Elgin River Rats player Keenan Dodd squats with teammate Ezra Steffen on his shoulders during strength drills at Monday's practice at Abbott Middle School in Elgin. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Elgin River Rats coach Robert Copland directs his team during a practice Monday. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Keenan Dodd stretches for the ball during practice Monday in Elgin. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Assistant coach Loren Harris holds a body dummy for Sean Sadowski during Elgin River Rats practice Monday. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Assistant coach Loren Harris (left) and head coach Robert Copland demonstrate a drill Monday during Elgin River Rats practice. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
The Elgin River Rats rugbyclub team is undefeated and playing a semifinal game on Saturday in the state tournament. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Assistant coach John Sheppard tries to chase down Leo Garcia during Elgin River Rats practice. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Teammates (from left) Bonifacio Lara, John Vargas and Sean Sadowski are taught a rugby position by coach Robert Copland. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
Elgin River Rats players and coaches practice rugby drills Monday. | Michael Smart~Sun-Times Media
In its third season, the 25-man Elgin River Rats rugby club team went 5-0 in the regular season and won its first playoff game last weekend. Next up is a semifinal match against an opponent from Peoria on Saturday at Abbott Field in Elgin. …Read More
