Franciscan Rugby is Central Region Champions!

MADISON, Wis.— The stakes were high Sunday afternoon as the Franciscan University rugby team took on the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in the National Small College Rugby Organization regional semi-finals.  In an unrivaled display of team unity, skill and talent, the Barons walked away victorious, bringing home a 35-5 win.

The match was the perfect finish to an undefeated season for the Barons.  After defeating the University of St. Thomas, 26-12, at Saturday's match, Franciscan holds a season record of 10-0-1. The team is now ranked among the top four teams in the nation. 

"This is by far the best game that Franciscan University rugby has ever, ever played!" said head coach Mark Hanrahan.  "We were up against some big guys but we had even bigger heart.  Our men ran them [University of Wisconsin-Parkside] all over the field; the other team didn't know what hit them.

"We beat the other team with sound, fundamental rugby; run hard, tackle hard, play hard," he added.

Jason Liuzzi scored four tries on the match while Tony Gayed and Matthew Strickland each added a try.  Mike Brasie kicked a penalty and a conversion for a resounding victory on the day.

 "The man of the match goes to the whole team.  All fifteen players out on the field played like all-stars," beamed Hanrahan. "This was a defining moment in the history of Franciscan University."

The National Small College Rugby Organization national finals will be held in Glendale, Colorado on April 28, 2012.