Aspen Ruggerfest kicked off its 49th year yesterday. There’s a hidden challenge aside from the two teams on the field though.
Aaron Britt is a veteran rugby player. He played wide receiver on his college football team. His nickname is “AB Love”. He plays on a team called the Misfits, based in Denver.
But even though he plays at altitude, coming to Aspen is a big step, he said.
“The altitude makes a big difference,” said Britt. “If you had to go out there for a full game, it would definitely take a toll on you if you’re not fit.”
Mark Keller, another player, knows all about how the thin air in Aspen will get your heart racing. He’s a cardiologist.
“It’s a big challenge,” Keller said. “Especially if they drink too much beer, which occasionally rugby players are known to drink beer. I know a lot of people took it easy last night in preparation today, so they could acclimatize a little better.
Although Keller lives in Denver now, the rest of his teammates are from all over the country, including Florida and Maine.
Keller’s club, the Virginia Cardinals, meets up to compete in tournaments and to celebrate the real reason they still play the sport.
“It’s a boys weekend for me,” Keller said. “They keep adding older and older age groups so we can keep playing. I’d say we age like a fine wine, but if you watch it, it’s not as pretty as the younger guys.”
The tournament ends Sunday.
