After 32 years Salt Lake City's Highland Rugby Club moves to Murray Utah. In 1975 Larry Gelwix formed the Highland Rugby Club and initially drew his players from Highland High. News of his Rugby club grew quickly and players came from all over Salt Lake County. Practice has always been at Highland High School and the team enjoyed great support from the Highland School Administration and faculty. But, in recent years the Highland High School administration has withdrawn its support. Larry had ongoing difficulty getting access to the fields they'd practiced on for years. Eventually the resistance was strong enough to convince Larry to take his Highland Rubgy Club and move them to Cottonwood High School in Murray.

 So what does the change in location mean? Will the name change? Will the coaching staff change? Neither will probably happen. For years Larry has stated the name was not tied to Highland High School.  And with the tremendous recognition the team has earned as National Champions over the last 32 years it would be a shame to change the name. The coaching staff has also had a variety of individuals. Yes, it had great support from the Highland High Football staff because it was so good for the development of the football team. But it also drew from other Rugby Alumni of the team.

 I think the move to cottonwood will be a real boost for the team. Cottonwood is very committed to athletics and the benefits it brings to young men. While Highland High in concert with the Salt Lake City School district has been struggling with its identity for years and has slowly but clearly withdrawn its support from any extra-cirrucular program that draws resources from their annual budgets.

 As team parents we say goodbye with a slight tear to the convenience of the upper practice field, the team run through Sugarhouse Park and around Sizzler, and embrace the welcome from Cottonwood High School.

 Now, on to the 2007 National championships!