Wake Tops Pirates, Stays Alive in Playoff Hunt

In below freezing temperatures with winds gusting at close to 40 mph, Wake Forest beat East Carolina 46-38 on Thursday night in Greenville, NC. The bonus point victory keeps Wake alive for a playoff spot with one game remaining on its Carolinas Rugby League slate.

Wake Forest opened the scoring on with a converted try from sophomore flyhalf Brendan Shea in the 6th minute. But as would be a pattern throughout the first half, ECU struck back immediately with a try of their own to make the score 7-5. With winds rendering the kicking game useless and making lineouts difficult, both teams opted to take quick taps at almost all penalties, the result of which was fast-paced, free-flowing, exciting rugby. Wake scored next when sophomore wing Will Hank touched down in the corner, but ECU evened the score at 12 within minutes. A long range try from senior scrumhalf Mike Duffy put Wake ahead 17-12, but ECU responded with a converted try to go up 19-17. Senior inside center David Sage went over to make it 22-19 in favor of Wake, but ECU scored in the 40th minute to take a 24-22 lead into the break.

With the wind shifting a bit in the second half, Wake had the full run of play and looked to be clear of the Pirates. Tries from Duffy, 8man Hunter Lostan, flanker Trent Justice, and prop Ken Forte put Wake ahead 46-24 and the rout appeared to be on. But the young East Carolina side showed how dangerous it can be, and in the final 5 minutes spectacular individual efforts from ECU inside center and captain Justin Bourgeois and fullback Bobby Allen saw ECU narrow the gap to 46-38. With the outcome of the game suddenly hanging in the balance, Wake pressured deep into ECU territory and from a 5 meter scrum Duffy put the ball into touch to end the game and seal the win.

Wake Forest head coach Patrick Kane, who had previously been 0-6 against East Carolina, said of the match, "with the cold and windy conditions, you would have expected a low scoring affair. Instead, we got just the opposite and although I wish we hadn't made it so close, it was certainly fun to watch. I was proud of the guys for how much intensity they played with- it was refreshing to see us constantly on the front foot for once. ECU deserves a ton of credit for what they've done this year, especially considering the amount of talent they graduated from last year's team. Justin Bourgeois was an absolute force for them and almost single-handedly kept them in the game. As their young players continue to develop, they will be back on top very soon."

Wake has the weekend off now as all make-up games have been played and it is their regularly scheduled CRL bye weekend. Next Saturday they will play Appalachian State, with a victory essentially assuring the Demon Deacons of a spot in the South playoffs.

Wake Lineup vs ECU

1. Nick Conte, So. (Devin Henry, Jr. @ 55)
2. Sal Scifo, Fr. (Hunter Lostan, Jr. @ 15)
3. Ken Forte, Sr.
4. Ross Hilton, Sr.
5. Christian Jewett, Sr.
6. Ty Pierce, Fr.
7. Trent Justice, Sr.
8. Jeff Millar, So. (Justen Robinett, So. @ 50)
9. Mike Duffy, Sr.
10. Brendan Shea, So.
11. Will Hank, So.
12. David Sage, Sr.
13. Perry Salvagne, Sr.
14. Tyler Vanston, So.
15. John McMurray, Fr. (Drew Mehrmann, Fr. @ 75)

Tries: Shea, Hank, Duffy 2, Sage, Lostan, Justice, Forte
Con: Hank 3

Schedule Set for High School Showcase

Gonzaga vs Hyde from 2008

The schedule for this weekend's high school rugby showcase has been set and will feature two days of fantastic rugby.

