Algonquin College Rugby Faces Cuts, Players Fight Back

0:00Algonquin College just hit a rough patch in their sports scene. The students' association suspended both the men's and women's rugby programs due to tight finances in post-secondary schools. No games this fall, and players got the news out of nowhere, in a quick Zoom call where they couldn't even speak up. The association handles funding for all athletics, but they haven't explained why rugby got the axe, while other teams stay funded. They blame broader money woes across Ontario colleges, and even dodged questions from reporters on the specifics. Players are straight up heartbroken, one called a devastating, hitting hard the next day. For many, rugby's more than a game, it's family, and escape from bad days, and a core piece of who they are. They built tight bonds on the field that feel ripped away now. In response, athletes launched a petition that racked up over 2,000 signatures in days, holding support from alumni, coaches, other teams, and even Olympians. They're eyeing fundraisers and lining up sponsors eager to jump in.

1:02The rugby crews not backing down, pushing for answers and solutions despite the stone walling. With that community fire, they might just tackle this setback and get back on the pitch. That's the story for today. Calgary News Today, Driven by AI