Rugby club helps build camaraderie off duty Published March 7, 2012 By Senior Airman Eric Summers Jr. 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- A club founded in 1958 has regained momentum on the gulf coast in a sport that is known world wide. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Men's Rugby Football Club is comprised of Airmen from Keesler, Sailors, Soldiers and civilians who come together and play this full-contact sport. John Wehrman, MGCRC utility player and interim president, described rugby as a barbarian sport played by gentlemen who work in cohesion with intelligence and teamwork strongly based on fitness and selflessness. The object of rugby is that two teams of 15 or seven players each, observing fair play according to the laws and sporting spirit, carry, pass, kick and ground the ball, scoring as many points as possible. The team scoring the most points is the winner of the match. "I started playing when I was in the Air Force in 2003 at Cannon (Air Force Base, N.M.) and fell in love when i saw officers, enlisted and civilians playing together," said Wehrman. "It's not just about one person who's an all-star. It's about team work." David Hough, 81st Operations Support Flight air traffic controller, said that teamwork is one of the things that kept him playing the game. "You don't really see the camaraderie that you see on the field anywhere else," said Hough. Stephen Brett, Mississippi Army National Guard, agrees that the teamwork on the field is a great experience and something he's familiar with. "It's like working with military -- we have the same camaraderie and team cohesion. We work as a team, same in the military," said Brett. "I've learned to quit thinking about myself and think about the team. Out here, everybody is looking to pass not score." Wehrman said that rugby is one of the most demanding sports in the world. For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother tomorrow, a quote from William Shakespeare's Henry V. "Its the most exhausting thing I have ever done, physically and mentally tiring," said Wehrman. "Out there each man takes a lead and it kind of gives you a rush because you know the team you're playing is just as exhausted, but you have to be better than them." "This helps out with physical training test -- we're out here two hours non-stop sprinting," said Hough. "I just love the contact. I love the aggression and getting dirty." Wehrman said that anybody is welcome to play and they are always looking to recruit new players and fans. For more information about the MSGCRC call 228-243-2673 or visit www.msgulfcoastrugby.com.