2022 Rugby Season Ends Strong after Slow Start

By Aidan Sargent

Pictured Above: Aidan Sargent, Ryan Mechley, Kaleb Gordon, Emmet Heffernan

Last spring, the Moeller Rugby team overcame a slow start to ultimately finish the season with a run for state. Although the season was a roller coaster, the team ended with a strong performance.

               The start of the season was rougher than it usually is, losing both games in their own preseason tournament at Moeller. As the regular season started, the team lost to a very talented Penn High School team. After week one, they went on to win two games against Walnut Hills and against division rival St. Xavier in a very close game. The week after St. Xavier, the rugby team traveled to St. Ignatius and brutally lost 0-88. At the halfway point through the season, the team record was  2-2.

               After spring break, the team went 3-1 with wins against Withrow, Northern Force, and St. Edwards and a loss to a talented Royal Irish team. With the regular season coming to an end, the Crusaders finished 5-3 with the second spot in the tournament due to a win over St. Edwards in the regular season. Since there are only four D1 teams that make it to the tournament, the team played St. Edwards again in the semi-final game. After a tough and physical game, Moeller won in overtime 28-21 and advanced to the state championship game against the National winner team, St. Ignatius. On June 4, Moeller travelled up to Fortress Obetz looking to revenge St. Ignatius. They lost in a very physical game 32-0 to the best team in the Nation, St. Ignatius.

               Coach Kuhlman said that “last season we did not start out the way we wanted to, but it was a good learning experience and once our new players learned the game, we finished off the season strong.” Although Moeller rugby did not win the state championship, they still had a great season and the 2023 team looks promising for a state title. Coach Kuhlman said that he is excited for the next season because the seniors and juniors returning bring a great deal of talent to the team. It seems to be the program is on the rise, will they win the state championship this upcoming year?

Pictured of: Moeller Rugby Varsity A side Photo by Mark Gerwel