Moeller Rugby: Ruck Hard Scrum Hard

Head Coach Steve Kuhlman

Photo by Ian Allen

This June, Archbishop Moeller High School rugby will be playing for a state championship in Columbus. 

Three years ago the 2017-2018 U17 team, made up mostly of current seniors, went 1-11. The next year the team went 11-1. Now, the varsity rugby  team looks to cap off their four year turnaround by winning a state championship. Can the fearless Algebra teacher and Head Coach Steven Kuhlman lead the team on the road to State?

Here's a recap of the last 3 seasons for the current rugby seniors:

When the current seniors were freshman their record was 1-11, only beating Perrysburg. The next year was a complete turnaround, going 11-1 only losing to St. Ignatius in the state finals. Unfortunately last year's season was canceled and the team only played a few games. Now, the seniors will be going for a state championship and turn around their 1-11 start as freshman

The team waiting for the ball to return to play from the ruck.

Photo by Converse Kennedy

Filling the shoes of some of last years graduated seniors will be a challenge, especially since some of them went on to play at the next level at schools like UK, Clemson, Bowling Green, and Miami (OH). Kuhlman mentioned how he expects all of the seniors to work hard and become better players and leaders. He also said, "The guys have been great all off season, we've had great attendance, and overall the team is more hungry". Senior Tony Mock  supported this by saying, "We love playing and we can't wait to win State this spring."

St. Ignatius is consistently a good team, and Coach Kuhlman confirmed that when asked who Moeller has to look out for this year, "Probably our biggest competition will be St. Ignatius. When you were a sophomore you guys lost to Ignatius so they are definitely a dangerous team." Although Kuhlman also said, "This year's team is one of the best I've coached. The seniors are incredible athletes and the juniors have great knowledge and talent. Easily one of the top 3 teams I've coached."

Over the past four years, rugby has gained a ton of popularity at Moeller. Part of that is because of the culture surrounding Moeller Rugby. Coach Kuhlman said he loves the culture of Moeller Rugby because "It isn't like any other sport where you have practice every day and it's a hard grind. Our players love coming to practice and they really look forward to being on the field."

Seniors such as Cooper Paul, Ryan Anderson, Tony Mock, Joe Juergens, Luke Misleh, Jaden Worst, and John Strotman will all be returning players on Varsity A. Come check out some of the rugby games this spring, especially the matchup against St. X on April 16th. Last time we played we beat them 71-14.

So, will the Rugby Team be able to pull off a State Championship this spring? Stay tuned to find out!