As many of you will have heard, Penn State Rugby has once again been invited to compete in the Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC).  The CRC will be held, for the second year, in Philadelphia, at PPL Park, on the weekend of June 2^nd.

This is an incredible opportunity for the Penn State Rugby Program to again represent Penn State, and all of you, on the national stage.  NBC will again air the tournament on its multi-channel platform, with a large portion of the event being aired on primetime, national television.  The prestige of the PSU Rugby program receives an incredible boost each time we get the chance to compete in this type of environment.

Rugby is becoming a business in the US, and this relationship with NBC is no different.  As we try to grow this game that we love into a mainstream sport, television will be a prime pathway to educate the country.  Rugby 7's inclusion in the 2016 Olympics is a catalyst; grabbing NBC's attention to the potential of the sport for viewership.  But NBC will only continue to televise rugby if they can sell the sport to advertisers, and advertisers want full stadiums.  Right or wrong this fact, "fans in the stands," is unquestionably the biggest huddle facing the growth of rugby in the US.

That is the big picture issues that rugby faces, but how does this affect Penn State, you ask?  Well, USA Sevens, the organizational body that hosts the CRC, is a for profit entity.  They are requiring each entered team to sell 300 2-day tickets to the event.  This is in an effort to fill the stadium.  USA Sevens is not looking to make a fortune off of ticket sales; they know that revenues will be made from advertising.  The required ticket sales are meant to force the teams to have ownership in the success of the event, ie, put fans in the stands.

"The CRC meant a great deal, getting the full 'true' athlete treatment.  Going through the tunnel where fans were screaming 'Penn State' at the top of their lungs was a great feeling and gets you pumped to play" - Arnold Chavis Class of '13

Last year, at this event, almost all costs were covered by USA Sevens - from hotel to 3 meals per day, and USA Sevens will again cover these costs.  This event is much like a collegiate football bowl game, in the experience provided, and, as such, the teams invited to compete must not only be capable of producing quality rugby but also have a fan base supportive enough to travel.

 This is where Penn State Rugby is in need of your help.  From now until January 31, 2012, only participating teams can sell tickets to the CRC.  And general admission tickets are available at a reduced price until that date.  A general admission 2-day pass costs only $38.  Starting in February, that price increases by $10.  Reserved seating is available at an increased rate, and any tickets purchased at that price-point that are earmarked for PSU will count to our total.

USA Sevens have listened to our requests, from last year, to streamline the purchasing process.  When you visit our website, www.rugby.psu.edu , you will find links that will take you to a PSU only ticket site.  The site is secure for internet transactions, and all tickets purchased (regardless of price-point) will count towards the Penn State allotment.

"Playing in the CRC was an unreal experience.  The atmosphere of the stadium, the crowd cheering, and the anticipation felt in the tunnel as I waited for the green light to jog on the field.  I couldn't tell if I was nervous or excited, but when I jogged onto the field, I knew this is where I wanted to be." - Greg Voigt Class of '13

This is an incredible opportunity for any athlete, and our student-athletes may never compete at this level after they leave Penn State.  But just like you when you attended PSU, they strive to compete at the highest level, proudly wearing the PSURFC crest.  These opportunities did not exist when you or I played for Penn State.  These are new and uncharted waters for rugby in the US.  As Penn State Alumni and friends, you can have the pleasure and pride of saying, "Penn State Rugby has been a part of this groundswell around the sport since the beginning."  Please, join us and show your support by purchasing a ticket.

"The training and time spent during the build up to the CRC forged together friendships.  It was a special team and one of the best months I've ever had.  Being on television was an once-in-a-lifetime experience, and one of many memories that I will never forget.  I got to relax, have fun, and play rugby.  I highly anticipate having another crack at winning a 7's championship." - Dom DeFalco Class of '14

Some 160 of you joined us last year in Philadelphia, due much to the hard work of the Penn State Rugby Alumni Club and President Becky Williams.  We thank you.  The Friday night social was a success, as well as your cheers as the teams took the field.  I am sure these events will be repeated.  Last year's teams spent more than a month completing 2-a-day practices to prepare for the completion.  Our players lived with each other and grew into a band of comrades over that time that would sacrifice for each other on the field.  Outstanding individual performances were only overshadowed by incredible teamwork.

