Category Archives: BGSU Men’s Rugby

No. 2 BGSU Men’s Club Rugby Set for National Title Showdown with No. 1 Kentucky

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By Vincent Briedis, BGSU Strategic Communications

Vincent Briedis has been the Assistant Athletics Director of Strategic Communications since July 2021. A member of the senior staff, Briedis is the primary spokesperson for BGSU Athletics and is the primary media contact for football and gymnastics. 

Thanks to Vincent for permission to post this article on Maxwell Media Watch.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – The Bowling Green State University (BGSU) club men’s rugby team is on the cusp of glory, preparing to face the University of Kentucky in the Division I-AA National Championship. The match is set for 3 p.m. ET on Saturday at SaberCats Stadium in Houston, Texas. Fans can watch the action live via subscription on The Rugby Network.

The championship game features the top two teams in the NCR Division I-AA rankings: the undefeated No. 1 Kentucky Wildcats and the No. 2 Bowling Green Falcons. Both programs enter the match as conference champions, with Kentucky reigning in the Southern Collegiate Rugby Conference (SCRC) and BGSU reclaiming dominance in the Mid-American Conference (MAC).

Kentucky, the defending national champion, has been strong this season, boasting an 11-0-2 record. The Wildcats captured their second consecutive SCRC title and are seeking back-to-back national championships, having won the 2023 crown in commanding fashion over Louisville. BGSU is looking for its second-ever national title and first since 2018.

The Falcons, meanwhile, bring a 12-1 record to the final, fueled by a season of physical play and clutch performances. The team’s recent victories over Clemson (29-18) and Virginia Tech (20-18) in the Collegiate Rugby Championship Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds demonstrated their ability to win under pressure.

A Battle of Styles
The matchup promises to be a fierce contest between two well-rounded teams. BGSU’s forward pack, led by senior No. 8 Phil Tracey, is a key strength, with the Falcons excelling in the scrum and lineout. Kentucky’s balanced attack and championship pedigree, however, present a formidable challenge.

For Bowling Green, the path to Houston has been paved with resilience and thrilling finishes. After overcoming a 20-point deficit to beat Louisville 34-33 for the MAC title, the Falcons edged Virginia Tech with a dramatic 20-18 victory to secure their spot in the championship game.

Kentucky, on the other hand, has cruised through its schedule, relying on a blend of skill and discipline. As reigning champions, they are no strangers to the pressure of high-stakes rugby.

A Legacy of Excellence
Both teams carry rich traditions into the championship. Kentucky’s recent dominance underscores its rise as a national power, while Bowling Green boasts one of the longest championship-winning streaks in collegiate athletics, with 42 MAC titles since 1982 and a national championship in 2018. Fans can expect 80 minutes of hard-hitting rugby as these top programs vie for the national title. Whether it’s Kentucky seeking to repeat or Bowling Green aiming to reclaim the crown, this championship clash is set to deliver a memorable finish to the season.

Note: Fans can watch the action live via subscription on @therugbynetwork. More details: https://bit.ly/4fhEoZH

Bowling Green Advances to NCR Nationals Semifinal with 29-18 Home Win Over Clemson

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Nico La Bianca, photo taken by Roger Mazzarella

By Fitzpatrick Metzger

Fitzpatrick Metzger is from Lakewood, Ohio, and is a graduate student at BGSU completing a masters in Sport Administration. He has a passion for soccer, rugby and sport analytics. In his free time, he is on the BG Rugby team as a player, club secretary, and SID.

December 3, 2024

Falcons set to face Virginia Tech in NCR Nationals Semifinals

Bowling Green, Ohio – The Bowling Green Men’s Rugby Team (11-1, 6-0 MAC, 1-0 Nationals) beat Clemson (4-3, 2-0 SCRC East) in a 29-18 victory in the National Collegiate Rugby (NCR) National Semifinal. BG now faces Virginia Tech (8-0-1, 4-0-1 MARC) in Reading, Pennsylvania in the semifinals for the NCR Nationals Tournament on December 7th, at 3 pm, at Penn State’s Berks Stadium.

“A hard fought game. WE did a really good job of dominating the first ten-fifteen minutes and put them under pressure. We let them off the hook a little bit by some missed kicks, putting ourselves back under pressure and really just had to ride that out,” said Head Coach Tony Mazzarella. “Eventually we got ahead of them and held on to it. It just ended up being our day.”

