BYU rugby celebrates its third consecutive National Championship. The Cougars defeated Air Force by 72 points on Saturday. (Elliot Miller)
BYU men’s rugby defeated Air Force 80-8 in their home opener on Saturday afternoon.
Air Force scored first, converting a penalty kick to lead 3-0. From there the Cougars dominated the scoreboard and brought their lead up to 33-3 in the first half. Junior Ara Elkington scored the first try and finished the game with three. He said that the Cougars were ready to improve after a close 30-29 victory over game Saint Mary’s last week.
“Our desire to improve really made the difference tonight,” Elkington said. “We aren’t afraid to pass the ball and we have some moves that we really executed well to get over the try line. Overall we performed well”
Air Force scored a quick try to open the second half, but the Cougars continued to dominate.
“I thought the boys did very well,” said head coach David Smyth. “There are still a few things we need to work on, but all in all it’s progression and the right direction.”
Center Calvin Whiting connected on 10 conversions in the game. He said he's already looking ahead to next week’s home game against Central Washington.
“I’m excited about our team and where we are headed,” Whiting said. “As long as we are better tomorrow than we are today, that’s all we can ask for.”