Saturday, February 27

9am: Gonzaga B v Hyde B

10:30am: East Chapel Hill B v West Shore B


12pm: Lunch, Campus Tours


2pm: Hyde A v West Shore A


3:30pm: East Chapel Hill A v. Gonzaga A


5pm: Gonzaga B v West Shore B


Sunday, February 28


9:30am: East Chapel Hill A v Hyde A


11am: West Shore A v Gonzaga A

Carolinas Rugby League News

Leroy Walker Photo

http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/college/College_Make-up_Scores.shtml

http://www.americanrugbynews.com/artman/publish/college/College_CRL_Scores.shtml

Wake Continues to Struggle, Blanked by Wolfpack

Leroy Walker Photo

Despite controlling possession and territory for much of the game, Wake Forest was dominated on the scoreboard on Saturday by North Carolina State, falling 37-0. NC State capitalized on seemingly every Wake Forest miscue, the disciplined, athletic Wolpack side twice scoring long-range tries against the run of play in the first half and going into the break up 20-0. For its part, Wake Forest put together some good phases of play, but repeatedly failed to finish off movements. Assistant Head Coach Alex Lucas commented after the match, "despite the lopsided score, we actually played some decent rugby today. But NC State was solid in every single phase of the game and had the killer instinct to stike every time we gave them the slightest opening."

While mathematically still in playoff contention, Wake Forest, now 1-3, faces a hugely uphill battle if it wants to see the postseason. The Demon Deacons play a must win game at East Carolina on Thursday night in Greenville, NC. The Pirates are 0-2 in Carolinas Rugby League play, but have beaten Wake Forest in the teams' last six meetings.

Wake Lineup vs NC State

1. Nick Conte, So.

2. Justen Robinett, So. (Ty Pierce, Fr. @ 60)

3. Ken Forte, Sr. (Devin Henry, Jr. @ 40)

4. Ross Hilton, Sr.

5. Christian Jewett, Sr.

6. Mike Duffy, Sr. (Jeff Millar, So. @ 55)

7. Trent Justice, Sr.

8. Hunter Lostan, Jr.

9. Will Hank, So.

10. Brendan Shea, So.

11. Tyler Vanston, So.

12. David Sage, Sr.

13. Perry Salvagne, Sr.

14. Rob Kelly, Fr.

15. Johnny McMurray, Fr. (Kip Lewis, So. @ 15)

Following the match, Wake Forest and NC State played a 60 minute scrimmage to give each team's reserves some much needed rugby action. Wake was fortunate to have a number of alums and coaches join them to fill out their side, and won the scrimmage 24-10.

Wake Lineup vs NC State Reserves

1. Matt Layden, So. (Ken Forte, Sr. @ 30)

2. Chris Ryan, So.

3. Hien Nguyen, '07

4. Greg Wagner, '07

5. Clay Robinson, Jr.

6. Sal Scifo, Fr.

7. Matt Gottbrecht, '09 (Brad Havins @ 45)

8. Jeff Millar, So. (Dave Poplaski, '09 @ 30)

9. Will Hank, So. (Drew Mehrmann, Fr. @ 30)

10. Patrick Kane

11. Rob Kelly, Fr.

12. Matt Tucker, Fr.

13. Kip Lewis, So.

14. Barrett Corrigan, Fr.

15. Gabe Huertas del Pino, Sr.

View From The Sideline - Week 6

In memory of Julian Blacklock Wills Sr.

I found out less than an hour before the match against UNC last Sunday that my grandfather had passed away following a bout with cancer. He was 76 years old. During the match, an embarrassing 75-19 defeat, I was mostly indifferent. Normally exuberant on the sidelines, I was quiet and reserved for the most part. Instead of hustling to the try zone to try to inspire my teammates after the opponent touches down, I hung back and kept to myself. My thoughts were elsewhere.

I have many fond memories of my granddad and the experiences I had with my grandparents growing up. One such memory is that he would always ask me questions to initiate conversation-the kinds of questions that someone asks either just to make small talk or because they actually truly care, and there’s no question for me as to what his motives were. One memory is particularly funny for me, and I’m not sure why, but it sticks with me to this day. He used to ask me, “How’s lacrosse going, Mike?” “Granddad,” I’d remind him, “I play rugby now, not lacrosse.” It’s an easy mix-up for someone to make, especially in Maryland where lacrosse is king. Fortunately, when I went to high school, I switched my Spring sport from lacrosse to rugby. From the first time I walked off the rugby pitch after a game at Gonzaga, I knew that I had made the right decision. After that first match, I knew I had found a game that was made just for me. What makes this particular memory special to me is that he knew how much rugby meant to me and knew how much I loved to play, so he always made it a point to ask me how it was going (even though he did occasionally get it mixed up with lacrosse).

