Lake County team members working to build interest, following in rugby

Ryan Gillaspie had every reason not to step onto the field again.

After his first game, following practice the previous Thursday, he left the field with a dislocated shoulder, bruised ribs and an elbow to the eyebrow, "which looked like two golf balls under my skin."

But instead of calling it quits, Gillaspie fell in love. He hopes more guys will try the physical game that is gaining momentum - rugby.

"It's a sport where no matter your size, your athletic ability, your IQ, you name it, it doesn't matter. We have a spot for you," the Lindenhurst resident said.

Gillaspie said don't be fooled by the misconception that rugby is a "hooligan's sport."

"There are no pads involved so that makes it seem more barbaric than it really is," he said. "But there are a lot of rules in place that keep safety in mind."

Gillaspie said he learned about the sport from family members who played rugby in New Zealand. Rugby didn't interest him at first, but that changed after he learned about the Lake County Gladiators.

"I needed to get out of the house. Being home with now 3-year-olds, I had to get out," he said.

The team started in 1990 as the Lake County Rogues. Vinny Jiuditta, who played rugby in college, played with the Rogues from 1994 to 1997 and said numbers dwindled as teammates left due to military deployment, jobs or retired due to age. Finally, the team dismantled.

Jiuditta played with a Schaumburg team, but many wanted to rebuild in Lake County. So, in 2003, he started the Gladiators. The 35-member team has players who range from 18 to 42 years old.

"You can be a linebacker and a running back in any part of the game at any time. It is aggressive. The fact that you play with a lot of heart, that is a big attraction of it," said Jiuditta of Lake Villa.

The sport started in Rugby, England, when during a game a soccer player picked up the ball and ran with it. While the sport has elements of football, soccer and wrestling, one misconception is it's the same as football.

Michael Bailey, who has played with the Gladiators since 2003, said football is a collision sport, where players hit to stop a guy in his tracks. Rugby is a contact sport, but players don't make violent hits that are prevalent in football.

Bailey added there also is a misconception that the players are all crazy and are on the field to hit. There is a mental aspect to rugby that gets missed.

"Some people think I put on jersey, hit guy and run with ball and be done. That's not true," said Bailey, of Waukegan. "Some of the finer points of the game sometimes get missed because people only see the surface of it. There is skill, talent and tactics that go into it."

While the sport can be physical, Gillaspie said team members will bring their family to Saturday games at Grandwood Park in Gurnee.

"They will pass by the field and say that's where daddy plays rugby," he said.

In the midst of their spring season, the Gladiators also prepare for fall, their bracketed season where they play teams across the Chicago area. With continuous turnover, the team hopes to move up in competitive ranking.

"We all would love to see this team move up on a competitive level. It takes time and dedication," said Michael Roemer of Wadsworth. "We are stacked with guys who are dedicated to stay."

While players are aggressive, Gillaspie said they enjoy the camaraderie off the field, adding the host team always hosts a party after each game.

"You share that common spirit. There is something a little off about you, but you bond together," Bailey said.

Rugby may be gaining recognition. Gillaspie said rugby will be featured in the 2016 Olympics, the first time since 1924.

"The United States is the defending gold medalist," he adds. "We haven't dominated rugby in a long time."

The Gladiators hope this recognition will attract young blood who want to try this unique sport.

"If you've got heart, we can teach you the rest," Jiuditta said.

The Lake County Gladiators play home games at Grandwood Park in Gurnee. For information about remaining spring games, or to join the Lake County Gladiators, contact Ryan at (847) 650-8437 or Vinny at (847) 812-2590, or visit. Or visit the team's website at www.lakecountyrugby.org.