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Show Pride of P.C. Muckers heads for St. George by Dave Mueller Don Sturges is one of those guys who can look you straight in the eye and unabashedly talk about pride. With no trace of triteness in the tone, no self consciousness, Sturges levels the axiom of pride as clearly as if he were scribing a basic theorem of mathematics on a classroom blackboard. (Yes, .Don's a former math teacher.; teach-er.; You see, Sturges has accepted the many-faceted challenge of guiding the Park City Rugby Football Club as coach in 1984. "Record-wise, the club is coming off its roughest season ever," acknowledged Sturges. "But I have seen nothing but potential and enthusiasm so far in our workouts. "You have to remember the way the Muckers finished up last year," notes Sturges, in reference to the vibrant rugby played by Park City in the '83 Challenge Cup. "The input and effort made by Pete (Coach Pete Ostrom) and the players paid off at the end when we almost won the tournament. I know everyone has pride in what they finally accomplished and they want to continue to build." Tactically, Sturges intends to "open the game up" a bit more than last season by giving his backline more opportunities. "I want to develop fifteen-man play, although we're going to continue the aggressive co-hesiveness co-hesiveness that Pete brought to the forwards last year." Sounds like a big order. "It all gets back around to pride," re-stated Sturges. "It is something that has been lacking in this club for some time. And I mean throughout the whole team, each member, every game and practice. If you have pride you have enthusiasm. With that you have better practice and better fitness. Fitness and practice lead to better execution. Pride also leads to competition for positions, camaraderie and teamwork. All that makes rugby fun and betters your chances every Saturday." Sturges' charges get their chance to set the '84 plan in motion this Saturday in St. George as they open the new campaign against the first-year first-year Dixie Rugby Club. The match is slated for 2 p.m. with a "third half" to be played against Las Vegas R.F.C. Mucker Meddlings The club will use the upcoming weekend as not only a season opener, but also as a getaway from the snowy weather that has kept the Muckers practicing in- . doors. "I figure we'll get our first real run on grass about ' 30 minutes before the game," said Sturges. "Some sunshine will sure feel good." Anyone interested in travelling with the Muckers to the sunny southland for the weekend should get in touch with Road Chairman Blacky Jones (649-8681), cr Fan Club President Jay ' Meehan (654-1372) by Friday morning. .t , i |