I've played rugby at Castleton State College for seven semesters now. It seems like yesterday when I walked on to the pitch, beyond intimidated and stood in awe at the ability these so called "vets" had at this game of rugby. I seriously had never even heard of rugby before I stepped foot on campus. Seven semesters later, here I am a senior and a captain of the women's team. I never would of thought that either of these things would happen to me.

Let me tell you about what I think it's like to be a vet. Well, I can tell you if you're a vet that means that you've played for more then one semester, it also means that you have at least one semester of the best memories of your life with the greatest people alive, (for those of you who don't know who I'm talking about they are called RUGGERS). These people are beyond amazing, on and off the pitch. Ruggers are your best friends.

For those of you who have played on a sports team before, take that team bonding and times it by a hundred because that's what it is like to play rugby. I for one played every sport imaginable in high school. Joining the CSC women's rugby team was the best decision I've ever made. It helped me develop as a person and on the pitch.

A vet is a person who is there to teach you everything they know about rugby, they are there to help you with academics or just adjusting to college in general. A vet is the role model on and off the field to first semester players. A vet is expected to come to every practice possible when it doesn't conflict with work or academics. They are expected to set the best example possible, all of the time. Vets look out for first semester players, especially if it's their first year at college. Vets try to make the overall transition of college easier for first semester players.

The best part about being a vet is the unity that you have with your fellow ruggers. I'm not talking just on your team but any team in general. Each semester you get to meet new people and get to teach them to love, respect, and enjoy the game of rugby. College for me has been an amazing experience but rugby, I can't even begin to tell you what's it's done for me. It's that thing in life people just can't live without. Each and every game is an adrenaline rush and to be able to spend time with thirty girls that are your best friends is even more amazing. I think that if you asked any vet they would respond the same way.

Tara Evans