Rugby is a game unlike any other. In my 8 years of playing the sport, I’ve realized that the bonds that you form with teammates, coaches, and occasionally even opponents cannot be matched by any other sport. The blood, sweat, and tears that you share on the field with teammates help shape relationships that last a lifetime. I’m not sure exactly what it is about the sport that makes it so special because it’s extremely hard to put a finger on, but anyone who has ever played rugby at any level would likely echo that sentiment. I look back at my time as a player, and I realize that I have so many memories that will likely be etched in my head forever. Scoring three tries in my first game at Gonzaga is the first memory I have. Unfortunately, limping off the field with a torn ACL in Myrtle Beach, SC, is my last. Still, I will cherish all the memories in between and the bonds they have helped form for a lifetime.

The funeral for my grandfather was earlier today. The amount of people that came in droves to the viewing yesterday and the funeral today was a true testament to the kind of man he was- a well respected man and beloved friend to so many people. I’m sure all of the people there have similar memories of him as a caring, loving man, and he has touched so many people in that way. I’m very proud to have known him as my granddad, as a mentor and role model, and, most importantly, as a friend.

Rest peacefully, Granddad.

- Mike Wills, '10

Mike Wills is a senior center whose Wake rugby career ended prematurely when he tore his ACL in October. Mike has been writing a weekly blog giving his perspective on the team as it competes in the inaugural season of the Carolinas Rugby League.

Wake Hosts NC State at Noon on Saturday

Wake Forest hosts the Wolfpack from NC State, one of the two remaining unbeaten teams in the Carolinas Rugby League, on Saturday at Poteat Field. Kickoff will be at 12pm.

NC State is 1-0-1 in league play, having beaten North Carolina 21-18 in the league's opening weekend, and then playing South Carolina to an 8-8 tie last weekend. Wake Forest, meanwhile, is 1-2 in the league and reeling from a 75-19 defeat at the hands of North Carolina last Sunday. The Demon Deacons will certainly be looking to right the ship against State.

View From The Field - Week 6

Before I got to Wake Forest, I played football for Highland High School in Dallas, TX. As most people know, high school football in Texas is a pretty big deal. I was a decent player, but not highly recruited by colleges, so when it came to choosing where I would go to school, football didn't really factor into my decision. When I decided on Wake Forest, I thought pretty hard about walking onto the football team here. Even if I never saw any playing time, I wanted to continue to be a part of high level athletics and it would be cool to say I played ACC football. But then shortly before I was set to arrive at Wake for my freshmen year, I got a letter from Coach Kane telling me about the rugby team. I knew very little about rugby, but the thought of being able to play an intercollegiate sport and actually see the field really appealed to me. So I decided to check out the team.

For the first few practices, I had no idea what was going on. But the coaches and my new teammates did a fantastic job of teaching me the sport, and I started to catch on. As a lineman in football, I never got to carry the ball, so I really liked the fact that in rugby, every player has the opportunity to have the ball in his hands. I was very much looking forward to trucking some defenders while carrying the ball. Unfortunately, I injured my back in our first game and was out for most of the fall season. But I was hooked on the sport and loved being a part of the rugby team, so I worked extremely hard over semester break to get into shape so that I could challenge for a starting spot once we started Carolinas Rugby League play.

