Winter Is Coming: The Return of the Blackout Tournament
By: Nick Conners
Much like the fabled “winter” in the HBO Series Game of Thrones, anticipation has peaked at the
possible return of Charleston’s famed Blackout Tournament. Sure enough, it has come. This Saturday,
March 26, the College of Charleston will host the University of Wisconsin, University of North Carolina,
the Citadel, and the Blockade at The Yard. The Cougars head into this tournament following a strong
showing at the Citadel 7s and Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Tournament. Players like freshman fly-half Zach
Kaminski are feeling optimistic about the Cougars’ prospects.
“We are starting to build chemistry and a relationship on the field together and it’s making an
impact,” said Kaminski, “and practicing and playing with the upperclassmen has really prepared me as a
player both on and off the pitch, so I’m excited to see what happens this weekend.” Of course, this will
be Kaminski’s first year participating in the Blackout Tournament, as will be the case for most of the
young College of Charleston players. Some of the upperclassmen, like senior scrum-half and Club
President Bradley Russell, are aware of the history this tournament brings and the potential this year’s
showing can offer for the future.
“I’m really happy I get to play in the Blackout Tournament my senior year,” said Russell. “I feel
like this tournament is emblematic of the good things that are to come for C of C Rugby.” With Accepted
Students Weekend recruiting and tournament preparation out of the way, the Cougars are ready to do
what they love most- just get out and play some rugby. As President Russell would say- The Blackout
Tournament is back, and so is Cougar Rugby.