The Penn State Women's team won their 7th Collegiate National Championship this weekend in the all too familiar surroundings of Palo Alto, California with two tremendous performances!

The team showcased depth, tenacious defense, unmatched physicality, and tremendous work rate en route to their 46-15 semifinal victory over Women's Cougar Rugby (BYU), and 32-12 triumph in the Championship match against Stanford.

In the semifinal, the Penn State team was simply to much for "BYU" to handle. The Nittany Lion's aggressive defense consistently caught the cougars behind the gain line, neutralized their attacking threats, and had them on the back foot all day. That coupled with what clearly was one of the most dominating forward performances in the team's history, sealed their fate from the opening scrum (which was the first of many stolen by the PSU pack).

The final against Stanford, which was the 6th time these two foes have met in the Championship match, started very much like one would think a final between the two top collegiate teams in the country would. Both sides were taking their shots and looking for weaknesses, and it was Stanford who took a small lead (12-10) into the half. But through some great coaching, tremendous leadership from within the team, inspiration from some completely inappropriate Standford students nearby, and some final motivational words from Senior Lisa Henneman to bring it all together, the team could not wait for the second half to begin. (It should be noted that Lisa was ineligible to play, but her contributions and support of her teammates goes to further showcase the value of one of the main themes of the Penn State women's program which is that everyone plays a roll, and it takes every single member of the team to win a National Championship). The team took the field for the second half with smiles on their faces, and completely dominated the last 40 minutes. Scoring 4 unanswered trys, and allowing Stanford no points to claim the programs 7th National Championship.

Congratulations to each and every player on the roster for a job well done! Congratulations must also go out to the tremendous staff (Peter Steinberg, Chris Amoratis, Bernie Cantorna, John Swart, Brett Bissenger, Jim Mathias, Ko Basu, Caitlyn Singletary, Lance Connelly, John Flude, and of course Sumie Ichizaki) that had the team so well prepared for every challenge that awaited them!

Thanks to all the family, friends, and alumni who were able to make the trip to California to support the team, and special thanks to the family of senior Kayla Morisoli for their gracious hospitality and once again opening their beautiful home to the entire traveling party.

It was another tremendous year for the Penn State women's rugby team, and to a player they will tell you that it was one built on the foundation of the legacy of those who came before them!

The # 7 Penn State Men's team is finishing preparations for their trip to Marietta this week, and their Quarterfinal matchup with # 3 Life University this weekend.

Although clearly disappointed by the tough loss to Army two weeks ago, the team has been focused and working hard for this big match.

"Obviously we were a bit gutted with our loss to Army. Knowing that we outplayed them, dominated most of the match and came up short is a tough pill to swallow. The littlest of mistakes can have a big impact on a match like that, but that's over now, we're in the playoffs, and it's time to get ready for Life" stated 5th year Senior, Captain, and Collegiate All American Chris Saint.

"It's been challenging for the guys with finals going on right now, but I am impressed with their ability to focus on the task at hand" stated Assistant Coach Chris Amoratis.

The match is set for a 2:00pm kickoff, and will be webcast live by Life University.  Click HERE to view the match on Saturday!

The young team has had a strong season, and to a man are very excited for the opportunity they have earned, and the challenge that lies before them.

Traveling Team

Name	Year	Hometown	Position
Baker, Joe  (V. Capt.)	Senior	West Chester, PA	Fullback
Callaghan, Dan	Sophomore	Wilmnington, DE	Center
Datz, Dan	Sophomore	West Chester, PA	Lock
DeFalco, Dom	Sophomore	Staten Island, NY	Wing
Erickson, Mike	Senior	Staten Island, NY	#8
Feury, Blaze	Sophomore	Rockaway, NJ	Flyhalf
Fredin, Mike	Junior	The Woodlands, TX	Flanker / Hooker
Free, Gabe	Sophomore	Washington, DC	Prop / Hooker
Goulding, Ryan	Junior	Roslyn Heights, NY	Lock
Hellmann, John	Junior	State College, PA	Prop
Herbert, Sean	Junior	Harvey Cedars, NJ	Flanker
Jannsen, Ben	Junior	Downingtown, PA	Wing
Karas, Chris	Senior	Kennett Square, PA	Hooker
Kimble, Kevin	Junior	New Rochelle, NY	Flanker
LaPaille, Sam	Freshman	Potomac, MD	Center
Mariani, Connor	Sophomore	Denville, NJ	Center
McFeely, Cam	Sophomore	Brooklyn, NY	Flanker / Lock
Mellody, Brian	Senior	Bethesda, MD	Lock / Prop
Dan Metcalf	Sophomore	Dallas, TX	Lock / Flanker
Saint, Chris  (Capt.)	Senior	Gaithersburg, MD	Scrumhalf
Spellman, Matt	Junior	Havertown, MD	Prop
Vakasisikakala, Chris	Freshman	Bronx, NY	Center
Van Hoof, David	Freshman	State College, PA	Fullback
Voigt, Greg	Junior	Brooklyn, NY	Center

The Penn State Rugby program will host it's 2012 Golf Tournament on Sunday June 10th on the Penn State Blue Golf Course.

In it's third year, this annual event is hoped to become one of the highlights of each year, providing alumni, family, and friends of Penn State Rugby with the opportunity to spend a beautiful summer day together, have A LOT of laughs, and provide the program with some much needed funding.

Participants, volunteers, sponsors, and prize donations are all welcomed and needed. Although the program has grown by leaps in bounds both on and off the pitch, the direct financial support for program operations from the University has not not changed in more than 10 years. With no indication that this will change in the near future, the program still depends upon player dues, team fundraisers, donations, sponsorships, and events like this to secure nearly 90% of it's annual operating budget needs.

