MSU Moorhead Wins 2015 NSCRO Women's National Championship
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Photo by Larry Schnack
It was a perfect autumn day at the Rugby Athletic Center in Charlotte, NC where the ladies of Minnesota State University Moorhead, Colgate University, Lee University and University of Massachusetts Dartmouth gathered to see who would take home the 2015 NSCRO Women's National Championship title. This was the first year that the Women's National Championship was held at this facility.
Below is a summary of the events from the National Championship. A detailed recap can be found on our website at www.nscro.org.
Recap
Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) dominated the first semifinal match held on Saturday 5 December 2015 against University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) and shut them out with a score of 54-0.
The second match pitted Colgate University against Lee University. The game was evenly matched until Colgate was able to pull away in the second half with a final score of 46-29.
On Sunday, 6 December 2015 Lee University proved too strong for UMass Dartmouth. They dominated the first half, leading the match with a score of 24-0. The second half started much like the first with Lee capitalizing on every opportunity. Although UMass Dartmouth was able to put some numbers on the scoreboard, Lee sealed the game 48-17 for a third place finish.
The 2015 NSCRO Women's National Championship match brought together two teams with very contrasting styles - MSUM's frenetic and physical style against Colgate's traditional style of controlled attacks.
Colgate came out first and drew first blood when a planned play from a scrum saw outside center, Natalie Smith, break through the middle of the Moorhead's defense before offloading to Aurelia Cassarubius who gave a quick pass to scrum half, Maggie Nelson, to cut back inside to score. The conversion was unsuccessful and the score was 0-5.
MSUM answered back with a try by wing, Madison Geiser, to tie the game 5-5.
The first half of the game saw both teams battling in the other's territory. Colgate had an opportunity to put three points on the board after being awarded a penalty but they opted to go for the try to take the lead.
A series of attacks brought Colgate within three meters of the line but Moorhead's Sawyer Salter stole the ball and kicked it toward the sideline where it was scooped up by Geiser who ran it halfway before getting illegally tackled. The resulting penalty kick brought the ball within Colgate's five-meter line which was scooped up by Breanna Bucklin of MSUM who ran it over the line.
Moorhead's physical game began to take its toll on the Colgate's defense, widening their lead 22-5.
Undeterred, Colgate rallied in the last two minutes of the first half with a try by Maggie Nelson and a conversion by Erica Hiddink to narrow the gap 22-12.
It was Moorhead's turn to dominate the second half with an immediate goal by Nelson, her second in the game. Colgate responded, forcing MSUM to give up a penalty and Nelson putting another try on the books, keeping the score close at 27-17.
The continued pressure put on Colgate forced a number of turnovers, giving Sydney Zenzen a chance to score followed by a third try by Geiser and a conversion by Mariah Adams.
Colgate fought back but in the end they could not break Moorhead's offense. Moorhead took the championship title with a final score of 44-24.
Award Ceremony
The award ceremony immediately followed the final match. NSCRO President, Stephen Cohen, made opening remarks and introduced Penn Mutual's Jeff Leinen, Sponsorship Manager & Meeting Planner, and NSCRO Commissioner of Women's Rugby, Bryn Chivers. Leinen gave a short speech (Penn Mutual is a top sponsor of NSCRO) then trophies and medals were given out by Chivers. Teams also received gift certificates which were provided by Rhino Rugby.
After the team awards were given, several awards were presented to individual players. MSUM's Sawyer Salter was named as this year's MVP. Chivers also announced the All-Championship Team as well as the Heart & Soul award recipients.
The All-Championship Team consists of fifteen players who were recognized for their skills and achievements during the National Championships. All fifteen players received an All-Championship Team t-shirt, courtesy of Rhino Rugby.
The Heart & Soul awards were given to four players, one from each team who were nominated by their teammates and staff as the player that best exemplified the "heart and soul" of their team. These four players received a Vortex Elite game ball, courtesy of Rhino Rugby.