This past weekend, I finally got my shot, starting at flanker against Clemson. It was an awesome experience, especially to be part of a forward pack that absolutely dominated the scrums all game. Being able to celebrate that victory with my teammates was great. The bond between the guys on this team is different than anything I ever experienced in high school football. Unfortunately, our celebration was short-lived because on Sunday we got completely annihilated by North Carolina. I didn't start, but came in midway through the first half when Christian Jewett wrecked his ankle. It was a weird game, because it didn't seem like Carolina was that much better than us, but everytime we made even the slightest mistake they turned it into an immediate try. Coach told us after the game that we needed to just forget about what happened on Sunday and move on. I don't think I'll ever be able to forget how much it sucked to get beat that bad, but I'm using it as motivation and focusing on NC State this weekend. With Jewett injured, I think I'm probably going to get alot of playing time, so I need to step up my game to try to fill his shoes. I'm hoping that if I put in a good performance, he might introduce me to some of those girls he's always hanging out with. Stay tuned.

-Ty Pierce, '13

Ty Pierce is a freshman prop/lock/flanker who is in his first year of playing rugby.

Tar Heels Hammer Wake

On a cold Sunday morning in Winston-Salem, the University of North Carolina ran all over Wake Forest, winning 75-19 and handing the Demon Deacons the worst loss in the recent history of the program. Behind the stellar play of flyhalf Gregor MacClennon, the Tar Heels scored early and often, touching down 11 tries and thoroughly embarrassing Wake Forest. Head coach Patrick Kane said of the loss, "North Carolina's backline was superb and we just had no answer for what they were doing out wide. Now we need to put today behind us and focus on playing NC State next weekend. How the guys respond going forward will show alot about who they are as individuals and who we are as a team."

Wake Lineup vs UNC:

1. Devin Henry, Jr. (Nick Conte, So. @ 40)
2. Mike Duffy, Sr. (c)
3. Ken Forte, Sr.
4. Ross Hilton, Sr.
5. Christian Jewett, Sr. (Ty Pierce, Fr. @ 20)
6. Justen Robinett, So. (Jeff Millar, So. @ 55)
7. Trent Justice, Sr. (Gabe Huertas Del Pino, Sr. @ 74)
8. Hunter Lostan, Jr.
9. Will Hank, So.
10. Brendan Shea, So.
11. Tyler Vanston, So. (Kip Lewis, So. @ 55)
12. David Sage, Sr.
13. Perry Salvagne, Sr.
14. Rob Kelly, Fr.
15. Johnny McMurray, Fr.

Tries: Vanston, Lostan 2
Conversions: McMurray 2

Wake Rallies to Beat Clemson

For the second consecutive match, Wake Forest gifted its opponent 15 first half points. And for the second consecutive match, Wake Forest stormed back in the second half. Unlike the game against South Carolina, however, the Demon Deacons were able to convert their second half turnaround today into a win.

With a 30 mph wind in their faces to start the game, Wake Forest fell behind Clemson 15-0 in the first 15 minutes, as cold hands led to multiple mishandles and overall poor play from the home side. A change in strategy by Wake midway through the half kept the Tigers from adding to their lead, and at the midway point the teams switched halves with Wake feeling confident about their ability to rebound. And rebound they did, as less than 5 minutes into the second half, sophomore flyhalf Brendan Shea touched down between the posts. A conversion by freshman Johnny McMurray made the score 15-7. Ten minutes later, Wake struck again, as senior lock Christian Jewett drove over the line. Another McMurray conversion brought Wake to within one point with a quarter of the game remaining.

Wake looked poised to take the lead and run away with the match, as Clemson was struggling in the scrum. But after scrumhalf Will Hank staked the Deacons to a 21-15 lead with another try from close in, Wake could not put the nail in the coffin and secure a bonus point with a fourth try. Despite multiple opportunities inside the Clemson 22, Wake came up empty time and again and were lucky to hold onto the victory against a resilient Tiger squad.

Wake's weekend is only halfway done, as they face UNC on Sunday morning in a makeup game that was cancelled because of the recent snowstorms. UNC defeated Appalachian St. 20-16 on Friday night.

