NakedCity Wichita

wichita barbarians

Posted on 05. Mar, 2010 by Seth in lifestyle

words > TROY R. WELLS

photos > DARRIN HACKNEY

In every town there is always a small pocket of obscure athletes whose sole purpose for playing is their love of the game. They may not be as noticeable as other mainstream clubs or sports, but their passion and drive is just as comparable. Just below the surface, there is something going on in Wichita, and has been for quite some time, unknown to the rest of us: The Wichita Barbarian Rugby Squad.

Founded 20 plus years ago, The Wichita Barbarians, along with their female and youth counterpart squads, The Valkyries and Spartans, have been hitting the ground and each other for the love of rugby.

Rugby, for those who are unfamiliar, is basically the predecessor to what is now American Football. Rugby consists of a squad of 15 people whose goal is to get the ball down the field to score in their opponent’s in-goal area. Simple enough, but unlike football, the players on the field must be able play offense and defense; the game and the clock are constantly moving.

Those who have heard of rugby before may have misperceived the game as being brutal and violent. True, there is little padding worn and the physical agility required is surmountable, but it is not just a bunch of thugs running up and down the field with no goal to be achieved. It takes a certain kind of person to play the game of rugby.

Britton Harper is one of those individuals. A marketing director by trade, Harper has been balancing a career life and a sport he loves for 20 years. Rugby has taken him all over the country and even overseas. Harper fell in love with the game in college at KSU and has seen the game mature with the addition of new rules and accountability in the fold. “The game had… had a no-holds-barred reputation for a while, but with certification now for referees and better rules, it has helped change things for the better.” A brotherly camaraderie among his teammates also helps in their self-policing. “We hold a kangaroo court at Larry Buds and we keep each other in check and discipline ourselves and teammates if necessary.”

Though efforts have been made, don’t get it twisted, this is a tough sport. Harper seems up for the challenge and has seen his team’s progress. They finished 5th in division III last year and are looking forward to moving up. Getting fans behind you also helps.

The Barbarians have started their season, along with their youth and female counterparts, so come check them out! The squad plays on saturdays at Harrison Park around 2pm. Harper says to bring out your coolers and take in something that is only getting better.

For more information, check out wichitarugby.com.

Tags: local, rugby, sports