Finding his team in an all too familiar spot, Chris Barrett, third year wing on the men’s rugby team, wouldn’t let history repeat itself. Over the past two seasons, Barrett had seen his team come up short in the finals twice, and would not let his team fall for a third straight year.
Barrett went on to set up two tries and eventually scored the game-winning try in a comeback win over the Western Mustangs last Saturday at Fletcher’s Field, securing an undefeated season and ending the team’s eight-year title drought.
“We had a chance in the past two years and we fell a bit short,” he said. “This time we got to the finals and with so many graduating players it was really nice to finally win.”
Barrett said this year’s team set out with a common goal and really bonded well.
“We were a really good team. Everyone worked really well together. Everyone got on really well and everyone just had the same goal. Everyone didn’t want to lose again this year.”
Earlier this year, the Vancouver native found himself sporting red and white, playing rugby in Japan in the Junior World Cup as a part of the Under-20 Canadian national team, which finished 14th after a 32-22 loss to Italy in the 13th-place playoff. While the experience may not have been as enjoyable as this year’s perfect season, he said that it was definitely a valuable one.
“This year’s Queen’s team was a lot more fun,” he said. “[The Gaels] didn’t lose so badly which was better, but this summer really helped me get prepared for the season. Playing at such a high level helped get me ready for the OUA.”
Barrett has been playing rugby seriously for four years and has played for the Gaels for all three of his university years. He credits his high school coach and headmaster, along with his father, a former rugby player, for sharing their passion for rugby with him.
As a student athlete, Barrett admitted that at times balancing sports and academics can be tough, but does not see it as a major obstacle.
“I love playing rugby,” he said. “It’s a great sport, but it is tough with school sometimes. But you can get through it. It’s not too bad.” Saturday’s win was all the more satisfying not just because his parents flew out from Vancouver to be in attendance, but also because of the friendly rivalry that was at stake.
“It felt pretty good. I have a bunch of friends on the Western team, so I’ve got some bragging rights for a little while.”
-Scott Kawaguchi
What’s your favourite team in any sport?
New Orleans Hornets. I’m a really big fan of Chris Paul.
Who’s your favourite superhero?
Batman. Just classic.
What’s your favourite bar or club?
The Brass.
What’s on your iPod right now?
Some country music and some Taylor Swift.
Mullets or Mohawks?
It’s a big style argument, but I’m not a fan myself.
Any hidden talents?
Not that I know of.
Who would you trade lives with for a day?
LeBron James.
Childhood dream job?
Play professional basketball.
What would you choose for your last meal?
Pepperoni pizza.
Where would you go if you had a free plane ticket?
Australia. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia.
What would you rather be doing instead of this interview?
Taking a nap.
All final editorial decisions are made by the Editor(s)-in-Chief and/or the Managing Editor. Authors should not be contacted, targeted, or harassed under any circumstances. If you have any grievances with this article, please direct your comments to journal_editors@ams.queensu.ca.
