National Men’s Collegiate 7s Championship Recap

Westwick Rugby Grounds | Hosted by the Kansas University Jayhawks

This past weekend, our program proudly represented at the National Men’s Collegiate 7s Championship at the Westwick Rugby Grounds, hosted by Kansas University. Entering the tournament, we knew we had a young, fast, and highly skilled side. While our talent was undeniable, our lack of competitive 7s play leading into the tournament presented a challenge as we transitioned from the XVs format. Still, our squad embraced the opportunity to compete on the national stage—and they delivered a performance full of pride, resilience, and promise.

Pool Play Results

We opened the tournament in emphatic fashion against the Texas Longhorns. With high tempo, sharp execution, and full team effort, we secured a comprehensive victory that set the tone for the day. The boys came out firing, playing the expansive game we’ve trained for.

Our second match against the Minnesota Gophers saw us battling ourselves a bit—decision-making lapses crept in—but the class and commitment of the group shone through, and we came away with a decisive win.

Pool play concluded with a gritty matchup versus Iowa. It was a true back-and-forth affair, and while we again found ourselves wrestling with our own discipline and execution, the match showcased our heart and determination. Unfortunately, we came out on the wrong end of the scoreboard, dropping a tight contest that served as a key learning moment.

Despite the setback, we advanced to the National Semifinal—a testament to our strong point differential and early performances.

National Semifinal vs. St. Thomas University

Awaiting us in the semifinals was St. Thomas University out of Miami, Florida—a rapidly rising, fully funded program heading to D1A next season and fresh off winning the D1AA XVs national title. The match lived up to its billing.

In one of the most intense, high-quality contests of the tournament, we went blow for blow with the Florida side. At full time, the score stood locked at 19-19. We entered sudden death overtime—five tense minutes where every possession, every meter, mattered. A few minor details ended up costing us, and St. Thomas edged us in heartbreaking fashion. The loss was gutting, but our players left everything on the field and showed that they belonged among the very best.

Bronze Medal Match

With our season’s final game ahead and emotions still raw, the team rallied in extraordinary fashion. Facing off for 3rd place, the group displayed maturity, resilience, and incredible character. We controlled the tempo, executed clinical tries, and defended as a unit to earn a 28-5 win and claim 3rd place in the nation.

Bright Future Ahead

This is just the beginning. We graduate only one senior—Charlie Funk—and had six freshmen in this year’s squad. The experience and exposure from this tournament will serve as fuel heading into next season.

A Moment That Will Last a Lifetime

Amid the tournament’s fierce competition, one moment stood above the rest. Brady McHugh, who had battled through significant concussion issues during high school and suffered a career-ending one in October, made a request in January: he wanted to walk off the field under his own power, surrounded by his teammates. I ensured he had the support of his family and doctor for this decision. 

Moments before our final match, while discussing the lineup in the car, Director Horne simply said, “Let’s start Brady.”  When we announced this to the team, the energy among the boys surged. One minute into the game, Eli Ashmann made a line break and went flying down the field. With Brady charging behind him in support, Eli, in a powerful display of class and brotherhood, popped the ball to Brady, who touched it down for the try. A symbolic finish. A full-circle moment. The power of sport was on full display, and it’s something we will never forget.

Thank You

To our alumni, your continued support allows moments like these to happen. Your legacy is alive and well in this group—a young, hungry team with a national medal and a brotherhood that runs deep. The future is bright.

Congratulations to Elijah Ashmann for being selected to the All Tournament Team

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