Join Us as Wheeling University Men’s Rugby Kicks Off National Title Defense at CRC 7’s!

Wheeling, W. Va. – A year ago, the Wheeling University Men’s Rugby team was celebrating a monumental victory at the Boyd, Maryland Soccer Complex. They claimed their second National Championship. Now, they are gearing up for a repeat as they step into the 2025 Collegiate Rugby Championship (CRC) National 7’s. The Cardinals will play up to three matches in the premier bracket. To secure another title, they’ll need to win five consecutive games. They enter the competition as a strong favorite, holding the #1 seed in the East Division.

Recently, the Cardinals clinched their third Big Rivers Rugby Conference (BRRC) title in a row during the championships in Indianapolis, Indiana. They kicked off by facing Aquinas College, which ended in a tough 14-14 tie. However, the team quickly rebounded, dominating their next game against Drury with a score of 44-0 and winning against Thomas More 34-0 in the quarterfinals. A rematch with the University of Rio Grande, the previous year’s conference champs, ended with a decisive 45-7 triumph. In the finals, the Cardinals showcased their strength, defeating Marian University 35-1.

As they head into the tournament, all eyes will be on last year’s CRC National 7’s MVP, Shadreck Mandaza. He joined the team just before last season’s championship and emerged as their leading scorer with ten tries in five games. This season, he has taken on more responsibilities, including kicking duties. At the BRRC 7’s, he scored an impressive 62 points, including 19 in the championship game against Marian. His performance is crucial as the Cardinals aim to defend their title.

The team isn’t just relying on veterans. Freshman Mason Ziegler has made a notable impact. He stood out at the Nail City 7’s by scoring three tries in one game. Ziegler’s experience from football has helped him develop valuable ball-handling skills, as noted by Head Coach Mike Geibel. Another valuable newcomer, Panashe Mugorogodi, was named MVP of the Nail City 7’s tournament. He was also a key player during the 15’s season, tying for the team’s third-highest score with 40 points.

The CRC National 7’s uses a single-elimination format, along with several consolation rounds. The Cardinals are set to begin their journey against #8 Babson College. To defend their championship, they must defeat powerful teams, including #2 Brown and #3 Notre Dame.

Statistics show that teams that have a strong and cohesive squad like Wheeling often outperform expectations in high-pressure situations. Engaging in sports simulates crucial life skills, such as teamwork and resilience. As noted by sports psychologist Dr. Mia Green, “The mental aspect of sports can be just as important as physical preparation.”

The 2025 CRC National 7’s kicks off on Friday, April 25th, where Wheeling will face Babson with a kickoff at 11 AM. You can keep up with all the action by following their updates online.

For more information on collegiate sports and their impact on personal development, check out resources from the NCAA.



Source link