Eutectics Finish Seventh at CRAA Nationals
IOWA CITY - The Eutectic men's rugby team finished the season and their program at the CRAA 7s nationals competition in Iowa City over the weekend, claiming a seventh-place finish.
Even the tournament organizers acknowledged that UHSP had one of the toughest drawings in the pool play, and that played out with a disappointing opening-game loss to #1-seed University of Iowa, 7-40. But, the Eutectics managed to regather themselves on Day 1 and upset #3-seed American Rivers College, 14-7, to set up a must-win final game of the day versus newly-crowned 15s national champions and #4-seed Western Washington University. Despite a valient effort, the Eutectics lost 31-14 to finish pool play with a record of 1-2.
Day 2 saw the Eutectics out of contention for the championship due to the previous day's result, but the UHSP team faced University of Nebraska in the first game for position. The game was tied with four tries each, but thanks to the talents of freshman Connor Hanlon's boot, the Eutectics converted all their tries while Nebraska only managed one successful conversion, resulting in a 28-22 victory for UHSP.
The win over Nebraska put the Eutectics in a tie with University of Minnesota for sixth place. The Gophers finsihed second in the Heart of America Conference 7s, and this was the first time these two evenly-matched teams had met. Minnesota played hard and defended stoically to keep the UHSP team limited to 12 points while scoring 28 points to win the matchup and clinch sixth place.
Captain Emeritus Hunter Clark played his usual style of hard-hitting rugby in the last game, but Captain Dresden Roberts sustained an injury on Day 1 that prevented him from helping with his power straight running. Newly appointed Vice-Captain Jack Sipniewski stood out, as always, with his elusive running, while Dylan George did an excellent job of feeding a quality ball and Ethan Ivy ran great penetrating lines. Tiki Thompson was a rock in defense, working tirelessly and making every tackle he could. After some time away from competition, Toby Carruth, JD Elliott, and Kris St. Clair were able to return and make valuable contributions on the field at the national championships. After walking in commencement and receiving his PharmD on Saturday, speedster Dr. Jahari Hines drove through the early hours of the morning to make the last day of the tournament. Tavis Peng equipped himself well in his first ever rugby tournament, and Zack Henderson and Austin Novak made immediate and noticeable impacts in the final game. While everyone made a difference and contributed, it was Connor Hanlon, with his kicking, vision, and speed, who was deservedly awarded Player of the Tournament.
That ended the tournament with UHSP officially ranked seventh in the nation for Rugby 7s in D1AA.
Head Coach Peter Lang:
"It is really heartbreaking to lose the final game for this programs short history, but we have to put it in context. Every team we played was made up of seniors and juniors who have had experience of three to four years of college rugby and had been to Nationals before. Our boys are mostly freshman and our program has only been around for three years. In that time, we have managed to build a nationally-ranked team and I am 100% convinced that if we had been allowed to work with this squad through to their senior year, we would have been National Champions at least once, if not repeatedly.
"When I came to UHSP I drew up a seven-year plan. As part of that plan, the goal for this year was to qualify for nationals. The plan was good, we hit every milestone, and next season was when we targeted winning the national title. Think about that!!! For an idea on paper to become National Champions in four years... I don't think that has ever been done.
"And thanks to UHSP's decision to close, we will never know if that would have been possible. All we do know is that this squad has achieved unthinkably great things and I am so proud of each and every one of them. It has been a privilege to guide these young men and I am excited to see them achieve great things in the future.
"A special mention should go out to my assistant coach Lucas Black, our Athletic Trainer Colleen Preusser, and our manager Eman Zwawi. They say it takes a village, but to achieve what we have achieved takes more than that. MUCH more. These are some of the hardest working, talented and dedicated staff I have ever had the privilege of working with and the support we have received from our athletics department has been tremendous - especially our SID Briana Hepfinger and my Athletic Director Jill Harter. Jill has been there for me professionally and personally through some very tough times and her unwavering support and concerns have been deeply felt and will be missed.
"And finally – to quote the great Louis Armstrong – End of Song….beginning of story….."