| Spring 2003 Outlook |
| The Mustangs are coming off their most succesful season in the club's five year history. An undefeated (5-0) record and the Minnesota Rugby Union Division III Championship raised the bar for the team. The Mustangs do not rely on any one player or even on the backs and/or the forwards for their success. The team is built around experience and a willingness to work hard. Many of the Mustangs have the ability to play multiple positions, a trait that is very important due to the clubs lack of depth (the most glaring weakness). The Mustangs lose two of the teams most experienced players going into the Spring. Dave Ross has been with the club since its inception in the Fall of 1998. Ross missed some time with a broken leg, but when in the lineup he is one of the teams leaders. Ross is the heart and the soul of the Mustangs. He will be missed for many reasons. Matt Rosdahl will be tough to replace in the Mustang backline. Rosdahl founded the Mustangs in the Fall of 1998 and has served as the teams on-field captain in every game he has played. Rosdahl finished his career as the Mustangs all-time leader in scoring (100pts) and trys scored (20). Rosdahl also holds the team marks for single season trys scored (8), single game trys scored (4), and single game scoring (20). Rosdahl set the single season trys scored mark this past Fall in just five games. He will be missed for his leadership and knack for getting into try. The Mustangs should be able to fill these holes. If Tim Paradis, Chris Fatlund, and Alex Oey can manage to stay healthy the Mustangs will have three quality props in place. The most glaring ommision with the loss of Ross might be his ability in the lineouts. One of the Mustangs will have to step up and take on the role of the tosser in the lineouts. The loss of Rosdahl may be easier to fill then many may think. Corey Boogard returns to the club after a few semesters "off". One of the fastest and strongest players on the team Boogard should slide into the centre spot vacated by Rosdahl and the Mustangs should not lose a beat. The Mustangs are poised to become one of the best teams in the midwest. Sometime this Spring the Mustangs will play for the Midwest Division III Championship, as well as the normal Spring tournament schedule. Predicted Starting Lineup: Brian Tesch - Senior - Prop Alex Oey - Senior - Prop Tim Paradis - Sophomore - Prop Anthony Earlywine - Senior - Prop Mark Berg - Sophomore - Hooker Jim Valiant - Freshman - Lock Mike Curwick - Sophomore - Lock Jeremy Cauwels - Sophomore - Lock Don Duetschlander - Senior - Lock Cory Ward - Senior - Flanker Dan Rorvik - Senior - Flanker Garrit Schneeman - Freshman - Flanker Jeremy Nauman - Freshman - Flanker Dan Rice - Senior - Eight Man Nathan Hagan - Senior - Scrumhalf Mike Daugs - Senior - Flyhalf Cory Boogaard - Sophomore - Center Adam Caughey - Junior - Center Koji Kanita - Junior - Wing Vinny Opati - Junior - Wing Steve Egerstrom - Junior - Wing Steve Thithavong - Freshman -Wing Mussau Domiano - Freshman - Wing Mike Kamrud - Sophomore - Fullback |