Wake Lineup vs Clemson

1. Devin Henry, Jr. (Nick Conte, So. @ 48)

2. Mike Duffy, Sr. (c)

3. Ken Forte, Sr.

4. Ross Hilton, Sr.

5. Christian Jewett, Sr.

6. Ty Pierce, Fr. (Justen Robinett, So. @ 48)

7. Trent Justice, Sr.

8. Hunter Lostan, Jr.

9. Will Hank, So.

10. Brendan Shea, So.

11. Gabe Huertas Del Pino, Sr. (Tyler Vanston, So. @ 16)

12. David Sage, Sr.

13. Perry Salvagne, Sr.

14. Rob Kelly, Fr.

15. Johnny McMurray, Fr.

Tries: Shea, Jewett, Hank

Conversions: McMurray 3

View from the Sideline - Week 4/5

The team was finally back in action on Waterfall field on Thursday after a long layoff from regular practices due to the inclement weather and snow that has been harassing North Carolina for the last two weeks. It was nice to see guys getting their hands dirty once again, and the hard work that each player has put in over the past two weeks was evident in a surprisingly crisp practice.

As we head into a difficult weekend slate including games against Clemson and in-state rival UNC, I think the team knows that 160 minutes of rugby over two days could very well “make or break” our season. The last time that I can remember playing two games of such great magnitude in one weekend was the 2008 Division II South Final Four, which included a triple overtime victory on day one of the tournament. Exhausted from playing over 100 minutes of rugby that Saturday, we never quite seemed to have that next level of intensity and fire on Sunday in the Championship game. Fitness was pivotal that weekend, and it will certainly be a factor this weekend with two tough, important games on the docket. Although the weather had prevented the squad from practicing on its normal outdoor field recently, the team has been working especially hard on fitness and hitting the gym. Hopefully we will see all that hard work pay off this weekend with a couple victories.

The game this Saturday marks the home opener for the men’s rugby team, and the guys are excited to give their fans something to cheer for. “There’s really not much that can compare to the feeling you get when you take the field for a home match,” my housemate Christian Jewett told me. “Since it's Valentine’s Day, I’ve got a few ladies in town for the weekend that I need to impress, so I’ll definitely be giving it everything I can on the field to bring home the victories.” Brendan Shea added, “Yeah, I think it gives the guys a little something extra to play for. Obviously we play 100 percent for each other out there, the guys on the team, but it’s always good to get a win for our supporters on the sideline.”

With the first two home games of the Carolinas League season ahead, I expect my teammates to come out firing on all cylinders, and hopefully that intensity will translate to a couple of much needed wins for the team.

- Mike Wills, '10

Mike Wills is a senior center whose Wake rugby career ended prematurely when he tore his ACL in October. Mike has been writing a weekly blog giving his perspective on the team as it competes in the inaugural season of the Carolinas Rugby League.

View From The Field (aka Artificial Turf and Gym) - Week 4/5

Not in my four years at Wake Forest have I seen a winter remotely like the one I have seen in the past two weeks. Naturally, that winter had to come during the inaugural season of the Carolinas League. Snow, rain, ice, and mud have made natural grass surfaces virtually unplayable throughout the region, and have postponed Wake’s matches for two consecutive weekends. With little to report, I took a break from the blog; however, no matches and no blogs certainly do not mean the absence of rugby at Wake Forest.

The team successfully adjusted the practice schedule and took advantage of the University’s artificial playing fields and gymnasiums, and also spent a good deal of time in the Miller Center gym over the long break in preparation for this weekend’s doubleheader against Clemson and UNC. Both players and coaches saw the break as an opportunity to recover from any injuries and to work on getting more fit for the long weekend of rugby. We also worked on sharpening skills and strategies, and new ideas were introduced that I think, like myself, everyone on the team is excited to employ on the field.

