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Archive for August 31st, 2011


Is USA Rugby Ready to Take the Next Step? 6

Posted on August 31, 2011 by William Taylor

The USA Rugby team is preparing for the upcoming World Cup.

When you think of sport in the United States, you might think American Football, Basketball, Baseball, maybe even Hockey. If you think outside the box, you might notice that Soccer is getting big over there. But Rugby? Surely not.

In fact, Rugby is now new arrival to ‘The Land of the Free’ – it has been around for well over a hundred years, and this November will be 99 years since they played their first international – a 12-8 loss to Australia.

Since then, however, their game has come a long way, and in 1987, they made their first appearance in the newly formed Rugby World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Between then and now, they have featured in every tournament since the 1995 one when they missed out.

Their World Cup debut came against Japan, in Brisbane. The States ran out 21-18 winners that day in an entertaining encounter. But their honeymoon period soon ended, with defeats to Australia and England ending their World Cup dream. Read the rest of this entry →

77 Years Ago Today: Chicago College All-Star Game Begins 40 Year Run 4

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Dean Hybl

The first Chicago College All-Star Game was played on August 31, 1934.

It was 77 years ago today that nearly 80,000 people packed Soldier Field for the first game of what would become a popular forty year series of football games pitting the best of the recent college graduates against the defending NFL Champions.

The brainchild of Chicago Tribune Sports Editor Arch Ward, the first game was played on August 31, 1934 and though the game ended in a 0-0 tie, it set the stage for an annual exhibition that eventually drew more than 100,000 fans.

Many of the greatest players in college and NFL history were part of the series over the years and the game wasn’t always a walk-in-the-park for the NFL Champions against the young NFL rookies. In fact, two of the first three games in the series ended in a tie and in 1937 Sammy Baugh led the College All-Stars to their first victory in the series.

The game was played annually through 1976 when declining crowds and the reluctance of coaches to lose their star rookies for the beginning of training camp led to the end of the series.

However, what still remains is a legacy of classic games and memories of a time when NFL exhibition games did have value and meaning and newcomers could make an immediate impression against the best stars in the league.

For more memories from the Chicago College All-Star Games, check out this in depth article that was originally written for Sports Then and Now in 2009.

  • Vintage Athlete of the Month

    • Louie Dampier: The First 3-Point King
      November 13, 2024 | 1:02 pm
      Louie Dampier

      Louie Dampier’s name might not resonate as widely as other basketball legends, but the Sports Then & Now Vintage Athlete of the Month’s impact on the game, particularly during the American Basketball Association (ABA) era, is undeniable. Known for his pinpoint shooting, exceptional ball handling, and relentless work ethic, Dampier enjoyed a stellar basketball career that saw him thrive in both the ABA and NBA. As one of the most consistent and prolific guards of his time, Dampier left a lasting legacy, and his role in the ABA’s history solidified his place in the annals of basketball greatness.

      Read more »

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