It is sad, unfortunate, and regrettable that, at this point, USA Sevens will not be holding the women's event this year due to "logistical issues."  Please, do not let this stop you from supporting the Penn State Men's team in competing.  As support for this event grows the demands of rugby enthusiasts to include the women again will happen.  

Please, go to www.rugby.psu.edu and show your support for Penn State.  Purchase tickets for this weekend of fun, and do so by January 31^st to take advantage of the savings. 

Thanks for your continued support.  Go State!

Chris Amoratis

Courtyard by Marriott

(814) 238-1881

$89/night

Code: PSU Rugby Clinic

Hampton Inn

(814) 231-1590

$84/night

Boys Code: RBC

Girls Code: RGC

Hilton Garden Inn

(814) 272-1221

$89/night

Boys Code: PSC

Girls Code: PSR

Ramada Inn

(814) 238-3001

$59/night

Code: PSU Rugby

University Park, PA - Penn State rugby tried on a different sport for a change this past Sunday, when both men's and women's team members participated in the "Pull for the Cure".  23 players took to HUB Lawn for the tug-of-war competition sponsored by the American Cancer Society to benefit breast cancer research.

Organized by the Crew club, 6 teams comprised the field for the event.  Crew and the Ice Lions hockey team each entered one group a piece, while Power Lifting had two squads for the contest.  The men's and women's teams comprised separate sides for the event.

"Pull for the Cure" is said to have been founded at Brown University in 2009 by the school's crew team.  In efforts to raise money during October, which is breast cancer awareness month, the Brown crew team created the charity event.  Penn State's crew club soon followed suit having its first annual event last year.  Last year's fund-raiser generated $5,000, according to the crew club.

The 2011 event was the first time either of the rugby teams was represented.

The Ruggers and Lady Ruggers faired very well in the competition.  The men's group made it to the championship bout having ousted the women's team in the semi-final round, but could not best the Power Lifting club.  Power Lifting closed the competition without losing a match.

• The Barnes Center at Clarion University
• The Fitton Family
• Keystone Commercial Real Estate
• The Fresh Harvest Cafe
• The Benharris Family
• Leonard S. Fiore

• American Flag Rugby
• Beaver Run Resort and Conference Center
  
• Leonard S. Fiore
• Longstreth Brothers Inc.
• Rotelli
• Herlocher Foods
• W. R. Hickey's
• Collegiate Pride
• Canterbury
  
• Joe Pullara
• Andy Haines
• Don Ferrell

Devin Keller, Kate Daley, Jenny Liu, Kim Magrini, Sadie Anderson

Congratulations and best of luck to the large Penn State contingent representing all of us, and our country this week!

When the US Women's National Team takes the pitch tonight to face Canada in their second Nations Cup match, Head Coach Peter Steinberg will have several very familiar faces looking back at him in his customary prematch huddle. Former PSU women's team assitant coach Farrah Douglas gets the start at prop, with former PSU players Devin Keller, Kate Daley, and Kim Magrini starting at hooker, #8, and scrumhalf, and current women's team player Sadie Anderson, starting at flyhalf.

Fresh off possibly their best performance ever against England in a heart wrenching last minute loss just a few days ago, the future looks very bright for coach Steinberg and the US Women's national team, and we are so proud of all of you!

On the men's side, the US Men's National Team (who will also be facing our neighbors from the north) will begin their final World Cup preparations in Canada tomorrow with former PSU men's team player Mike Petri starting in his familiar #9 USA jersey.

With less than a month to go before the 2011 Men's Rugby World Cup gets started in New Zealand, these final "tune-up" matches are of vital importance to the Eagles, and we are all very proud that Mike will again be there carrying the torch for so many of us!

Match information:

USA Women's Match Info

USA Men's Match Info

GO USA!! WE ARE!!

Advancement to the men's championship bracket quarterfinals, through two wins, was much improved from last year's event.  Beating the Golden Tigers 14-7 was the first win in the tournament for the program; the 2010 Invitational sent the Ruggers home winless.  Next, a come-from-behind, 12-10 victory over the Buckeye's pushed the team through pool play and assuring its spot in the championship rounds.

