ROSS TAYLOR

photo stories: connecticut jammers

A portrait series of the Connecticut Jammers Wheelchair Rugby team.

Wil Kornegay is from Groton and has played the sport for 10 years and is the leading scorer on the Connecticut Jammers Wheelchair Rugby Team. "It's the first team sport I was good at," said Kornegay. "I just love the opportunity to play a sport where I can get some aggression out. I'm quick and I hit hard."
  
Joey Paladino, is from New Britain and has played with the Connecticut Jammers Wheelchair Rugby Team for five years.
  
Rob Ellis drives from North Kingstown, Rhode Island to play with the Connecticut Jammers Wheelchair Rugby Team. He has played quad rugby since 1999 and three of those years with the Connecticut team. "I learned a lot watching the other guys," said Ellis "You get a whole new perspective on life, because if you stay focused on your own loss, it's easy to get depressed."
     
  
Clinton Cowen drives from Providence Rhode Island to play with the Connecticut Jammers Wheelchair Rugby Team - he is in his second season with the team. "I love the teammates," said Cowen. "I release a lot of tension, a lot of frustration, and I have a lot at the same time."
  
Drew Vilardo of Prospect is in his third season with the team. "Competition doesn't care whether or not you have a disability; all it asks is that you give every ounce of yourself to reach the goal line, and at the end of the day when you're dirty, sweaty, and physically beaten and you still crave more then no matter what the score board says you've won," said Vilardo. "When I first got hurt, I didn't think physical competition was possible, but I soon discovered not only is it possible, but its encouraged to knock someone on their ass."
   
Charles "Chic" Oppenheimer, of Portland, is playing in his 3rd season with the Connecticut Jammers Wheelchair Rugby Team. "I like being around the guys and I like the competition," said Oppenheimer.
     
  
Jimmy Quick is one of the original founding members of the Connecticut Jammers Wheelchair Rugby Team. Quick is from Bristol. "It's a great sport," said Quick. "I like the contact and I like the energy."
   
Rich Hearne, of Manchester, has played for five seasons with the Connecticut Jammers Wheelchair Rugby Team. "The camaraderie between everybody is great," said Hearne. The rugby brings us together."