A Different Game Plan for NOLA

Rugby – a sport of strength, speed and strategy that began in English public schools in the nineteenth century. If you drive down Hollywood Street to Tobey Park on a Tuesday or Thursday, regardless of Memphis weather you will see some of our very own White Station Spartans practicing.

Spartans compete against schools in the city and the region. They have opened matches for Arkansas State and Ole Miss as “curtain-raisers” and have had the opportunity to play on a college field, to watch college rugby players compete and to talk with college coaches.

In 2011, the White Station rugby team began playing against the Brother Martin High School Crusaders from New Orleans, Louisiana. And in March, the Spartan Rugby team will be traveling to NOLA for another match.

“[Coach Brooks] has a lot of connections to teams,” team captain Joseph Asemah (12) said about rugby coach and chemistry teacher, Tony Brooks. “He and the coach for Brother Martin used to be on a rugby team.”

White Station and Brother Martin switch game locations every year. Last year, the Crusaders were treated with authentic Memphis barbeque, and this year, the Spartan team will have a chance to tour New Orleans and devour a crawfish meal after the game.

Some Spartans will also be touring colleges. “[Coach Brooks] tries to expose us to opportunities for collegiate scholarships for rugby, too,” Asemah said.

Brother Martin High school typically has more experienced players than White Station. Though the record with Brother Martin is 3-0, Asemah feels good about this year’s game.

“The game plan is gonna be different this time. We have good talent,” Asemah said. “In the past four years that I have been here, [this year’s energy] is definitely the highest.”