To view the full list of the All-Championship Team as well as the Heart & Soul award winner, click here or download the list here.
Chivers ended the 2015 NSCRO Women's Championship by acknowledging and thanking various companies and individuals who helped make this year's event successful and who continue to support NSCRO's efforts, including:
- Penn Mutual, NSCRO's top sponsor; Jeff Leinen, Penn Mutual's Sponsorship Manager & Meeting PLanner; and, Penn Mutual's staff.
- Rhino Rugby, NSCRO's partner and provider of the game balls, referee jerseys, All-Championship Team jerseys and gift certificates.
- Doug Shipley and all his staff at the Rugby Athletic Center.
- GiftTime Rugby Network for the video and online streaming services.
- Matt Robinette for the play-by-play commentary.
- Olivia Nigh and Amelia Luciano, head referees, along with assistant referees, Nigel Platt, Kat Roche and Curtis Ethridge.
- Larry Schnack for most of the photography taken at the 2015 NSCRO Women's National Championship.
Chivers also gave a special thanks to USA Rugby for their continued support and recognition of NSCRO as an independent organization governing the small college rugby national playoffs, as well as sharing similar goals for bettering the collegiate rugby experience.
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NSCRO Men's Challenge Cup & Champions Cup Playoffs
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Salem State University, courtesy of Salem State University (left). Mount St. Mary's University, courtesy of Frank Mitchell (right).
While the women were gunning for their 2015 National Championship title, the NSCRO men's playoffs for the Champions Cup and the Challenge Cup were also underway that same weekend: the Region 1 East Coast Championship for the Challenge Cup and the Mid-Atlantic Qualifiers for the Champions Cup.
Region 1 East Coast Championship (Challenge Cup)
On the same weekend as the 2015 Women's National Championship (5-6 December), Salem State University, Widener University, Washington & Lee University and Belmont University traveled to Emmitsburg, MD for the Region 1 East Coast Championships. Capital RU and Mount St. Mary's University hosted this year Region 1 Championship.
In the first semifinal match, Salem State faced Widener University. Salem dominated the entire game with a halftime score of 48-5 and the finishing the match with an 84-5 win to seal their chance at the East Coast Championship title.
Belmont made the 11+ hour ride from Nashville, TN to Emmitsburg MD to face the Cardinals CRC Champs, Washington & Lee. Perhaps it was the long drive to MD, but the Bruins just could not seem to get their groove against Washington & Lee. Though they played their hardest, they lost against the Screaming Minks, 58-3.
In the East Coast Championship match, Salem State faced and equally matched Washington & Lee. It was a close match with Salem State squeezing in a last minute score and sealing their victory over Washington & Lee, 24-23.
Salem State will represent the East Coast at the Challenge Cup which will be held at Founders Field in Pittsburgh, PA on 23-24 April 2016. They will face the winner of Region 3 West in the first semifinal match. Region 3 West's Championship match will be held on 3 April 2016 in Alburquerque, NM.
Mid-Atlantic Qualifier (Champions Cup)
Susquehanna University and Mount St. Mary's University met on The Mount's home turf in Emmitsburg, MD on 6 December 2015. Susquehanna, Eastern Penn Rugby Union's runner up, came into the match with an 8-1 record against 8-0 Mount St. Mary.
The Mount put the first score on the board following a penalty kick. By the half, they led the game 36-10. While Susquehanna tried to gain ground to put more numbers on the board, the Mount just kept pushing back, ending the game with a final score of 67-15.
Mount St. Mary will head to Charlotte, NC for the Region 2 Championship match on 2-3 April 2016 at the Rugby Athletic Center. This will be their third appearance at the NSCRO Regional Championships.
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Cody Mader of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis has been selected as the NSCRO Player of the Month - powered by Penn Mutual.
"When Cody came out to his first practice for us we knew we had a leader. From the way he helped in drills to the amount of time he spent with developmental players. We promoted him to team captain almost immediately," said Cory Crouch,head coach for IUPUI's rugby team.