The squad fell to Cal 26-7 in its final pool play game.  The Lions were the first team to score on the Golden Bears for the tournament.  Cal was able to shutout both Ohio State and LSU for its first contests.

Dartmouth eliminated the Ruggers 12-7 in the quarterfinal match.  The Big Green went on to claim the CRC Invitational crown, subsequently beating Central Washington and Army.

Penn State was able to score in each of its contests with only Mike Erickson having multiple tries in the tournament.  Erickson and Mike Cadau claimed tries against LSU while Joe Baker and Ben Janssen crossed the try-line to help best Ohio State.  Captain Chris Saint tallied Penn State's only score against Cal, as Erickson posted the lone try against Dartmouth. 

Janssen's try proved to be the most exciting play of the tournament, with his effort coming with no time left on the clock against Ohio State.  The junior dove across the try-line following a breakdown one meter from the goal to put the Lions ahead as the final whistle sounded.  The call was delayed to add to the thrill of the play as Ohio State's Nate Ebner was close to holding-up Janssen. The score was subsequently confirmed by the touch-judge.

Baker had a successful tournament through his conversion kicks, slotting five of an attempted six.

On the women's side, victories over Virginia and North Carolina, as well as two over Temple, allowed the Lions to compete for the championship.  Wins over the Owls and Cavaliers ensured the top seed out of pool play, which set up for the teams other two victories over the Tar Heels and Owls again.

113 points were amassed in the 6 games played by the Lady Ruggers.  Lisa Henneman contributed the most to the scoreboard, posting 38 points.  The senior notched 6 tries to her credit, while making 4 conversion kicks.

Eight different Lady Ruggers crossed the try-line in the tournament.  Henneman added the most with six tries, followed by Lauren Barber with four, Sadie Anderson with three, and Deven Owsiany with two.  Kyle Armstrong, Bianca Dalal, and Christiane Pheil each scored once for the Lions.

Playing in the championship contest was the third title match the Lions have earned the right to compete for over a four week period (May 14 - June 5).

Penn State was also able to record two shutouts in the tournament.  The Lady Ruggers blanked its first opponent on both Friday and Sunday - Temple 34-0 and North Carolina 12-0.

It will be the first year in which an over-35 team will be fielded for the alumni group.  Premier and social division squads have also been enrolled into the tournament for the men.  The Lady Lost Lions are expected to field a side as well.

All alumni interested in participating, or simply being a part of the weekend tournament are encouraged to contact Chris Mericle ('09) at cbm5002@gmail.com for the men's premier and social sides.  Kenny Burke is handling the over-35 squad, while Kate Daley ('09) will be in charge of organizing the alumnae. 

Last year the Lost Lions defeated the Albany Knicks before being eliminated by Mystic River, who went on to win the tournament.  Due to entry restrictions, the social side for the Lost Lions opted to move up to the club division, falling to East Side Hyenas and President's 15.  A team was not fielded for the Lady Lost Lions in last year's competition.

Eight teams will round out the over-35 field.  Matches for the division will take place on Friday, July 29, with the finals being played on Sunday July 31.  Clubs that have entered thus far include: Amoskeag, Baltimore-Chesapeake, Blackthorn, Brockport, Schenectady Reds, and Syracuse Old Boys.

Baltimore-Chesapeake is the only other team entered into the men's premier division, which will host eight teams altogether.  If more teams do not sign up, the division may be combined with the men's club division, similar to last year - As there were only a few teams to sign up for each division last year, the two were combined.

32 teams already comprise the men's social division. 

Pools and match times will be announced the week prior to the tournament.  Specific tournament information can be found at www.canamrugby.com.

The Lions had to stave off a late surge from the Tigers in its first match, and came from behind against the Buckeyes.  In exciting fashion, the Ruggers claimed each victory by a slim two point margin. 

Having finished with seven total points in Pool A play, three points for each win and one for a loss, the Lions have advanced to the Championship bracket.  With Penn State owning the second slot from Pool A, Dartmouth is the next opponent.  The Big Green won all of its matches on Saturday, which places it at the top of Pool B.

Match time for the Sunday contest is slated for 12:09 PM (EST) at PPL Park in Chester, Pa.

The opening game for the CRC Invitational pitted the Lions against the Golden Tigers.  A missed conversion kick from LSU proved to be the difference, with a 14-12 final in Penn State's favor.

