The Spartans Conquer the NSCRO Challenge Cup Championship

The 2018 NSCRO Challenge Cup National Championship was held at Founders Field in Cheswick, PA on April 21-22. NSCRO thanks Matt Rosemeyer and the Pittsburgh Harlequins RFA on creating this outstanding venue. The 4 Regional Champions who participated were MiraCosta College (Oceanside, CA), John Carroll University (Cleveland, OH), Wayne State College (Wayne, NE) and the University of New Haven (New Haven, CT). This was the first appearance for these teams at a National Championship.

When the dust settled, it was the Spartans of MiraCosta College that claimed the title. Read their “Cinderella” story here.

The first semifinal was New Haven take on John Carroll. Strong running by New Havens backs propelled them to a 14-10 halftime lead.  The tide started to turn in JCU’s favor in the second half but UNH kept pace but failed hold its lead and were edged 29-26.  Next up were Wayne State and MiraCosta. Wayne scored first but the Spartans quickly responded with 3 first half tries to take a 21-7 halftime lead. Led by powerful forward play from Pierre Pretorius and Angel Rodriguez along with breakaway runs from center Jeremy Santiago and winger John Edington, MiraCosta won the day 38-19.

On Sunday the weather continued to be just right for the players.  New Haven faced Wayne State for third place and their attack really clicked for most of the match as they scored 8 tries in a solid 46-12 over the Wildcats of Nebraska.

In a final that appeared to be up for grabs, MiraCosta despite getting off to a slow start took a commanding 22-5 halftime lead. Six second half tries by the Spartans found them on top 56-5 at the final whistle and capped their off “Cinderella” season in perfect fashion.

The NSCRO Challenge Cup playoff system which was inaugurated in the 2014-15 season for the men's playoff system has about 100 clubs currently participating. The goal of the Challenge Cup is to further the growth of small colleges who are working hard to reach the top but have yet to find success at the NSCRO’s Champions Cup playoffs which includes more than 200 clubs. The Challenge Cup is helping these teams achieve greater awareness and support on and off the field which, in the past, would have only been possible through a successful run in the larger, more competitive Champions Cup.

NSCRO President Steve Cohen remarked that “the importance of the Challenge Cup should not be underestimated as trams find their participation brings better and positive rugby awareness at their school – both from the administration and student body – which will help benefit the club moving forward. In addition, this Championship has sparked alumni interest and financial support.  Our goal is to inspire teams that rarely, if ever, have had the chance to be in a National Playoff System and as we continue to help legitimize rugby in the eyes of the schools across the country.” John Carroll University received unexpected and generous support from their school including charter bus, hotel rooms and food allowance for the event.

The event was a great success thanks to the support of many people and companies, including but not limited to:

Matt Rosemeyer for hosting it at Founders Field

Penn Mutual Life Insurance Co. – The Top Sponsor of NSCRO – Learn how Penn Mutual is committed to collegiate rugby and also helping you achieve life’s possibilities by visiting www.pennmutual.com/rugby

Rhino Rugby – The Official Equipment and Ball Supplier of NSCRO – Visit www.RhinoRugby.com to outfit you team with equipment, apparel and balls that facilitate improve performance.

Bill Krecker his event support

USA Rugby Appointed Referees – Lex Weiner and Gavin McCandless

Mark Seaton of the Allegheny RRS for providing ARs

Match Commentator – Mark Palmieri

At the NSCRO Awards Ceremony, NSCRO President Steve Cohen, presented the following awards:

Team Gift Certificates

Rhino Rugby generously provided gift certificates as follows:

1st Place = $500

2nd Place = $250

3rd Place = $150

4th Place = $100

Team Trophies

1st Place, 2nd Place, 3rd Place and 4th Place

Player Medals

1st Place = Gold; 2nd Place = Silver and 3rd Place = Bronze

Most Valuable Player

Gabriel Martinez - MiraCosta College

Heart & Soul Awards

These awards are given to a player on each team who have been an inspiration and significant contributor to their club on and off the field. Award recipients were given were given an NSCRO custom match ball, signed by their teammates:

In photo L-R:
Jeremy Santiago - MiraCosta College
Riley Byrne - University of New Haven
Brandon Jensen - Wayne State College
Jamie Mascaro - John Carroll University

NSCRO "All Championship XV"  
 

The All Championship XV recognizes the 15 best players by position. Each player received a custom NSCRO t-shirt:

To download a copy of the All-Championship XV team, click here.

To view the Challenge Cup Championship videos, go to our YouTube channel.

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