In theory, the goal of every team is to do as well as possible. Over the last three seasons, the Sacramento State?s men?s rugby team has taken that theory and run with it.

After missing the playoffs in 1998 because of an academically ineligible player, the team rebounded the following season by winning the Div. II national championship. In 2000, it moved up to Div. I.

“League rules are such that the best team in Div. II every year moves up to Div. I, and that the last place team in Div. I moves down to Div. II,” coach Justin Prichard said.

The team was competitive last year, and the stringent competition at the Div. I level has had no effect on it this year. As with most good teams, the Hornets set lofty goals for themselves and they have every intention of achieving them.

“The players set their own goals as a team,” Prichard said. “This year, they want to make the playoffs and get to the Final Four.”

And they?re off to a good start. Sac State blew through the preseason by going undefeated in nine games.

“Our first game against Maritime was canceled after the league added a new team to Div. II,” Prichard said. “They no longer had the open slot on their schedule to play us.”

Instead of opening the season at home, Sac State must travel to Chico State University this Saturday. They still like their chances.

“If the guys make first contact tackles and don?t commit silly penalties, we will be in a much better position to win,” Prichard said.

If they don?t win, it won?t be for lack of effort.

Rugby tradition is that teams hold practice twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. With so little time to practice, it is up to the players to put in extra work on their own time. Away from the field, Sac State?s men?s rugby team spends a lot of time lifting weights and doing various types of cardiovascular workouts. Mentally, the team has to remain sharp as well and Prichard has little to do with that aspect of their game.

“These guys are very self-motivated. They are always looking at the final picture. They tend to become more dedicated, more serious, more focused, as the season goes on,” Prichard said.

The rugby squad is a collection of talent from many different athletic backgrounds.

“That?s the beauty of rugby. Anybody can play it. We get football players, wrestlers, and runners. There?s a position for every skill set,” Prichard said. “As a spectator, you?ll see aggressive, exciting play on offense and defense. It really is a sport for everyone.”