Penn State struck first with a kick over the top from Joe Baker, which was scooped up by Mike Erickson who traveled the remaining 60 meters for the try - conversion kick made by Baker.  The Tigers answered right back, stealing the kickoff and utilizing off-loading to go the remaining distance - try was subsequently converted.  Just before the half, Mike Cadau was able to elude defenders on an 80-meter run for a try - converted by Baker.

Halftime: Penn State 14, Louisiana State 7

The Golden Tigers were able to strike midway through the period, breaking numerous tackles to finally cross the try-line - the conversion kick was missed.  A back and forth battle resulted in no other scores with the final tally at Penn State 14, LSU 12.

Score: Penn State 14, Louisiana State 12

Tries: PSU - Erickson (4:10), Cadau (7:00) - LSU - (6:05, 10:06)

Conversions: PSU - Baker (2 of 2) - LSU - (1 of 2)

Roster: 1. Ben Janssen 2. Joe Baker 3. Mike Erickson(Mike Throne @ 7:00) 11. Dom DeFalco (Arnold Chavis @ 11:56) 10. Chris Saint 5. Jay Mathias (Greg Voigt @ 10:06) 7. Mike Cadau

*Tournament officials refused to release opponent game statistics and rosters.

Ben Janssen had the most exciting play of the tournament thus far, which boosted Penn State past Ohio State, 12-10.  The prop was able to scoot around a break down on the try-line for the final play of the game.  

Two first half tries by the Buckeyes put the Lions on its heels for most almost the entire game.  Penn State rallied late in the second half though, through tries from Baker and Janssen.  Baker was able to strike through the defensive line on a penalty play from 35-meters out - Baker converted on his try, while Janssen caused the loudest reaction from the crowd on the day, diving around a breakdown for his score.  The final try came as time expired to make the score that much more exciting.

Score: Penn State 12, Ohio State 10

Tries: PSU - Joe Baker (10:10), Ben Janssen (14:00) - OSU - (2:00, 4:45)

Conversions: PSU - Baker (1 of 2) - OSU - (0 of 2)

Roster: 1. Ben Janssen 2. Joe Baker 3. Mike Erickson 9. Arnold Chavis 10 Chris Saint 4. Greg Voigt 7. Mike Cadau

*Tournament officials refused to release opponent game statistics and rosters.

With Cal having defeated both Ohio State and Louisiana State as well, both squads had already been insured of their spots in the Championship bracket, despite the outcome of the pending game.  The contest proved to be much better than anticipated with a 12-7 score-line at the break, with Cal in the lead.  The Golden Bears were able to out-distance the Lions in the second half with two more tries.

Penn State's lone score came from Chris Saint who took advantage of a Baker break off of a line out, late in the first half.

Score: Penn State 7, California 26

Tries: PSU - Chris Saint (6:05) - CAL - (1:10, 2:02, 9:25, 10:20)

Conversions: PSU - Joe Baker (1 of 1) - CAL - (3 of 4)

Roster: 3. Mike Erickson (Mike Throne @ 7:00) 2. Joe Baker 5. Jay Mathias 9. Arnold Chavis (Dom DeFalco @ 7:00) 10. Chris Saint 4. Greg Voigt (Mike Cadau @ 10:00) 12. Joanel Joseph

*Tournament officials refused to release opponent game statistics and rosters.

Penn State finished the day with two wins and one loss to claim second in Pool A.  The position in the standings pairs the Lions with Dartmouth on Sunday at PPL Park.  The Big Green, having won all of its pool play matches is the top representative from Pool B in the Championship bracket.

Kick-off time for the contest is subject to change.  Multiple schedule times have been released, with official times yet to be determined.

Pool A:

            Penn State 14, Louisiana State 12

            California 38, Ohio State 0

            Penn State 12, Ohio State 0

            California 24, Louisiana State 0

            California 26, Penn State 7

Pool A Standings:

            California - 9 Points - 3 W, 0 L

            Penn State - 7 Points - 2 W, 0 L

            Louisiana State - 5 Points - 1 W, 2 L

            Ohio State - 3 Points - 0 W, 3 L

Further information in regard to the CRC Invitational can be found at www.usasevenscrc.com.