as the Zoomie Rugby Football Club, began in 1968. It won national championships in 1989, 1990 and 2003, and is part of the D14 Western Conference. Team members hail from all around the United States, as well as the Republic of Georgia. Head coach Joe Muehlbauer has more than 30 years of playing experience, has been coaching for almost 20 years and is a member of the Eastern Rockies Rugby Hall of Fame.
“Playing against the Air Force Academy never disappoints,” said BYU rugby coach David Smyth. “The cadets train hard both physically and intellectually. They always come prepared, and we appreciate their dedication to both the sport and the nation.”
The game will be streamed live on BYU rugby’s YouTube channel. Also, register for the BYU rugby 50th Anniversary Celebration (April 17-18). Tickets include a reception, devotional, tickets to the Varsity Cup Semifinal Match and more.
BYU will be on the road at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California, the following week. The team returns home for a game March 7. The team for that game has yet to be announced.
For more information, or to register for the anniversary events, check out BYU rugby’s homepage.