Sports
Athlete of the Week: Sam Copman ’16
By Kaitlin McCabe '16
September 18, 2015
Name:
Samuel Copman
Hometown:
Edina, Minnesota
Major:
Economics and French
Sport/Position:
Rugby/Outside Center
Favorite Professional Athlete:
Teddy Bridgewater, the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings.
How were you introduced to Rugby?
Me and my buddies from high school used to play rugby in the football off-season to stay in shape, it ended up being a better fit for me personally.
What attracted you to Hamilton’s rugby program?
John Bates. But mostly it is how close the guys seemed to be, seemed like a good way to keep in shape and meet some solid guys.
Favorite thing to do on campus besides our sport?
I am very involved with the French Club, I was chosen as this year’s president, and we hope to host memorable events throughout the semester. Also I’m a big fan of Senior Pub Night.
What is the toughest obstacle you have had to overcome in your athletic career?
Injury. It comes with the territory, but it’s tough not being able to play. I broke my ankle my sophomore year and I had to sit out for two months.
How has the program evolved over the past few years?
It has definitely become a lot more serious. When I started, we mostly had captains lead practices and the administration wasn’t very involved. That has changed a lot over my time at Hamilton.
Have are your expectations for your senior season?
Since we switched down to Division III, hopefully we will be able to go to nationals in Denver.
What was your favorite sports moment at Hamilton?
Beating Colgate my sophomore year. We were big underdogs going in and when Will Marsden ’14 kicked it through the uprights to put us ahead at the end of the game, it was the best feeling in the world.
The Hamilton men’s rugby team will play its first game at home this season at 12:00p.m. against SUNY-Potsdam. The following weekend, Hamilton will play Paul Smith’s College, also kicking off at 1:00p.m. Hamilton will be hosting Clarkson University on Oct. 3 at 12:00p.m. For the Continentals’ final regular season game, they will travel to St. Lawrence University for an afternoon game.
The SCRC regional playoffs will take place on Oct. 17. They will culminate with a championship game on Nov. 7.