It wasn't all that long ago that Gators Rugby Football Club captain Chris MacDougall and his fellow teammates didn't have a home field to practice and play their beloved sport on.

"I remember having practices in the open spaces at the villas, only to get kicked out by the groundskeeper," said SF State senior MacDougall, recalling his days on the team as a freshman. "We lacked a lot of structure and had no support from the university."

Needless to say, Gators rugby has come a long way since MacDougall first joined the team four years ago. And this past semester has brought a lot of positive and developmental changes to the once unrecognizable sports club.

"The club finally has a foundation we can build from," MacDougall said. "Now that we have the numbers and the school's blessings, we are in a good position to make a name for ourselves."

In past seasons, practices and games had a more recruitment-forward approach. Most of their time was spent on trying to recruit new members. Now that they have a full team and school recognition, their focus has shifted to having a winning club, one that the university can be proud of.

"We're working on teamwork and understanding each other," rugby club vice president Andrew Ritter said.

However, rugby isn't exclusive to SF State. The sport has been growing in popularity all over the Bay Area. The team hopes this trend continues on campus.

"I think that rugby at SF State has the ability to be one of the school's most popular sports," MacDougall said. "All over the area new clubs are starting and the sport is really making headway."

Growing awareness of the Gators Rugby Football Club has brought a new slew of interested players to the team.

"I had a great time this season," first-time player Vincent Mungo said. "It was pretty shocking because in the beginning I hadn't played rugby or football before. But these guys are there because they love the sport."

MacDougall is also excited about the club's new members.

"There was a time when I could count the members of the club on my hands," MacDougall said. "Now we are one of the biggest club sports teams at SF State."

The team had the opportunity to travel and play other university teams this season, but also got to host their first home game in rugby club history. The Gators hosted a match against University of the Pacific at Treasure Island on April 4. After losing their season opener to UOP in mid-March, the Gators bit back with a 55-5 annihilation.

"From a team stand point, I would say that the win against UOP in April was the high point of the season," said MacDougall. "That game was a re-affirmation of all of the hard work and effort we had put into the club."

It is a fear, however, that the lack of funding for SF State athletic clubs will inevitably bring the club down.

"It is a possibility that budget cuts and other factors out of our control could bring an end to the club," MacDougall said. "SF State has a negative outlook when it comes to sports in general, not to mention one as physical as rugby."

The team hopes to continue their hard work and dedication so they can return strong for the 2010 season.

"I'm definitely coming back next season," Mungo said without hesitation. "I plan on being an officer next season."