Like our captain Mike Duffy highlighted, this weekend is a do-or-die situation for us, despite it being so early in the Carolinas League season. After a loss at USC in our first match, we will need two wins this weekend if we want a good shot at finishing atop the league table. Hopefully our preparation and determination will allow us to achieve just that.

-Perry Salvagne, '10

Perry Salvagne is a senior center who is writing a weekly blog throughout the season giving a player's perspective on the team. His blog will appear every Wednesday.

Critical Weekend Ahead for Wake Rugby

Due to the winter weather of the past few weeks, Wake Forest men's rugby team will be playing back-to-back Carolinas Rugby League games this weekend in Winston-Salem. On Saturday, Wake will host the Clemson Tigers at 12pm on Poteat Field. Clemson sits atop the league standings after a 12-8 defeat of East Carolina on the league's opening weekend of play. On Sunday, Wake will turn around and host the University of North Carolina, in a makeup of the team's game that had been originally scheduled for January 30. The Demon Deacons and Tar Heels will kickoff at 10am on Poteat Field. UNC is currently 0-1, having been beaten by NC State, 21-18 three weeks ago. The Tar Heels are supposed to play at Appalachian State on Friday or Saturday, but that game may be in doubt due to weather and field conditions in Boone, NC.

Asked about the importance of this weekend, Wake Forest captain Mike Duffy said, "This is pretty much make or break for us. Two good results this weekend and we'll be in good shape in the league. Anything less than that, and we'll be facing a real uphill battle the rest of the way."

In other Carolinas League action scheduled for this weekend, South Carolina travels to NC State on Saturday. Next Tuesday, Appalachian State travels to South Carolina to play a mid-week makeup game.

Hyde Rugby Confirmed as Final Team for High School Rugby Showcase

Hyde Rugby, from the Hyde Leadership Public Charter School in Washington, DC, has been confirmed as the fourth team for the 2010 Wake Forest High School rugby Showcase. Hyde's rugby program has received national recognition as the nation's first all African-American high school rugby team. Because the program operates on a very limited budget, Wake Forest University will be hosting the team on campus during their trip to Winston-Salem. To learn more about Hyde Rugby, click the following link to an article on the program from the New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/15/sports/othersports/15rugby.html

With Hyde's confirmation, the field for the Showcase is now set and will feature Hyde, Gonzaga College High School, West Shore United U-19, and East Chapel Hill U-19. This is by far the most impressive group of teams to attend the Showcase in its three year history and it should prove to be an extremely entertaining weekend of high school rugby.

Winter Weather Continues to Wreak Havoc On Carolinas Rugby League

For the second consecutive week, Wake Forest's scheduled Carolinas Rugby League match has been postponed due to a winter storm that is scheduled to hammer much of the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Wake Forest was set to play East Carolina in Greenville on Saturday, but ECU's fields were closed down by the University in anticipation of the storm. Meanwhile, the game between North Carolina State and Clemson was also postponed. The only Carolinas Rugby League game still scheduled to be played pits Appalachian State against South Carolina in Columbia, SC on Saturday.

A makeup date has not been officially set for Wake's match with East Carolina, but the game has been tentatively rescheduled for Thursday, February 25 in Greenville pending confirmation by both teams.

RAFFLE WINNER$ ANNOUNCED

The results of the '09-'10 Fundraising Raffle are in, and the following individuals are big winners:

First Prize- $500: Susan Layden

Second Prize- $250: John Broomfield

Third Prize- $100: Katie LeMere

Fourth Prize - $25: Cindy Forte, Casey MacLeod, Robert Corrigan, Jake Compton, Pam Salch, Jason Stolicny

Fifth Prize- Golf Shirt: Chris McMurray, Betty Dransfield, Chelsea Duncan, Tom Shea, Joe Muccio, Katie Bickel, Carmen Montero, Lock Wills

Sixth Prize- TShirt: Dan Foley, Brendan McKey, Felicia Freed, Jordan Nance, Marta Lewis, Kim Pierce, Kathy Hank, Fred Mound, Carter Grant, Steve Russell