GOLDEN, Colo. — Mines Men's Rugby opened its preseason with a productive day of rugby, taking the pitch for two 20-minute scrimmages against local men's league clubs, the Denver Barbarians and Denver Highlanders. With scores not kept for either contest, the focus was on getting the returning squad back into form, giving new players an opportunity to compete, and building connections with two of the area's established rugby clubs.
Mines opened the day against the Denver Barbarians, getting its first extended run on the pitch of the season. Despite the early-season rust, the Orediggers put together a solid performance and managed to keep pace with the experienced Barbarians side. For a group getting its first taste of live rugby this season, the opening scrimmage provided a valuable opportunity to shake off the offseason and begin building match fitness.
The Orediggers followed with a second 20-minute scrimmage against the Denver Highlanders. After getting their feet wet in the opening match, Mines showed improvement in the second contest, moving players into different positions and finding better cohesion across the squad. With the entire group able to take the field and compete together, the scrimmage provided another important step toward establishing the combinations and chemistry needed for the upcoming season.
The day also marked an opportunity for Mines to strengthen its relationships with the local rugby community. Both the Barbarians and Highlanders provided strong competition and valuable preseason experience, helping the Orediggers prepare for the challenges ahead while continuing to build connections with the Denver-area men's rugby clubs.
The preseason also saw two new young players, Ducky Pavlides and Will Skaar, earn spots on the Mines roster. Their additions bring new energy to a squad largely made up of returning players working their way back into form.
The day featured a particularly fitting connection between Mines captain Bryce Roder (MUHSrfc '24) and Denver Barbarians player Jack O'Connor (MUHSrfc '14), bringing together two generations of Marquette University High School rugby alumni on opposite sides of the pitch.
Overall, it was a strong first step for the Orediggers. With two scrimmages, a chance to work through different combinations, and valuable competition against local clubs, Mines took another step toward being ready for the regular season.
On to the next.