Going into the match Clemson was unknown. BG knew the Tigers could hold their own against tough competition, as shown in their 8-7 SCRC final loss to the reigning D1-AA NCR Champions Kentucky. Bowling Green came out strong and got a grip on the game. The change in field locations due to the week’s weather proved to be an important decision in eliminating some of the environmental conditions. Ultimately, the Falcons held their own and downed the Tigers with the help of vice-captain and 8-Man Phil Tracey who had three tries for a hat-trick.

“I think the boys have been playing very well this whole season, especially through this postseason. I’ve really just tried to play my part and give the boys big carries to play off,” said vice-captain Phil Tracey. “As for the scoring aspect I’ve just been blessed by my team and the Lord to have the opportunities to put the ball in the try zone and I’ve done my best to capitalize on those opportunities.”

The Falcons kicked off to start the MAC Final. Once again, a beautiful kick from Captain Joey Apel allowed the Falcons to reclaim the ball instantly. The Falcons went on the attack, working all the way into Clemson 22 (i.e., the equivalent of the ‘red zone’). Although the Falcons didn’t score on the opening drive, they dominated the open 15 minutes of the game putting pressure on the Tigers. Vice-captain and 8-Man Phil Tracey broke the stalemate and gave the Falcons their first lead. Clemson soon drove down the field to score and convert for their first lead of the game. Phil would again give the Falcons the lead with his second try and Joey Apel converted. Clemson punched one back before halftime. In the second half, Clemson took the lead with a penalty kick. Phil scores again, completing his hat-trick and sparking a 17-point unanswered run by the Falcons. Prop Evan Holderer scored off a powerful run and Joey Apel converted his second of the game. Nico LaBianca scored his first of the match making it 29-13 going into the final minutes of the game. Clemson ended the Falcon’s 17 point scoring run with a try; however, it wasn’t enough to win the match. Overall, the Falcons played a solid match, doing well to manage Clemson’s kicking game. BG was able to advance through the NCR National Tournament Semifinal with a 29-18 win.

NOTABLES

  • Phil Tracey scores his seventh try in postseason: 3x Clemson (NCR Quarterfinal), 2x Cincinnati (MAC Semifinal) and Louisville (MAC Final)
  • Falcons return to the National semifinal

Bowling Green (11-1, 6-0 MAC) will continue into the post-season following the 29-18 win over Clemson with the semifinal of the NCR 15s National Tournament. The Falcons will face the 2021 and 2022 NCR National Champions and 2024 Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference Champions Virginia Tech (8-0-1 Overall, 4-0-1 MARC) on Saturday, December 7th at 3 pm at Penn State’s Berks Stadium.

HOW IT HAPPENED

1st XV

Bowling Green 29, Clemson18

  • Kickoff
  • 8-Man Phil Tracey opens the scoring (5-0)
  • Clemson scores and converts (5-7)
  • Tracey regains the Falcon’s lead with his second try (10-5)
  • Captain Joey Apel converts (12-5)
  • Clemson scores (12-10)
  • Halftime: (12-10)
  • Clemson scores a penalty kick (12-13)
  • Clemson misses a penalty kick (12-13)
  • Vice-captain Tracey scores his third of the game (17-13)
  • Prop Evan Holderer scores (22-13)
  • Captain Joey Apel converts his second (24-13)
  • Nico LaBianca scores (29-13)
  • Clemson score (29-18)
  • Final Score: 29-18

BGSU (#5) vs. Maryland (#16) at 1 p.m. Sat. Sept. 28

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No. 5 Bowling Green to Face No. 16 Maryland in Second Matchup Since 2013 over 2024 Homecoming Weekend.

Falcons (3-1, 2-0 MAC) make it 10 MAC Conference wins in a row after a 39-21 win away against Pittsburgh.

By Fitzpatrick Metzger

Fitzpatrick Metzger is from Lakewood, Ohio, and is a graduate student at BGSU completing a masters in Sport Administration. He has a passion for soccer, rugby and sport analytics. In his free time, he is on the BG Rugby team as a player, club secretary, and SID.

September 27th, 2024

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green (3-1, 2-0 MAC) have now won 10 MAC Conference games in a row following an away win in Pittsburgh on Graham Field. Although the Falcons were not at their best this weekend, they were still able to emerge victorious. Additionally, the Falcons are ranked No. 5 after this week’s NCR Top 20 Coaches Poll.

