October 18, 2008

Baron Rugby digs deep for 20-19 win

STEUBENVILLE, OH- The Franciscan University of Steubenville Baron Rugby team had their last game of the season at home on Saturday against the California University of Pennsylvania. Each team had to dig deep to keep the other out of the try zone, and fight even harder to score. The Barons, in a last minute flurry of speed, aggression, and raw power, score 2 trys in the last minutes of the game to win 20-19. This brings the Baron's record for the fall '08 season to 2-4.

The California University of Pennsylvania is a strong forward team. They scored their first try by pushing the Barons right into the try zone. Not to be discouraged, the Baron offence pushed the ball right down the field to their try zone, and kicked for points. Though the Cal Roosterheads scored yet again in the first half, the Barons went into the halftime break with a positive attitude. Coming out with heart and unrivaled confidence the Barons moved the ball all over the field and were clearly in better physical condition than the Roosterheads. The last five minutes of the game held the key to Baron victory. When Cal U.P scored yet again, it seemed as though the game was lost. However, the Barons played with a purpose: to send off their graduating seniors' right. Ben Webber, Bobby Morris, and Theo Smith were in the last rugby game of their lives. The Barons couldn't loose. Right off the kickoff Steve Matanzo pierced the Roosterhead defense for a try, and minutes later Mike Storelli followed with a try of his own. With the score 18-19 storelli had to kick the extra points for the win. When the ball split the uprights, the crowd and sideline went wild. "It was one of the greatest matches in FUS rugby history" said Coach Hanrahan delightedly, "and the comeback showed great determination and great resilience by the Barons who never gave up, and who played with true dignity and passion. They improved dramatically over the course of the season, and this was their cornerstone game: The best one all year. It was a very good team that we beat today."

The way the Baron's finished this game showed great potential for the spring season. Though the graduating seniors will be sorely missed, there are already Ruggers ready to step up to the line. Senior Captain Ben Webber sums it all up for us: "It was incredible. That's what it's all about."