Crouch, who nominated Mader, also pointed to Mader's field leadership as well as his resume on the pitch: guiding his team to a friendly victory over IU's B-Side (who won the Big 10 B Side Championship), an undefeated regular season, a second place finish in the IRFU State Tournament and a win in the Challenge Cup Playoffs while scoring 12 tries (one being the beautiful grubber to beat the USI Screaming Eagles). Mader also has an 80% conversion rate.
In addition to his commitments not only to his club, Mader also continued coaching for Brownsburg Youth Programs and lead his team to a second place finish in their age group.
Mader is a sophomore and majoring in Criminal Justice.
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Let's Go, Defense!
The holidays are normally the busiest time of the year, and for most of you, finals are over and you’ve successfully completed another semester. Way to go!
Right now, your plan is to graduate college and start that great career that you’ve been working so hard towards ─ but have you thought about planning for other aspects of your future like paying off student loans, buying your first home, or retirement? We know that your generation faces significant challenges, but being prepared can be the best defense against the unknown. So take a page out of our playbook and plan ahead to change the course of your future. By taking control today, you’re making sure that you’re giving yourself the opportunity to explore all life’s possibilities later.
If you have some time during your winter break, consider about the idea of talking with a financial professional to learn more about how to establish a budget and create a solid financial plan to reach your goals in life. It’s never too early to make sure you’re ready for whatever life throws at you! For more information, please visit us at www.pennmutual.com/rugby.
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Lafayette College Receives Club of the Year Award
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 The Lafayette College Men's Rugby Team received the Aaron O. Hoff Award for Athletic Club of the Year. This award is presented to a club that has been well organized, has offered its membership and the College excellent opportunities for participation and/or competition with good sportsmanship, and has improved its membership or campus recognition.
Lafayette's Men's Rugby team increased its membership through Coach Dan Benedict's attendance during local rugby combines and with great recruitment efforts by team members and the board of directors. Over 42 members strong Lafayette was able to develop a solid B-Side.
Over the last three years Lafayette Sevens Rugby has given the college some recognition by appearing in the NSCRO National 7s Championship held in conjunctions with the CRC 7s Tournament at PPL Park in Philadelphia. The team has the backing of Lafayette College and also the extra assistance from Forwards Coach John Graeffe.
The 2015 fall season was a great success. The Leopards scored over 390 points were 8 and 0 and made it to the 2nd round of play-offs. Lafayette lost a tough game to Bucknell, who went on to win the 2015 EPRU Small College Championship.
"High School students with rugby experience have been contacting me about attending Lafayette and we meet them for a brief tour of the campus," said Coach Benedict. "It's great because students like senior players Will Ritchings and Chris Nelsen join us on the tour, both of them have the experience to discuss not only rugby but more importantly academics and how Lafayette has prepared them for the future".
The team is looking forward to the upcoming Spring Sevens Season.
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The Journey of the New Women's Rugby Club at Eastern Connecticut State University
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Jamie Johnson (left), president of ECSU's women's rugby team, with Maggie Wysopal (right), vice president of ECSU's women's rugby team. Photo by Stephen Cohen.
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Written by Jamie Johnson
It was in the spring semester of 2015, Jamie Johnson held the first informational meeting inviting the women of Eastern [Connecticut State University] to learn about the game of rugby. Twelve women came together to learn the game and vote in the Executive board. This was the start of the journey to begin a Women’s Rugby Club at Eastern.
Fast forward to fall semester 2015 and Jamie (President) and Maggie Wysopal (Vice President) began recruiting women to join the club. Success! We had over 45 women interested during the school’s Club Fair. The E-board then began the task of going through the university’s requirement process to establish a new club sport. In October, Maggie reached out to USA Rugby and contacted by Rich Cortez, Collegiate Director, who gave her several contacts to help with the process. Through the help of Stephen Cohen, National Small College Rugby Organization (NSCRO) President and Bryn Chivers, NSCRO Commissioner of Women’s Rugby, we decided the best conference for our school would be the Colonial Coast Rugby Conference. Keith Cattanach of CCRC was enthusiastic to have Eastern join the conference.
