Loyola Rugby Back on Top
Dons Rugby concluded a successful spring campaign on Wednesday, May 2, defeating the Mount St. Joseph Gaels for the MIAA 'A' Conference Championship at the neutral site of Archbishop Spalding High School. This is the Dons' second championship in three years and eighth total since the MIAA sanctioned the sport in 2006.
It was a strong end to a challenging season hampered by snow and cold, which cancelled a number of early season matches. It was the Dons' trip to Northeast Jesuit Rugby Tournament hosted by Fairfield Prep in Connecticut that righted the ship. There, they took third place, beating Canisius (Buffalo) and McQuaid (Rochester, NY). They lost to tournament champions Fairfield Prep, but the weekend solidified team play.
It was a strong end to a challenging season hampered by snow and cold, which cancelled a number of early season matches. It was the Dons' trip to Northeast Jesuit Rugby Tournament hosted by Fairfield Prep in Connecticut that righted the ship. There, they took third place, beating Canisius (Buffalo) and McQuaid (Rochester, NY). They lost to tournament champions Fairfield Prep, but the weekend solidified team play.
The momentum from Fairfield carried the Dons to a resounding MIAA opening match victory versus Archbishop Spalding. Later in the season, the Dons came back from a 19-point deficit to beat Mount St. Joe in regular season play. Their only regular season loss came against Calvert Hall.
The season was capped by the Dons' championship game led by seniors Nate Gilmore, Evan Boozer, Will Maigetter, Peyton Mills, and John Lynn to name a few. They were supported by a cast of underclassmen including Ethan Sasaki, Mike Lotz, Casey Gilmore, Tommy Gilmore, and Caleb Sanders, who will help carry the team next year.
The JV ruggers also made an appearance in the championship this year. They, too, competed against Mount St. Joe, but came up short of the victory. The future looks bright with the likes of Mitch McClure, Luke Mihok, Josh Aybar, Bailey Brunner, Keivon Anderson, and Luke Amara.
Coaches Mike DeCesare, Rusty Cross, Lenny Jones, and Matt Cranston '05 lead the Dons with great vision and care this season.
Roll Dons Roll!
