Dear Editor:
In response to the April 17 "Our Word," "No excuse for football-rugby brawl," I concur with the editorial staff of the Daily Egyptian in condemning those involved with the unfortunate incident that occurred two weekends ago at a rugby house party. Having attended that particular rugby party and learning about the melee just this week (I left earlier in the evening) it is incomprehensible for me to believe that anything like this could have happened at all. Earlier in the evening, I was greeted by hospitable members of both the men's and women's rugby squads. The fun, camaraderie and friendships extended not just with the SIUC clubs, but with the likes of student-athletes from Northern Illinois University, Purdue, Western Illinois and Northwestern. Even though I wasn't present when the melee broke out, I can say with full confidence that after a full weekend of rugby, the last thing on anyone's mind would be to start a fight.
Only undisciplined, cowardly people would engage in such thug-like behavior. My only suggestion is for all the women who were allegedly punched and kicked that evening to come forward and not let this unfortunate event die quietly. If you are affiliated with the University's Athletic Department, think about what happened and start asking yourself some serious questions.
D.W. Hey
graduate student, health education
Published on 11/17/05; 12:24:44 PM
