History of the Reapers

According to school records, Whitman college has consistently fielded a men's rugby club since the mid-1970's.  However, researching alumni records brought to light the fact that we have alumnae who played rugby for the school in the late 1950's!  Throughout much of the 1960's and early 1970's men's rugby at Whitman was sporadic at best.  However, Whitman is one of the few college's in the northwest that has maintained a team each and every year since 1973.  In ealier times the team struggled for a sufficient number of players, but there were always dedicated ruggers who kept the game alive on campus.  Since at least the mid 1990's the men's team has been known as the Reapers.  No one currently with the club knows exactly when or how that nickname came about, although there is a story about needing to take up a new mascot when the school shut the program out for a season due to, um, "disciplinary reasons".  Regardless, being the Whitman Reapers is something we are proud of and we strive to represent the name well.

Most years Whitman has shown modest success on the rugby field.  On the pitch highlights would be the two times the club has earned the right to represent the Pacific Northwest Rugby Football Union in the playoffs (1995 and 2005).  Off the pitch highlights would be the strong bonds of friendship this game brings amongst teammates and adversaries.  Even in years with a lean turnout of players, or few W's in the win column, the team has always had a strong tradition of celebrating athleticism and the love of this grand game of rugby.

With a permanent coach the club has grown into one of the top small college clubs in the northwest.  Events such as our annual Canada tour, alumni weekend, and road trips to various tournaments combine with our league schedule to give us a full year of rugby activities. In mentioning our alumnae, we would like to take this moment to thank all of our alum's who have attended events with us or donated funds to the club.  Our strong alumnae support will go a long way in advancing this club to new levels.

Whitman Reaper rugby has a long, wonderful history. Our current players look forward to building upon this foundation in all the years to come.