Steamboat Springs Rugby hosts home opener Saturday

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Scrums, tries and line-outs return to Whistler Park for Steamboat Springs Rugby's home opener at 1 p.m. Saturday against Aspen.

Aspen has been one of the top teams in the league for a few years now but Steamboat's Rob Schwarz feels confident this is the year Aspen could be dethroned.

"I'd say this is the strongest team we've had in several years," Schwarz said of his hometown team.

Steamboat had its first test of the season last weekend, traveling to Grand Junction for a friendly match. Steamboat came out victorious, 90-7, a pretty good indication that Schwarz's scouting report on the local team is correct.

The rugby team invites the public to Whistler Park, 1530 Meadow Lane, for Saturday's game in what many of the players believe could be the face-off of the summer.

Last year, Steamboat won the 50th annual Cowpie Classic, its home rugby tournament in July. Not only did the men take the title, but Steamboat's women and old boys also won their respective divisions.

"We're hoping to carry that momentum into a strong season this year," Schwarz said, alluding to hopes of an undefeated season.

Those who are unable to make it to Saturday's game can still be part of the action on Saturday, June 28, when Steamboat welcomes Vail to Whistler Park at 1 p.m.

Steamboat will also host the 51st annual Cowpie Classic all day July 19. The event returns to Ski Town Fields after being forced to relocate to Emerald Park last year.

The team was founded in 1971, introducing the Cowpie Classic shortly after in 1973.