Homecoming Weekend:

This year, September 26th-29th is Bowling Green’s Homecoming Weekend. This weekend Saturday, September 28th the Falcon’s will take on Maryland (2-2, 0-1 MARC), No. 16 in the NCR Top 20 Coaches Poll, at the Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field at 1 pm. The Tarps were previously ranked 9th in the NCR Preseason Power 10. This will be the teams’ second ever match. The Falcons won their only match against Maryland when they played in 2013. In order for this match to be possible, the current BG Rugby players will be hosting the Maryland players.

Alumni can meet at Brewing Green at 6 p.m. on Saturday following the match with Maryland.

History:

The BGSU Rugby team played their first season in Fall 1968. In the club’s first season, there was only one match, a 5-3 victory over Ohio State University. The first ever Bowling Green Club Rugby try was scored by AL Bohl (3 pts), and the first ever conversion was scored by Jim Gerding (2pts). Since 1968, Bowling Green has emerged as a highly successful program. Since the MAC Championship started in 1973, there have been 50 MAC Championships. Bowling Green has won 41 of 50 MAC Championships, a 82% win rate. The Falcons had an unmatched win streak from 1981-2021, which saw the Falcons win 40 consecutive MAC Championships. Their most recent MAC Championship win was a 48-15 win over Western Michigan. Since 2021, the Falcons have finished second at the MAC Championship in 2022 and 2023.

About Maryland:

Last season Maryland finished 3rd in the Mid-Atlantic Rugby Conference (MARC) following a 35-17 victory over Princeton.

This season, Maryland started 2-1 following their preseason. The Terps won 30-0 against Christendom and 22-19 against UVA, while only losing to the Naval Academy’s B side 14-62. Over their preseason, the Terps scored 66 points, conceded 81, and had a -15 points differential. The Terps also began their MARC season with a 36-38 loss to West Chester University on Saturday, September 21st to start the year 0-1. The Terps are now ranked No. 16 following this week’s NCR Top 20 Coaches Poll.

Season Recap:

This season, the Falcons have started the season 3-1, 2-0 MAC. They have victories over Michigan (Big 10, 47-12), Cincinnati (MAC, 38-5) and Pittsburgh (MAC, 39-21) and have only lost to Notre Dame (Big 10, 15-33).

This year in the MAC, the Falcons have extended their conference win streak to 10 in a row. The season’s first MAC win was the 38-5 home opener victory over Cincinnati at the Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field. Next, the Falcons had a 39-21 away win over Pitt at Graham Field. This away win extended the win streak to 10. The streak started following a 91-0 win over Pitt in Fall 2022. This streak includes the Falcon’s undefeated 2023 season when they went 7-0 in conference play. Currently, the Falcons sit joint 1st in the MAC with 10 pts, only behind Louisville (+145) and Western Michigan (+84) on Points Differential. The Falcons have scored 72 points from 12 tries and 6 (of 12, 50%) conversions. They have conceded 26 points and have a points differential of +46. The Falcon’s have nine different try scorers, only behind Louisville with 10. Freshman Logan Van Hoose currently has 15 points (three tries) and tied 4th for total points. Junior, and Captain, Joey Apel is 6 from 12, 50%, for conversions and is tied 8th with 12 points and Senior Owen Slimmer is tied 12 with 10 points (from two tries) in the MAC.

Overall, the now NCR D-1AA Ranked No. 9 Falcons are 3-1 this season. They have only played two non-conference games going into this weekend’s match with Maryland. The Falcons are 1-1 against Big 10 teams this season. They managed a 47-12 victory at home over Michigan on the opening weekend of the season and a 15-33 loss to Notre Dame. Throughout the entirety of the season, the Falcons have scored 138 points, have 71 points against, and a +67 point differential.

Bowling Green vs. Maryland

Bowling Green, Ohio | Roger Mazarella Rugby Field

Saturday, October 12th | @ 1 p.m.

Up Next

Bowling Green will play their next MAC game against Dayton Saturday, October 12th on the Roger Mazzarella Rugby Field at 1 pm. The Falcons will look to make massive improvements from their match against Pitt and to extend their conference win streak to 11 games.

Follow the Falcons

Be sure to follow the Falcons Rugby team on social media for schedule updates and any information:

  • Instagram: @rugbgofficial
  • Facebook: BGSU Men’s Rugby