With both our mens and womens teams once again competing in their respective National Championship Playoffs, financial support from events such as this are even more critical.

Won't you please come on back to Happy Valley, see some old friends, participate in this very worth while event, and help support Penn State Rugby.

See below for information about the event, to register to play, provide a sponsorship, or to donate prizes or just your time.

2012 Rugger Open Flyer .doc

2012 Rugger Open Registration form.doc

2012 Rugger Open Sponsorship Packages.doc

2012 Rugger Open Sponsor-Prize Donation Registration.doc

Following their 44-37 playoff clinching victory over Kutztown last weekend, the stage is set for the battle of the unbeatens to close out the spring league season.

The # 7 Nittany Lion Ruggers will face off against # 6 Army in Happy Valley this coming Saturday with much more than Rugby East conference supremacy at stake. The winner will earn the #1 conference seed heading into the National Championship quarterfinals, and as such will get to HOST that match at HOME!

Penn State versus Army has continued to grow into a fantastic rivalry over the past several years, as both fight for the claim to best in the East year after year. But it doesn't stop there, with PSU Rugby Alumni Rich Pohlidal as their head coach, and Justin "Pip" Hundley as his assistant, I'm sure you can see why this match means so much, and the date ends up circled on both team's calendars at the beginning of the season.

"Qualifying for the National Tournament last weekend meant a lot to the team, but defeating Army, and earning the right to host their first round playoff matchup would be important to the program as well" stated assistant coach Chris Amoratis. "Our first team goal for this spring season was to go undefeated in Rugby East, to earn a bonus point for trys scored every week, and to earn a home playoff match" added head coach Don Ferrell. "The team is one big step away from reaching that goal, and they are very focused right now".

The match will be played this Saturday on West Pitch at 5:00pm. The match time has been moved back to accommodate (and hopefully catch some additional fans from) the Blue / White game fans. So come on out this weekend, check out the football game, then  come and see two of the best collegiate rugby programs in the country go to battle. With the stakes as high as they are, it is sure to be one of the best matches of the year!!

Match times have been set for the final two matches of the spring season, both of which will be played at home on West Fields.

4/14 - Kutztown University - 1:00pm A side Kickoff, B side to follow immediately after.

4/21 - US Military Academy - 5:00pm A side Kickoff, B side to follow immediately after.

Both are extremely important matches, with serious playoff implications.

A win against rival Kutztown will secure a spot in the National playoffs for Penn State. Kutztown must win to have a shot at the playoffs, so they will be very inspired.

Although Kutztown can certainly not be overlooked, the Army match will also definitely be played for a playoff birth, and may very well determine the top seed from the East, and a home quarterfinal match in the National Championship playoffs.

So come out and support the team, as they look to defend their home turf, qualify for Nationals, and hopefully secure a home playoff match!

The Penn State men's team continued their winning ways, defeating Ohio State 60-17 to begin the Easter weekend.

Playing their first home league match since last spring, the team shook off a slower than desired start to finish the match running away from the Buckeye first XV.

Tallying 9 tries in total, it was a team effort with the forwards crossing 5 times, and the backs 4. Senior fullback Joe Baker led all scorers with 15 points, going 6 for 9 on conversions, and adding a penalty goal as well.

Following the A match, the B side put up similar numbers in another convincing victory.

Next up for the undefeated Nittany Lion ruggers is (3-1)Kutztown at home this coming weekend.

Kickoff for the A match will be 1:00pm.

Come on out and support the team, as they look to clinch a birth in the playoffs with a defeat of Kutztown.

Just a heads up for some important dates coming up!

June 2nd and 3rd - 2012 USA 7's CRC's in Philadelphia PA. Collegiate 7's action broadcast live on NBC. Purchase your tickets now, right here on our website (see main page).

June 10th -  The 3rd Annual PSU Rugby Golf Tournament. More details to follow.

August 24th to 26th - The Annual Penn State Rugby Alumni Reunion. Come and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Penn State Rugby!


 
 

The Penn State men's team will open their 2012 home campaign this Saturday at West Fields against long time rival Ohio State.

Regardless of the season either team is having, this long standing fixture is ALWAYS an exciting and physical battle.

Kickoff for the A side is at Noon, with the B side to follow immediately afterward.

Come on out, enjoy a beautiful day in Happy Valley, and support the team!

The Penn State Men's team got their second straight victory of the spring D1A season with a 22-6 win over rival Navy this weekend in Annapolis. Tied 0 - 0 at the half, the team was able to score 4 tries in the 2nd half to secure the important league win.

In the second match of the day the B side lost a close match to the Navy B side 19 to 12.

Also, the C side played Norwich University back in Happy Valley, losing a very close match as well.

Although the day was a bit on the damp and chilly side as far as the weather went, all three sides performed admirably.

Thanks to everyone who braved the weather to cheer on our student athletes, it was greatly appreciated!!

Full match report to come later.

Next up for the team is a trip to Piscataway, New Jersey this coming weekend to take on the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers. The match will be played at Scarlet Knight Sports Club Field Rutgers Directions and the A match is scheduled to kick off at 1:00pm.

This weekend's Navy match is being played at the Brigade Sports Complex, and as such there are no gate issues to deal with.

A side kicks of at 12:00pm, B side to follow immediately afterward.

I would recommend that you bring ID, but there won't be any formal gate check-in.

Please come out and support the men in this VERY important early season league showdown!

We look forward to seeing you on the touchline.