A few of the team members attended the Patriot Cup Bowl game in Canton, MA on Nov. 14, 2015. We met with Keith and talked briefly about the teams playing that day, the various conferences and levels of play and even bonded with some of the ladies from other schools! The following weekend our Men’s Rugby Club hosted the NSCRO Northeast Conference Championships at Eastern. Stephen Cohen was in attendance and talked with Jamie and the E-board to discuss their upcoming involvement with NSCRO.
The club is slated to become official the second week of the spring semester 2016. At that time, a request for a coach will be made public, and the team will begin practices once one is hired. Until then, the team is working on strength training in the weight room, sprints and distance running on the track, and some basic ball handling skills and game knowledge.
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UMass Dartmouth Women's Rugby Team Makes History
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When the women of University of Massachusetts Dartmouth ended their 2014 rugby season, they knew they had to clear the slate and get back to the basics.
In her second year as head coach for UMass Dartmouth, Victoria Thomas had one goal - to win more games this year than last year.
"Personally, my goal was to teach them how to play, get them going, and see where it progressed to. We have an amazing group of athletes on this team that we [were] fortunate to have because they all picked it up really quickly," said Thomas.
With 14 returning players and 11 new players, their efforts paid off.
This year, the team went undefeated and earned a spot at the Region 1 Northeast Regional Championships on 14-15 November 2015 at Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH. The Corsairs sailed through the Regional Championship, winning the title as the Northeast Champions. Their eyes were now set on the 2015 Women's National Championship.
UMass Dartmouth arrived in Charlotte, NC (see story above) on 5 December 2015 ready to go all the way. They finally met their match in the first semifinal game against Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Although they ended their post-season with a fourth place finish at the National Championship, they made school history.
For more information: UMass Women's Rugby Team Makes History and Undefeated UMass Dartmouth Women's Rugby Team Begin Play in National Small College Rugby Playoffs This Weekend.
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Brumbies Academy Two-Day Intensive Coach Development Course
Brumbies Academy is holding a two-day Intensive Coach Development Course on 23-24 January 2016 at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, MD. Attendees who sign up for the full two days will earn 10 USA Rugby Professional Development Credits while attendance for half-course (one day) will earn five (5) USA Rugby PDCs. The full course is $200 per person and the one-day course is $100 per person.
For more information and to sign up, click here.
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Spring is (Almost) in the Air
And that means it will be 7s Rugby time. NSCRO is thrilled to announce that plans are moving forward for two outstanding NSCRO 7s National Championship events.
For information on how your club can qualify for Nationals, contact:
Women - April 30-May 1 at the Rugby Athletic Center in Charlotte, NC. Contact Bryn Chivers at bryn.chivers@nscro.org
Men - June 4-5 at PPL Park near Philadelphia, PA. Contact Howard Kent at info@denversevensrugby.com
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By now, you've heard the shocking news of the sudden death of Jonah Lomu, the All Black winger. He was forced to retire in 2007 due to his health. While he had a rare kidney disease, his death was unexpected.
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There is a great story written by Tamiya Wilfong '17 of Widener University about her experiences as a rugger and the challenges that club sports face - many of which our readers can relate to. It also illustrates some of the typical stereotypes faced by female ruggers but also puts into light many of the positive aspects of rugby: athleticism, camaraderie, confidence building and community.
Widener's women's rugby team participates in NSCRO's national playoffs.
Read about it here.
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Sport is being used more as a key tool in helping children with special needs. Carlien Parahi is an occupational therapist in New South Wales, Australia and co-founder of Sense Rugby where she incorporates the basic elements of rugby to help children with difficulties engaging in normal group situations as well as help develop their physical and emotional skills. Why rugby? Her husband is Jesse Parahi, a former long-time member of the Australian Rugby Sevens team.
Read more here.
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