JACKSON, Miss.—After years of criss-crossing the country to find competition, Methodist Rehabilitation Center’s quad rugby team is finally facing competition on its own turf.
And it is some stiff competition.

The Lakeshore Demolition of Birmingham, Ala., is coming to Jackson this Saturday to play three games against the Jackson Jags who are sponsored by Methodist Rehab and the Mississippi Paralysis Association. The Demolition is the number one ranked team in the country.

It’s a great opportunity for a Jackson team that is still young in many ways, said head coach Ginny Boydston. “When you play against the best, you can’t help but improve and learn the game better. That’s what I want out of my guys,” she said.

Boydston, who is also director of therapeutic recreation at Methodist Rehab, has been with the team since it’s inception in 1997. She’s worked to bring a rugby tournament to Jackson ever since.

Besides playing the best competition out there, the Jags are also excited about finally playing in their home state, let alone their hometown, said team member Wiley Clark.

“We’ve played places like Texas, Georgia and North Carolina in the last few years,” Clark said. “It’s nice to not have so far to drive.” It’s equally nice to have hometown fans and family be able to attend the games, Clark added.

“So often, our friends don’t quite understand what playing rugby in a wheelchair is like and now they’ve got an opportunity to see a game with the best athletes in the country. It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said.

The games kick off at 11 a.m. Saturday at the I-55 North YMCA and last until around 4 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.